King James Daily Bible Study: But A Sword
Date: Saturday February 26, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 30-31
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-26
Details of Today's Reading: Fulfillment of vows to God with men and women, exceptions to breaking a vow, Israel at war with War with Midian, Balaam is killed, the purification of the Israelites who were at war, and the Lord's tribute.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
As Christians we are in a war, a constant battle, not only with the world, but with religion and false Christians as well. Back in the 80's there was a quote that surged the nation, every time there was some kind of conflict between a group of people a person would say, “Can't we all get along?” The truth is, “We can't all get along”. It would be wonderful if there really could be peace on earth, but that will never happen. The only place we will all get along is in heaven. Since we are at war, God is arming His people with the one thing that no one can defeat and that is His Word. There is nothing more powerful than words, you can take out the strongest person simply by uttering a few words. Imagine those words coming from God Himself?
Jesus said, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves...But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved...Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. ” - Matthew 10:16,19-22,34.
The Israelites were given a command concerning those who made a vow with God, men and women alike were commanded to follow through with whatever it was that they vowed to do for God. However, there were a few exceptions where God would release the person from a vow and he or she would not be obligated to fulfill the commitment.
“And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded. If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father's house in her youth; And her father hear her vow, and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his peace at her; then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand. But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her. And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul; And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her in the day that he heard it: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.” - Numbers 30:1-7.
The soul is the center of a person, it is dependent upon the flesh or the Spirit of God for fulfillment, it is much more valuable to God than the flesh and why He expects a person who vows a vow or makes a commitment with their soul to follow through with it. Why? The flesh is all about doing what it wants to do and we all know how much trouble we can get ourselves into by giving into the desires of the flesh. God knows He can not trust the flesh, but He can trust a soul who is dependent upon His Spirit. “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” - Mark 14:38. What is the difference between making a vow with the flesh and soul? Making a vow with the flesh looks to see what fulfillment it gets out of it for itself while making a vow with the soul looks to see what fulfillment it can bring others. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” - I Peter 2:11,12.
After the plague upon Israel for their fornication and idolatry, into which they were drawn by the daughters of Moab and Midian, and after the sum of the people was taken in the plains of Moab, and new laws were given or repeated, God gave the command for the Israelites to war with Midian.
“Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people. And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian. Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war. So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war. And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.” - Numbers 31:2-6.
Our worst enemies are those that draw us into sin, while God may wait a while He always avenges those who cause His people to sin. We do not have to go after them ourselves because God will do it for us and when we let God take care of it, we always prevail. Over all such enemies there is absolute victory for those who take sides with God against them. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:18-21.
We are in a constant war and will be until the day Jesus returns, we need to arm ourselves and be the soldier God expects us to be. The most effective weapon we can possess it the Word of God, there is no need to seek vengeance with the flesh, just speak His Word and He will take care of the rest.“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 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.” - Ephesians 6:11-13.
The other day I was out soul winning and I ran into a man who had quite a bit of a different opinion then the Gospel, every time he made a statement I responded by showing him Scripture. He can deny what I say all he wants, but he can not deny Scripture, after a few times I simply said, “You know what, just keep believing what you believe, one day I hope you see the truth.” I walked away that day leaving the most powerful weapon I possessed in his hands and that was the Word of God. We can not let anyone compromise our beliefs because we do not want to make them angry, just keep going in faith knowing that you carry, but a sword. “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 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 4:11,12.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the One who will righteously judge all sinners (31:1-17). “Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.” - John 8:15,16.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: A Valuable Life
King James Daily Bible Study: A Valuable Life
Date: Friday February 25, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 28-29
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-25
Details of Today's Reading: Offerings and sacrifices, the daily sacrifices, the monthly sacrifices, the Sabbath sacrifices, the Passover, Day of First Fruits, the Feats of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word sacrifice is defined as an atonement, a surrender of something of value as a means of gaining something more desirable or of preventing some evil, to give up or let go. Perhaps the most valuable thing we posses is life, without it we would not even be here. Most of us try to live the best life we possibly can, the problem with that is it is not usually something that God has planned for us. Do you know why so many people fail at what they are trying to do? It is not in God's will for them. They are not a failure, they are just not meant to do what they are trying to do. God wants to bless us and see us prosper, but before He allows that to happen we must be willing to make a sacrifice, to surrender our most valuable possession over to God, our life. Now, God does not want you to kill yourself, God is life, so He wants you alive, not dead. The Bible says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:1,2. We are precious to God, He just wants us to value our lives as He values them.
Life is precious to God, why do you think He had the Israelites sacrifice animals and not people? Why do you think He came down here Himself in the form of Jesus Christ? He became the sacrifice Himself so no life would be loss. “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” - I John 5:5-8. Jesus is the Word made flesh, “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 1:14.
Daily the priest was to offer up to God two lambs, one in the morning and one in the evening, this was to be a continual burning day and night, even on the Sabbath.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season. And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering. The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even; And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil. It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.” - Numbers 28:1-6.
This is a reminder that Jesus Christ is the lamb that sacrificed Himself for all and gives life to all who surrender their lives as a living sacrifice to Him. All who accept Christ personally send up a continual burnt offering to God, a sweet savour made by fire up to Him. “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: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” - II Corinthians 2:14-17.
Out of all the observances to the Lord perhaps that most valuable was the Day of Atonement, it was the one day of the year that all the people could receive an atonement for the past year of any sins that might have been forgotten or unaware of, it was a chance for a clean slate.
