Friday, March 4, 2011

King James Daily Bible Study: Through Our Faith

King James Daily Bible Study: Through Our Faith
Date: Friday March 04, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 8-10
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-4
Details of Today's Reading: Moses continues advising the Israelites for their entry into the promised land, blessing promised as well as chastisement, reminders of their rebelling, and God's mercy for all.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word stiffnecked is defined as stubbornly adhering to one's purpose, difficult to manage, unyielding. We all have to admit that we are stiffnecked about something meaning there is something we believe or do that we do not or have a hard time letting go of. The Bible says, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” - Romans 6:12-14. In other words, it is by grace that we receive the things God gives us, not by our righteousness, but if we want to be truly blessed by God we need to yield ourselves over to God in every area of our lives.

For forty years the Israelites wandered around in the wilderness, you think they did not wonder if they would ever see the promised land? Well, the time had come, Moses recollects the forty years they were blessed as well as the times they rebelled and were chastised because of it. He also assures them of God's promise and what He will give them if they follow His commandments.

“All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him.” - Deuteronomy 8:1-6.

Just like a parent would punish a child for wrong doing God punishes His child for wrong doing. It does not mean that He does not love us, in fact, it means He loves us very much. When you punish a child you do it out of love and to teach them not to do it again. We are not perfect and God does not expect us to be, what He does expect us to be is faithful and remain that way during our journey through the wilderness. As we walk through the maze we become humbled, dependent upon Him, learn to trust Him more, and He blesses us through our faith in Him. “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.

Truthfully, it is not because of our righteousness that God blesses us, oh, He is pleased when we do well and we will receive bigger blessings through it, but God does not give us the things He gives us out of well doing it is because He promised them to us. The Israelites were reminded that it was not because of their righteousness that they were inheriting the land He promised their fathers, it was because they were His people that they were possessing the land.

“Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people. Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD...Yet they are thy people and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out by thy mighty power and by thy stretched out arm.” - Deuteronomy 9:5-7,29.

It is not by righteousness that we are saved, or inherit the Kingdom of God, it is only by the grace of God through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that we are saved. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” - Ephesians 2:8,9. God promises all who put their faith in His Son, Jesus Christ that they will inherit a part of the Kingdom of God, become one of His people. Not because of our righteousness, but because He promised to give it to all who put their faith in Him. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13.

Moses tells the Israelites whatever it is that they are stiffnecked about it is time to let go of it, “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.” - Deuteronomy 10:16-21.

To circumcise means to cleanse, we all have something in out hearts that we are stiffnecked about, while it does not forfeit our inheritance into the Kingdom of God, it does keep us from receiving more of the blessings that we could receive from God here on earth. God wants us to remove, to cleanse these things from our heart so we do not have to go through needless suffering. Let's face it, life is hard enough as it is without adding more suffering, but with God He can get us through anything. To fear God means to respect and acknowledge Him in every area of our lives, when we do that He knows we need Him and that we have faith in Him to get us through every situation we face. Keep serving Him with faith and you will see His blessings unfold. “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 3:9-11. It is time to tear down the walls and begin rebuilding on the foundation of Christ, everything else will fall into place and you will be blessed abundantly for it.

Sometimes is seems that no matter how righteousness we try to be or how much we try to live in God's will we can not see God's blessings. It is as if every direction you turn you hit some sort of wall and wonder if you will ever get out of the maze you are in. I do not know how many times I ask God to forgive me for whatever it is that hinders my relationship with Him from receiving His blessings. You know what though? The only sin here is doubt, yes, doubting God is a sin. Moses forfeited his right to enter the earthly promised land because of disbelief or doubt. “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” - Romans 14:23. If we are trusting in our faith in Jesus Christ to keep us out of hell, we can certainly trust God to get us through the situations we are going through. Right? “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith...And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” - I John 5:4,14,15.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the ark (10:1-5). The ark contained the Word of God, whom Christ 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.

Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you. Have an awesome weekend!
Christina

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Thursday, March 3, 2011

King James Daily Bible Study: For His Mercy

King James Daily Bible Study: For His Mercy
Date: Thursday March 03, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 5-7
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-3
Details of Today's Reading: A reminder of the covenant God in Horeb, the ten commandments repeated, obedience to God, marriage with the Canaanites forbidden, and the promises God gives to those who are obedient.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word bondage is defined as slavery or involuntary servitude, the state of being bound by or subjected to some external power or control. No matter where you go or what you do it seems we are subject to some kind of power that tells us how to dress, act, talk, and even think. People are no longer allowed to express their opinion out of fear that they might offend someone, get sued or worse, go to jail or get killed, and this is the bondage that those who live in the world are subject to. Imagine what Christians are going through, we can not even mention the name Jesus without offending someone? However, Jesus says, “Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish.” - Luke 21:14-18.

The Israelites were about to enter the beautiful land promised to them by God Almighty, there was only one problem, it was already in possession by others, amongst them were the Canaanites. Moses reminds them of the ten commandments that God had written with His own finger and that God had made them in order to keep them from falling into the corruption of the Canaanites and every one else dwelling there. “I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Thou shalt have none other gods before me. Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.” - Deuteronomy 5:6-10.

Unlike the bondage we are subject to in the world, God's laws are not given to censure and bound His people, but to protect them from all the corruption and suffering they would go through. I have had a taste of the world and all it did was take me to a place that was dark, manipulative, and deceiving. Thank God for His mercy! “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” - Hebrews 8:12.

Moses reminds the Israelites of God's promise, should they follow His commandments and encourages them to teach them to their children. “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.” - Deuteronomy 6:1-3.

While God does give us the things He promises us, He also promises that it is going to take some work to get them, but also promises that if we stay faithful and let Him lead us then we have nothing to worry about, He is going to be there with us, encouraging us along the way and we will receive them. “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.

We need to think of God's commandments as guides, not something that we are bound to, laws are set for law breakers not those who try to live right. And truthfully, only those who become offended by them are the ones breaking them. God's people are to separate themselves from among the world, that does not mean we are to sit in a corner and never go out of the house. That means we are to be cautious and not become friends with or marry them. God warns the Israelites before they even enter not to dwell with the people already there.

“When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou; And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.” - Deuteronomy 7:1-4.

Living in sin, an immoral and corruptible life, literally destroys a person, God is not actually the one that destroys us, we are, all by ourselves, and it happens quick. One can blame the person who caused them to sin, but they still allowed it to happen. I fell into sin because I allowed myself to dwell with those living in sin, but I was just as accountable for my own actions as they were for subjecting me to them. However, praise God for His mercy! God knows that some of His people are going to fall into sin because they get around the wrong people, but He never breaks His covenant with His people, even when they fall into corruption He is faithful and will get them to return. “The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” - Deuteronomy 7:7-9.

God's covenant remains with all who believe in and accept His Son, Jesus Christ as their Savior. He knows who His people are and knows they are going to mess up sometimes, but He never forgets nor forsakes who are His. Jesus, redeems us and gets us right with God. Praise God For His Mercy! Jesus says, “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...I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him...And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” - John 8:15,16,26,32.

There is one thing we do not have to work to keep and that is our salvation. Jesus redeems us and sets us free from the bondage of sin. Praise God! Now, that does not mean that we will never sin or be tried again, but it does mean that He will never leave us for His mercy endures forever. The closer we get to Jesus the easier it will be to free ourselves from all the things of the world that have kept us bondage. “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you...And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Thessalonians 5:14-18,23. Praise God!

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the land flowing with milk and honey, which is a picture of the Kingdom of God for without Him we would never get to see. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” - John 3:3.