“And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein: But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD for a sweet savour; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish: And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals to a bullock, and two tenth deals to one ram, A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs: One kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.” - Numbers 29:7-11.
Christ gives us a chance for a clean slate, to make an atonement for all the sins we have done knowingly and unknowingly. We no longer have to sacrifice animals to be free from sin, all we have to do is go to Jesus. “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. ” - Romans 5:10-15.
One man, one sinless, spotless man, gave His life as a sacrifice to save all from hell, but it is only those who come to Him that will be saved. God loves you, even the most vilest offender, otherwise He would not have died for you. I once heard a man say, “You might go to hell, but you will not go there unloved.” God loves everyone and does not want to anyone to end up in hell, but just like anything else in life, if you want something you have to ask for it or take it. The one and only thing God wants you to take is His gift, He offers it to all, but in order to take it you must ask Him for it. “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 10:9,10.
Unlike the yearly sacrifices made for atonement, we only have to ask Jesus once to be atoned, He died once for you, therefore, you only have to ask Him once to forgive you. “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. Now, you might have to repent once in a while, or even daily, but by giving your life to Jesus He has given you life through Him and there is no better sacrifice that we all can make then to give our lives to Christ. “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” - John 20:31. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Tabernacle. (29:12-39) “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” - Hebrews 9:11,12.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Friday February 25, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 28-29
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-25
Details of Today's Reading: Offerings and sacrifices, the daily sacrifices, the monthly sacrifices, the Sabbath sacrifices, the Passover, Day of First Fruits, the Feats of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word sacrifice is defined as an atonement, a surrender of something of value as a means of gaining something more desirable or of preventing some evil, to give up or let go. Perhaps the most valuable thing we posses is life, without it we would not even be here. Most of us try to live the best life we possibly can, the problem with that is it is not usually something that God has planned for us. Do you know why so many people fail at what they are trying to do? It is not in God's will for them. They are not a failure, they are just not meant to do what they are trying to do. God wants to bless us and see us prosper, but before He allows that to happen we must be willing to make a sacrifice, to surrender our most valuable possession over to God, our life. Now, God does not want you to kill yourself, God is life, so He wants you alive, not dead. The Bible says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:1,2. We are precious to God, He just wants us to value our lives as He values them.
Life is precious to God, why do you think He had the Israelites sacrifice animals and not people? Why do you think He came down here Himself in the form of Jesus Christ? He became the sacrifice Himself so no life would be loss. “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” - I John 5:5-8. Jesus is the Word made flesh, “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 1:14.
Daily the priest was to offer up to God two lambs, one in the morning and one in the evening, this was to be a continual burning day and night, even on the Sabbath.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savour unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season. And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering. The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even; And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil. It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.” - Numbers 28:1-6.
This is a reminder that Jesus Christ is the lamb that sacrificed Himself for all and gives life to all who surrender their lives as a living sacrifice to Him. All who accept Christ personally send up a continual burnt offering to God, a sweet savour made by fire up to Him. “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: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” - II Corinthians 2:14-17.
Out of all the observances to the Lord perhaps that most valuable was the Day of Atonement, it was the one day of the year that all the people could receive an atonement for the past year of any sins that might have been forgotten or unaware of, it was a chance for a clean slate.
“And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein: But ye shall offer a burnt offering unto the LORD for a sweet savour; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year; they shall be unto you without blemish: And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals to a bullock, and two tenth deals to one ram, A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs: One kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering of it, and their drink offerings.” - Numbers 29:7-11.
Christ gives us a chance for a clean slate, to make an atonement for all the sins we have done knowingly and unknowingly. We no longer have to sacrifice animals to be free from sin, all we have to do is go to Jesus. “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. ” - Romans 5:10-15.
One man, one sinless, spotless man, gave His life as a sacrifice to save all from hell, but it is only those who come to Him that will be saved. God loves you, even the most vilest offender, otherwise He would not have died for you. I once heard a man say, “You might go to hell, but you will not go there unloved.” God loves everyone and does not want to anyone to end up in hell, but just like anything else in life, if you want something you have to ask for it or take it. The one and only thing God wants you to take is His gift, He offers it to all, but in order to take it you must ask Him for it. “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 10:9,10.
Unlike the yearly sacrifices made for atonement, we only have to ask Jesus once to be atoned, He died once for you, therefore, you only have to ask Him once to forgive you. “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. Now, you might have to repent once in a while, or even daily, but by giving your life to Jesus He has given you life through Him and there is no better sacrifice that we all can make then to give our lives to Christ. “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” - John 20:31. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Tabernacle. (29:12-39) “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” - Hebrews 9:11,12.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Thursday, February 24, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Inherited Through Christ
King James Daily Bible Study: Inherited Through Christ
Date: Thursday February 24, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 26-27
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-24
Details of Today's Reading: A census is taken of Israel, the division of the land according to the number in each tribe, the law of inheritances, Moses reminded that he can not go into the promise land, and Joshua is appointed as Moses' successor.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word inheritance is defined as a possession gained through someone's death, a gift, something obtained or received. Through Christ's death an inheritance is given to all who put their trust and faith in Him. The second you call on Jesus Christ to save you Jesus begins preparing the place that you were inherited in the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” - John 14:1-3.
A second census was taken of the Israelites, 602,730 men twenty years old and above were counted, not including the Levites, out of the 602,730 only two men were from the first generation of Israelites that came out of Egypt. Each tribe was given an inheritance according to the number of people in each tribe.
“And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers' house, all that are able to go to war in Israel. And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt...These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names. To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him.” - Numbers 26:1-4,51-54.
This land was given freely to the Israelites, they did not have to work for it, they did not have to be on their best behavior, they simply received it because they were God's children. Our works can not get God to give us a part of the inheritance, it is only by being His child that we will receive anything from Him. The only way to become a child of God is through our acceptance of Jesus Christ. However, the amount of the inheritance we receive will be according to the work we do after we accept Christ. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23,24.
Anyone can receive a part of God's Inheritance, there was a family of Israelites that had no sons, only daughters, when they went before Moses and asked if they had a right to their fathers land God gave a new command.
“And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons. Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father. And Moses brought their cause before the LORD. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter.” - Numbers 27:2-8.
All who call upon the Lord Jesus Christ will receive part of God's inheritance. “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 there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 9,12,13.
After God gave the command to divide up the land He told him to go to mount Abarim, from that mountain Moses could see the promised land, miles and miles of beauty beheld him. It was there that God reminded Moses that he would not be able to step foot onto the land because of his rebellion.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered. For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.” - Numbers 27:12-17.
This sight of Canaan signified his believing prospect of the better country, that is, the Kingdom of God. While Moses was stricken from entering the promised land on earth he was not stricken from entering God's Kingdom. This is an illustration of the forgiveness of God, no matter what we have done in the past, we are forgiven and allowed to enter the Kingdom of God through our faith in Jesus Christ, who is our shepherd. “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. Praise God!
When Jesus was on the cross there were two men next to Him being crucified as well. “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23:39-43. Instantly that man was saved and allowed to enter the Kingdom of God, it was nothing he did to get saved, except for believing in Christ. If you have not called on Christ as your Savior you will not be able to enter the Kingdom of God, you will be able to see it, but not enter.
Through Christ you have received a part of the inheritance of the Kingdom of God, one day you will not just be allowed to look over the beautiful land that you could never enter, but will be able to walk right through those pearly gates into a land so spectacular that it does not compare to the most beautiful place here on earth. “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 21:3,4. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Moses as he humbly handed over the leadership of the people over to Joshua. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:10.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Thursday February 24, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 26-27
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-24
Details of Today's Reading: A census is taken of Israel, the division of the land according to the number in each tribe, the law of inheritances, Moses reminded that he can not go into the promise land, and Joshua is appointed as Moses' successor.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word inheritance is defined as a possession gained through someone's death, a gift, something obtained or received. Through Christ's death an inheritance is given to all who put their trust and faith in Him. The second you call on Jesus Christ to save you Jesus begins preparing the place that you were inherited in the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” - John 14:1-3.
A second census was taken of the Israelites, 602,730 men twenty years old and above were counted, not including the Levites, out of the 602,730 only two men were from the first generation of Israelites that came out of Egypt. Each tribe was given an inheritance according to the number of people in each tribe.
“And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers' house, all that are able to go to war in Israel. And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt...These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names. To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him.” - Numbers 26:1-4,51-54.
This land was given freely to the Israelites, they did not have to work for it, they did not have to be on their best behavior, they simply received it because they were God's children. Our works can not get God to give us a part of the inheritance, it is only by being His child that we will receive anything from Him. The only way to become a child of God is through our acceptance of Jesus Christ. However, the amount of the inheritance we receive will be according to the work we do after we accept Christ. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23,24.
Anyone can receive a part of God's Inheritance, there was a family of Israelites that had no sons, only daughters, when they went before Moses and asked if they had a right to their fathers land God gave a new command.
“And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons. Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father. And Moses brought their cause before the LORD. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father's brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter.” - Numbers 27:2-8.
All who call upon the Lord Jesus Christ will receive part of God's inheritance. “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 there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 9,12,13.
After God gave the command to divide up the land He told him to go to mount Abarim, from that mountain Moses could see the promised land, miles and miles of beauty beheld him. It was there that God reminded Moses that he would not be able to step foot onto the land because of his rebellion.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered. For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.” - Numbers 27:12-17.
This sight of Canaan signified his believing prospect of the better country, that is, the Kingdom of God. While Moses was stricken from entering the promised land on earth he was not stricken from entering God's Kingdom. This is an illustration of the forgiveness of God, no matter what we have done in the past, we are forgiven and allowed to enter the Kingdom of God through our faith in Jesus Christ, who is our shepherd. “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. Praise God!
When Jesus was on the cross there were two men next to Him being crucified as well. “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23:39-43. Instantly that man was saved and allowed to enter the Kingdom of God, it was nothing he did to get saved, except for believing in Christ. If you have not called on Christ as your Savior you will not be able to enter the Kingdom of God, you will be able to see it, but not enter.
Through Christ you have received a part of the inheritance of the Kingdom of God, one day you will not just be allowed to look over the beautiful land that you could never enter, but will be able to walk right through those pearly gates into a land so spectacular that it does not compare to the most beautiful place here on earth. “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 21:3,4. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Moses as he humbly handed over the leadership of the people over to Joshua. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:10.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: From Cursed To Blessed
King James Daily Bible Study: From Cursed To Blessed
Date: Wednesday February 23, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 23-25
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-23
Details of Today's Reading: Balak's sacrifice to curse Israel, through God Balaam pronounces a blessing instead of a curse, Balak dismisses Balaam in anger, Balaam's Messianic prophecies, the Israelite men become enticed by the daughters of Moab and Midian, and the Midianites to be punished for enticing Israel to sin.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word curse is defined as the cause of evil, tribulation, misfortune, or trouble, to afflict one with great evil. While God does allow His people to face some trials and tribulations, it is impossible for Him to cause evil or afflict them with great evil. Many people will question how God can destroy a nation or allow such evil to take place in the world, but God is not the one who brings about these curses, it is man bringing it about himself. You know, Satan may tempt us and poke at us, but he can not make us do anything we do not want to do any more than God can. There is one curse that all will be afflicted with and that is death, by one man, Adam, sin enter the world, passing that curse down to us, but God made a way for us to remove that curse by sending His Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” - Galatians 3:10-13.
A man named Balak tried everything he could to get God to curse the Israelites, he even managed to entice one of God's prophets, Balaam, to try and curse the people. Three times Balaam instructed Balak to build seven altars and seven sacrifices, but instead of being cursed, they were blessed.
“And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams. And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram. And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place...And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?..God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.” - Numbers 23:1-3,17,19-21.
Jacob is referred to as the Israelites, God will never reverse His blessing of eternal life to any of His people. No one can curse one of God's people, the more they do the more God blesses the accused. Today, if you know Jesus Christ as your Savior than you are one of God's people. Those who are saved may expect the ill will of hell, but God will not suffer real injury done to His people and what is done against them He takes as done against Himself and deals with them Himself. My Preacher often talks about a man he visited once while out soul winning, the man said, “Go to hell.” The Preacher replied, “I can tell that that would please you, but that is something that I can never do.” God will allow His People to be afflicted if we sin, but we will never end up in hell simply by our faith and trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23.
Those who oppose God and His people will sooner or later be made to see for themselves that they are only deceiving themselves. An amazing prophecy of Christ, who is coming to reign in great glory, not only over Israel but over all men, is foreseen after the third and final attempt on Balaam and Balak to curse the people.
“And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him...And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.” - Numbers 24:1,2,15-19.
Under the powerful influence of the Spirit of prophecy, Balaam foretold the future prosperity and extensive dominion of Israel. Balaam boasts that his eyes are open, he had heard the Word of God, which many do who neither heed them, nor hear God in them. Balaam, is foretold about not only his future, but of a seed, a Star, that will come from the seed of Jacob, he shall see Christ, but not be able to get near Him. Christ shall be King, not only of the house of Jacob and Israel, but of all the world. “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.” - Revelation 17:14.
God’s people are more endanger of the charms of a friendly, peaceful world than one by the terrors of war. Why? Godly people who mix with friendly ungodly people are quick to fall away from God. The Israelites began fellowshipping with the Medianites and Moabites thus began following their gods and corrupted lifestyles.
“And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor. And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.” - Numbers 25:3-11.
It is one thing to commit sin of your own doing, it is another to cause others to commit sin, God will not stand for someone causing His people to fall into corruption, especially immoral corruption. The curse that falls upon those who corrupt God's people is all upon themselves, not God, not Satan. We all have a choice, if you know Jesus Christ personally as your Savior then the curse has been removed and you are blessed with eternal life, while you may suffer affliction from time to time, nothing you do can bring back that curse. Satan may try to get you to doubt your salvation, people might try to curse you, or even entice you with their charm, but nothing or no one can remove the blessing that God has given you for believing in His Son. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38,39.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the the prophesied Star and Sceptre. Jesus is our bright and morning star. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” - Revelation 22:16.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Wednesday February 23, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 23-25
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-23
Details of Today's Reading: Balak's sacrifice to curse Israel, through God Balaam pronounces a blessing instead of a curse, Balak dismisses Balaam in anger, Balaam's Messianic prophecies, the Israelite men become enticed by the daughters of Moab and Midian, and the Midianites to be punished for enticing Israel to sin.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word curse is defined as the cause of evil, tribulation, misfortune, or trouble, to afflict one with great evil. While God does allow His people to face some trials and tribulations, it is impossible for Him to cause evil or afflict them with great evil. Many people will question how God can destroy a nation or allow such evil to take place in the world, but God is not the one who brings about these curses, it is man bringing it about himself. You know, Satan may tempt us and poke at us, but he can not make us do anything we do not want to do any more than God can. There is one curse that all will be afflicted with and that is death, by one man, Adam, sin enter the world, passing that curse down to us, but God made a way for us to remove that curse by sending His Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” - Galatians 3:10-13.
A man named Balak tried everything he could to get God to curse the Israelites, he even managed to entice one of God's prophets, Balaam, to try and curse the people. Three times Balaam instructed Balak to build seven altars and seven sacrifices, but instead of being cursed, they were blessed.
“And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen and seven rams. And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bullock and a ram. And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place...And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?..God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.” - Numbers 23:1-3,17,19-21.
Jacob is referred to as the Israelites, God will never reverse His blessing of eternal life to any of His people. No one can curse one of God's people, the more they do the more God blesses the accused. Today, if you know Jesus Christ as your Savior than you are one of God's people. Those who are saved may expect the ill will of hell, but God will not suffer real injury done to His people and what is done against them He takes as done against Himself and deals with them Himself. My Preacher often talks about a man he visited once while out soul winning, the man said, “Go to hell.” The Preacher replied, “I can tell that that would please you, but that is something that I can never do.” God will allow His People to be afflicted if we sin, but we will never end up in hell simply by our faith and trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23.
Those who oppose God and His people will sooner or later be made to see for themselves that they are only deceiving themselves. An amazing prophecy of Christ, who is coming to reign in great glory, not only over Israel but over all men, is foreseen after the third and final attempt on Balaam and Balak to curse the people.
“And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him...And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.” - Numbers 24:1,2,15-19.
Under the powerful influence of the Spirit of prophecy, Balaam foretold the future prosperity and extensive dominion of Israel. Balaam boasts that his eyes are open, he had heard the Word of God, which many do who neither heed them, nor hear God in them. Balaam, is foretold about not only his future, but of a seed, a Star, that will come from the seed of Jacob, he shall see Christ, but not be able to get near Him. Christ shall be King, not only of the house of Jacob and Israel, but of all the world. “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.” - Revelation 17:14.
God’s people are more endanger of the charms of a friendly, peaceful world than one by the terrors of war. Why? Godly people who mix with friendly ungodly people are quick to fall away from God. The Israelites began fellowshipping with the Medianites and Moabites thus began following their gods and corrupted lifestyles.
“And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor. And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.” - Numbers 25:3-11.
It is one thing to commit sin of your own doing, it is another to cause others to commit sin, God will not stand for someone causing His people to fall into corruption, especially immoral corruption. The curse that falls upon those who corrupt God's people is all upon themselves, not God, not Satan. We all have a choice, if you know Jesus Christ personally as your Savior then the curse has been removed and you are blessed with eternal life, while you may suffer affliction from time to time, nothing you do can bring back that curse. Satan may try to get you to doubt your salvation, people might try to curse you, or even entice you with their charm, but nothing or no one can remove the blessing that God has given you for believing in His Son. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38,39.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the the prophesied Star and Sceptre. Jesus is our bright and morning star. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” - Revelation 22:16.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Stubborn About God's Will
King James Daily Bible Study: Stubborn About God's Will
Date: Tuesday February 22, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 21-22
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-22
Details of Today's Reading: The Canaanites of Arad destroyed, the people murmur, are plagued with fiery serpents, repent, then are healed by a fiery serpent, their journey toward the promised land, Balak and Balaam.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word stubborn is defined as fixed or set in purpose or opinion, difficult to handle, treat, or overcome, I imagine we all have areas in our lives where we are fixed in our opinions or are difficult to overcome. While this can often be a problem, there is one thing that we as Christians need to be stubborn about and that is the Word of God, in other words, to be fixed on the Word of God or God's opinion. 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. God's opinion and mans are like oil and water, they do not mix, our opinions can get us into trouble, but God's always lead to a prosperous life no matter what challenges we face.
Perhaps one of the most difficult things to do when we are facing challenges is keep our focus on God, most often we have questions that seem to have no answers or some even get angry and walk away from God altogether. It's much easier to blame God than to deal with the situation, the Israelites were no exception, the second they faced a challenge they began complaining to Moses, but this time they spoke against God as well.
“And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” - Numbers 21:5-9.
The light bread, known as manna is representative of Christ, “Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” - John 6:49-51. The fiery serpents are representative of sin, the wages of sin are death, the brass serpent is representative of God's judgment upon all, all who looked upon the serpent were saved, which is representative of Christ, who was made to save us from death. All who look to Christ are saved from that fiery death and live. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23.
When we are stubborn about God's Word it helps us to be stubborn about His will, God talks to us through Scripture in a way like no other. It keeps us grounded, it protects us, guides us, and lets us be aware of any dangers ahead. Remain stubborn in our own will and we can really be headed for disaster. God makes a point to tell us about a man named Balaam, Balaam was a godly prophet who allowed himself to be corrupted by riches. Balak, the king of Moab formed a plan with Balaam to get the people of Israel cursed, that is, to set God against them.
“He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed... And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more.” - Numbers 22:5,6,16-19.
God's promise and warning to Balaam, was the more you try to curse my people the more blessed they will become. Yet, he had a strong desire to accept the offer, and hoped that God might give him leave to go. He had already been told what the will of God was, therefore, he should have just walked away, instead of telling them to stay there. Once Christ enters your life you are one of God's and nothing or no one can curse God's people, Satan is going to try time and time again to tempt His faithful servants, but remaining in God's Word will remind us to just walk away and the more they try to curse you the more God blesses you.“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” - I Corinthians 10:13.
Do you think Balaam listened to God? No. He allowed Balak to convince him to meet with him. However, as Balaam was heading toward Moab, God did everything He could to stop and warn him not to meet Balak, including getting a donkey to speak to him.
“And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him...And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee...Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.” - Numbers 22:11,27-29,31.
God has many ways to bring down the hardhearted heart, but when our eyes are opened, we shall see the danger of our sinful ways, and how much it is in our best interest not to press forward. The only way to get our of our own stubborn will is to become stubborn about God's will. We must not think, that because God does not always restrain men from sin that He approves of it, or that it is not hateful to Him. God opposes sin and will at all costs try to warn us not to go there, but if we press on He will allow us to fall into our own lusts, including the consequences of it. The only way to avoid the consequences of sin is to pay attention to the warning signs. “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.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Moses who was faithful to pray to God for the people who repented. “At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.” - John 16:26,27.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Tuesday February 22, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 21-22
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-22
Details of Today's Reading: The Canaanites of Arad destroyed, the people murmur, are plagued with fiery serpents, repent, then are healed by a fiery serpent, their journey toward the promised land, Balak and Balaam.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word stubborn is defined as fixed or set in purpose or opinion, difficult to handle, treat, or overcome, I imagine we all have areas in our lives where we are fixed in our opinions or are difficult to overcome. While this can often be a problem, there is one thing that we as Christians need to be stubborn about and that is the Word of God, in other words, to be fixed on the Word of God or God's opinion. 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. God's opinion and mans are like oil and water, they do not mix, our opinions can get us into trouble, but God's always lead to a prosperous life no matter what challenges we face.
Perhaps one of the most difficult things to do when we are facing challenges is keep our focus on God, most often we have questions that seem to have no answers or some even get angry and walk away from God altogether. It's much easier to blame God than to deal with the situation, the Israelites were no exception, the second they faced a challenge they began complaining to Moses, but this time they spoke against God as well.
“And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” - Numbers 21:5-9.
The light bread, known as manna is representative of Christ, “Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” - John 6:49-51. The fiery serpents are representative of sin, the wages of sin are death, the brass serpent is representative of God's judgment upon all, all who looked upon the serpent were saved, which is representative of Christ, who was made to save us from death. All who look to Christ are saved from that fiery death and live. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23.
When we are stubborn about God's Word it helps us to be stubborn about His will, God talks to us through Scripture in a way like no other. It keeps us grounded, it protects us, guides us, and lets us be aware of any dangers ahead. Remain stubborn in our own will and we can really be headed for disaster. God makes a point to tell us about a man named Balaam, Balaam was a godly prophet who allowed himself to be corrupted by riches. Balak, the king of Moab formed a plan with Balaam to get the people of Israel cursed, that is, to set God against them.
“He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed... And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more.” - Numbers 22:5,6,16-19.
God's promise and warning to Balaam, was the more you try to curse my people the more blessed they will become. Yet, he had a strong desire to accept the offer, and hoped that God might give him leave to go. He had already been told what the will of God was, therefore, he should have just walked away, instead of telling them to stay there. Once Christ enters your life you are one of God's and nothing or no one can curse God's people, Satan is going to try time and time again to tempt His faithful servants, but remaining in God's Word will remind us to just walk away and the more they try to curse you the more God blesses you.“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” - I Corinthians 10:13.
Do you think Balaam listened to God? No. He allowed Balak to convince him to meet with him. However, as Balaam was heading toward Moab, God did everything He could to stop and warn him not to meet Balak, including getting a donkey to speak to him.
“And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him...And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff. And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee...Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.” - Numbers 22:11,27-29,31.
God has many ways to bring down the hardhearted heart, but when our eyes are opened, we shall see the danger of our sinful ways, and how much it is in our best interest not to press forward. The only way to get our of our own stubborn will is to become stubborn about God's will. We must not think, that because God does not always restrain men from sin that He approves of it, or that it is not hateful to Him. God opposes sin and will at all costs try to warn us not to go there, but if we press on He will allow us to fall into our own lusts, including the consequences of it. The only way to avoid the consequences of sin is to pay attention to the warning signs. “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.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Moses who was faithful to pray to God for the people who repented. “At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.” - John 16:26,27.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Monday, February 21, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: A Clean Body
King James Daily Bible Study: A Clean Body
Date: Monday February 21, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 19-20
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-21
Details of Today's Reading: The sacrifices and ashes of a heifer to purify the unclean, the people come to Zin, complain of no water, water from the rock, Aaron commanded to give the reign of high priest over to his son, Eleazar, and Aaron dies.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word defile is defined as to make foul, dirty, or unclean, to pollute or disgrace. Out of all the sins committed, those that defile the flesh are more detestable to God than all the rest. Why? Besides the body being the Temple in which God dwells in all believers, it is the only type of sin that one can sin against his own body. “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” - I Corinthians 6:18-20.
God gave the Israelites or anyone amongst them, strict rules about cleansing the body should it be defiled, perhaps the most enforced was that of touching dead flesh, whether it was a dead animal or person, they were not even to go near a grave without being cleansed.
“This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke: And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face:..Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the even. And he that burneth her shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his flesh in water, and shall be unclean until the even. And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin...Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him.” - Numbers 19:2,3,7-9,13.
A dead body is a defiled body, a dead body is any body that has not been cleansed through the blood of Christ. When a person is born, because of sin that had been passed down through Adam, it is born without the Spirit of God in it, while it is walking, breathing, flesh, it is dead in spirit, making it a defiled body. When a person comes to Jesus Christ and calls on Him to save him he gets a clean body, he receives the Spirit of God, making him walking, breathing, living flesh, alive with the Spirit of God in him. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” - Romans 8:9-13.
Thirty-eight years had come to pass since the ten spies encouraged the people not to go into the promised land, all, but Moses, Aaron, Caleb, and Joshua had died and now they were allowed to head back toward Canaan. While passing through they came to Edom, it was the shortest route to the promised land, but they had to get permission to pass through. When refused to pass the Israelites became distraught and began complaining that there was no water for them to drink. God gave Moses a command to get water for them to drink, but out of anger he disobeyed that command and because of that disobedience he forfeited his right to enter the promised land. Not only did Moses lose that right, but Aaron did as well.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” - Numbers 20:7-12.
What was the offense that caused Moses and Aaron to forfeit their rights to the promised land? There were several reasons, first, God commanded Moses to speak to the rock, instead he hit the rock. Second, he yelled at the congregation and acknowledged himself and Aaron as the ones who would fetch water from the rock (it came from God, not the rod). Third, both Moses and Aaron appeared to God to have had a disbelief in Him, causing both of them to forfeit their rights to enter the promised land. The only way anyone can enter the promised land is by believing in and accepting God's Son, Jesus Christ as their Savior. It is not enough to know that Christ exists, we have to believe that Jesus Christ, is the only Son of God, that He died, was buried, and three days later arose from the dead to give life to us. “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.” - Romans 10:9.
Defiling the body goes beyond what we think is dirty, most people imagine it as being sexual, but defiling the body includes acts such as, alcohol abuse, smoking, drugs, fighting, excessive eating, if it is immoral in any way, it is offensive to God. The closer a person gets to God the more offensive He becomes when he sins, I am not talking about sins that are done unknowingly, we all sin everyday unknowingly, I am talking about deliberate sin. The smallest sin, even those committed through anger, seduction, or any other acts of the flesh are offensive to God, especially if you have chosen to live your life through Christ and do not fulfill your end of the bargain. You know how an employer is always harder on the ones who are hard workers and faithful? God is the same way, He is always a little harder on the ones He knows can do the work. Why? Because we know better and we are the example of Christ. Count yourself blessed to receive chastisement from God once in a while, it is much better than the alternative. “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?..Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. ” - I Peter 4:16,17,19.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the rock that Moses struck. Jesus is our Rock, “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” - I Corinthians 10:4.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Monday February 21, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 19-20
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-21
Details of Today's Reading: The sacrifices and ashes of a heifer to purify the unclean, the people come to Zin, complain of no water, water from the rock, Aaron commanded to give the reign of high priest over to his son, Eleazar, and Aaron dies.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word defile is defined as to make foul, dirty, or unclean, to pollute or disgrace. Out of all the sins committed, those that defile the flesh are more detestable to God than all the rest. Why? Besides the body being the Temple in which God dwells in all believers, it is the only type of sin that one can sin against his own body. “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” - I Corinthians 6:18-20.
God gave the Israelites or anyone amongst them, strict rules about cleansing the body should it be defiled, perhaps the most enforced was that of touching dead flesh, whether it was a dead animal or person, they were not even to go near a grave without being cleansed.
“This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke: And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face:..Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the even. And he that burneth her shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his flesh in water, and shall be unclean until the even. And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin...Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him.” - Numbers 19:2,3,7-9,13.
A dead body is a defiled body, a dead body is any body that has not been cleansed through the blood of Christ. When a person is born, because of sin that had been passed down through Adam, it is born without the Spirit of God in it, while it is walking, breathing, flesh, it is dead in spirit, making it a defiled body. When a person comes to Jesus Christ and calls on Him to save him he gets a clean body, he receives the Spirit of God, making him walking, breathing, living flesh, alive with the Spirit of God in him. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” - Romans 8:9-13.
Thirty-eight years had come to pass since the ten spies encouraged the people not to go into the promised land, all, but Moses, Aaron, Caleb, and Joshua had died and now they were allowed to head back toward Canaan. While passing through they came to Edom, it was the shortest route to the promised land, but they had to get permission to pass through. When refused to pass the Israelites became distraught and began complaining that there was no water for them to drink. God gave Moses a command to get water for them to drink, but out of anger he disobeyed that command and because of that disobedience he forfeited his right to enter the promised land. Not only did Moses lose that right, but Aaron did as well.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” - Numbers 20:7-12.
What was the offense that caused Moses and Aaron to forfeit their rights to the promised land? There were several reasons, first, God commanded Moses to speak to the rock, instead he hit the rock. Second, he yelled at the congregation and acknowledged himself and Aaron as the ones who would fetch water from the rock (it came from God, not the rod). Third, both Moses and Aaron appeared to God to have had a disbelief in Him, causing both of them to forfeit their rights to enter the promised land. The only way anyone can enter the promised land is by believing in and accepting God's Son, Jesus Christ as their Savior. It is not enough to know that Christ exists, we have to believe that Jesus Christ, is the only Son of God, that He died, was buried, and three days later arose from the dead to give life to us. “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.” - Romans 10:9.
Defiling the body goes beyond what we think is dirty, most people imagine it as being sexual, but defiling the body includes acts such as, alcohol abuse, smoking, drugs, fighting, excessive eating, if it is immoral in any way, it is offensive to God. The closer a person gets to God the more offensive He becomes when he sins, I am not talking about sins that are done unknowingly, we all sin everyday unknowingly, I am talking about deliberate sin. The smallest sin, even those committed through anger, seduction, or any other acts of the flesh are offensive to God, especially if you have chosen to live your life through Christ and do not fulfill your end of the bargain. You know how an employer is always harder on the ones who are hard workers and faithful? God is the same way, He is always a little harder on the ones He knows can do the work. Why? Because we know better and we are the example of Christ. Count yourself blessed to receive chastisement from God once in a while, it is much better than the alternative. “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?..Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. ” - I Peter 4:16,17,19.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the rock that Moses struck. Jesus is our Rock, “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” - I Corinthians 10:4.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Sunday, February 20, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Fighting Against Rebels
King James Daily Bible Study: Fighting Against Rebels
Date: Sunday February 20, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 16-18
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-20
Details of Today's Reading: The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, the intercession of Moses and Aaron, the earth swallows up Dathan and Abiram, the people murmur and a plague sent, twelve rods laid up before the Lord, and the orders of the priests and Levites.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word rebellion is defined as an open, organized, and armed resistance to one's government or ruler, a resistance to or defiance of any authority, control, or tradition. Most often people who rebel against God rebel against any form of authority. The worse thing is that they do not keep it to themselves, they are usually obnoxious, loud, and seem to attract every other obnoxious and loud person as well. The Bible says, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” - Isaiah 1:18-20. While we all have a little bit of defiance in us from time to time, there is a big difference between acting upon ourselves and getting others involved. Rest assure if we remain faithful to God even when rebels tempt us we will be rewarded. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23,24.
After all that had gone on in the past few days you would have thought the the Israelites would have just let things go and get back to doing what God had commanded them, but that could not be further from the truth. Have you ever watched a movie where a bunch of people ganged up on one person? The leader of the pack stands back and watches as one idiot after another thinks he will be the one to take him out, only to get a worse beating. Well, a few men somehow talked two hundred and fifty men to join with them and confront Moses and Aaron.
“Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:..And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?” - Numbers 16:1-4,20-22.
Moses could have let God consume every person there, but instead he pleaded for their lives. While God is in control and will do anything He wants, He still allows people to change His mind from time to time. Today, Jesus stands before God and pleads with Him for every person that comes to Him. “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” - Matthew 10:32-34.
God saved the faithful, but He did not save the rebellious group, While He wants everyone to repent and be saved He will please the rebels as well and not save them. All the men that rebelled at who God put in authority over the Tabernacle were swallowed by an earthquake.
“And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of their's, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children. And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind...And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.” - Numbers 16:26-33.
If rebels are going to cause the righteous to sin God will separate them, sometimes He is subtle, but most of the time He is going to let the whole congregation know that they are no longer welcome in His Church. I have seen some faithful people come and go in my church, after a while I could see that those people were not as faithful as they appeared and understand why God removed them from the congregation. God will not consume the entire congregation, just those who rebel and cause others to rebel. “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 4:3-5.
God not only separates the rebels from the righteous He also rewards those who remain faithful to Him. God reconfirmed the covenant that He made with the Levites, they would be the ones who would do the service of His ministry and all the rest of the tribes would give to them accordingly.
“And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness...And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.” - Numbers 18:1,2,31.
God always rewards those who diligently seek and serve Him, we do not have to give into the rebellious instigators, God is always with us, even if we have to live amongst them and will take care of His people. The most important thing anyone can do to overcome those who cause us to rebel is to put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Aaron and his sons, who pleaded with God to save the Israelites.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Sunday February 20, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 16-18
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-20
Details of Today's Reading: The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, the intercession of Moses and Aaron, the earth swallows up Dathan and Abiram, the people murmur and a plague sent, twelve rods laid up before the Lord, and the orders of the priests and Levites.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word rebellion is defined as an open, organized, and armed resistance to one's government or ruler, a resistance to or defiance of any authority, control, or tradition. Most often people who rebel against God rebel against any form of authority. The worse thing is that they do not keep it to themselves, they are usually obnoxious, loud, and seem to attract every other obnoxious and loud person as well. The Bible says, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” - Isaiah 1:18-20. While we all have a little bit of defiance in us from time to time, there is a big difference between acting upon ourselves and getting others involved. Rest assure if we remain faithful to God even when rebels tempt us we will be rewarded. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23,24.
After all that had gone on in the past few days you would have thought the the Israelites would have just let things go and get back to doing what God had commanded them, but that could not be further from the truth. Have you ever watched a movie where a bunch of people ganged up on one person? The leader of the pack stands back and watches as one idiot after another thinks he will be the one to take him out, only to get a worse beating. Well, a few men somehow talked two hundred and fifty men to join with them and confront Moses and Aaron.
“Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:..And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?” - Numbers 16:1-4,20-22.
Moses could have let God consume every person there, but instead he pleaded for their lives. While God is in control and will do anything He wants, He still allows people to change His mind from time to time. Today, Jesus stands before God and pleads with Him for every person that comes to Him. “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” - Matthew 10:32-34.
God saved the faithful, but He did not save the rebellious group, While He wants everyone to repent and be saved He will please the rebels as well and not save them. All the men that rebelled at who God put in authority over the Tabernacle were swallowed by an earthquake.
“And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of their's, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children. And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind...And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.” - Numbers 16:26-33.
If rebels are going to cause the righteous to sin God will separate them, sometimes He is subtle, but most of the time He is going to let the whole congregation know that they are no longer welcome in His Church. I have seen some faithful people come and go in my church, after a while I could see that those people were not as faithful as they appeared and understand why God removed them from the congregation. God will not consume the entire congregation, just those who rebel and cause others to rebel. “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 4:3-5.
God not only separates the rebels from the righteous He also rewards those who remain faithful to Him. God reconfirmed the covenant that He made with the Levites, they would be the ones who would do the service of His ministry and all the rest of the tribes would give to them accordingly.
“And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness...And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.” - Numbers 18:1,2,31.
God always rewards those who diligently seek and serve Him, we do not have to give into the rebellious instigators, God is always with us, even if we have to live amongst them and will take care of His people. The most important thing anyone can do to overcome those who cause us to rebel is to put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Aaron and his sons, who pleaded with God to save the Israelites.
Thanks and 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
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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