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
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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

King James Daily Bible Study: Warning Labels

King James Daily Bible Study: Warning Labels
Date: Wednesday March 02, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 3-4
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-2
Details of Today's Reading: Moses recollects their battle with Bashan and their victories over Gilead and Bashan, warnings against idolatry, disobedience, and promises of mercy to all who remain faithful to God through trials.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
Warning labels are used to inform and caution us about any possible danger that could happen in the result of using a product. Warning labels are stamped on just about everything we possess, from food, to medication, to toys, and even water. Sometimes you may read a warning and think, “How stupid, who would do that anyway?” However, 99% of the time when a warning has been placed on a product it is because it has already happened and the manufacturer wants you to be aware of their findings. God, our manufacturer, gives us commands to follow, warning labels, for that very reason. He has seen and foreseen His people get caught up in some dangerous situations and wants us to be aware of them so we do not make the same mistakes. The Bible says, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” - Colossians 2:6-8.

Before the Israelites entered the promised land, Moses gave them a review of the commands that God had given to their fathers, which were now passed down to them, and to be passed down from generation to generation. These commands were to be used specifically in the land they were about to possess as they were about to enter an ungodly, corrupt nation, which God already knew was before them when they left Egypt. As Moses recalls all the events that took place over their forty years in the wilderness, he reminds them that Joshua would be the one to lead them into the promised land.

“And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto these two kings: so shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms whither thou passest. Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight for you. And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan. But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.” - Deuteronomy 3:21-28.

Regardless of how much we read the warning labels some things are often overlooked, I can not eat anything that has been enriched so, I have to read every product label. I admit sometimes I just skim through it, only reading the first few ingredients, thinking those are the most important, only to find our minutes after I ate the food that that little bit was just as important to my health. No matter how many times we read God's Word we overlook something important, that is why it is important to keep reading it. The more we read it the more we see the warning labels within it and become armed to the dangers that are ahead of us. “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.

Moses encourages the people to follow God's commands (His Word) and teach them to their children and when they do they will be blessed, but cautioned them against adding to or taking away from them.

“Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you...Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people...Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;” - Deuteronomy 4:1,2,5,6,9.

It is important that we learn and teach all of God's Word, if it is in the Bible it is important to God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” - II Timothy 3:16,17.

Before Moses completed his speech he reminded them that God will always be with them, he foretold of some events that would take place should they fall, but assured them that even if they mess up He is merciful to all who are faithful to Him.

“And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you. And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them...Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.” - Deuteronomy 4:27-31,35.

As Christians, we are the few scattered amongst the heathen, guided by our Lord Jesus Christ, He never leaves us. We may face some trials because we did not read the warning labels, but God is merciful to forgive us and still promises that He will never leave nor forsake us. There truly is no god like the One and Only God Almighty! “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me...Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:5,6,20,21. Praise God!

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Joshua who would lead the Israelites into the promised land. Jesus is the only one who can lead us to the promised land. “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” - Revelation 7:17.

Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

King James Daily Bible Study: Instant Replay

King James Daily Bible Study: Instant Replay
Date: Tuesday March 01, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-1
Details of Today's Reading: Moses speaks to the Israelites, they are reminded of God's promise, their successes and failures on their journey to the promised land, the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, and it is foretold what countries surrounding them would be spared or destroyed.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
An instant replay is a recording of an event that recently happened. Before you were saved, perhaps you were asked this question, “If you were to die right now, would you know for sure that you would be in heaven?” While we can not know the hour that God decides to bring this life here on earth to pass, we can know whether or not we will be in heaven. Why is it so important? The day will come when every one of us will meet Jesus face to face, whether we are Christians or not, we will all stand before our great judge and get a instant replay of the life that we had here on earth. “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” - Luke 21:34-36.

The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains thirty-four chapters. The author of the book is Moses and it was first written for the Israelites, the time-line is approximately 1451BC. The purpose of the book was to restate the law to the new generation of Israelites that was given forty years ago on Mt. Sinai to their parents. What we learn from the book is that obedience to God always brings His blessings, but disobedience always brings judgment too. “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.” - Deuteronomy 10:17,18.

The Israelites were almost there, shortly they will be able to cross over the Jordan and walk into the land that they had only dreamed they would see. Before they could enter Moses gave them some instructions, since this was a new generation they needed to be reminded of why they were wandering around the wilderness for forty years and what they were about to head into. First, he reminded them of the promise God made to them and the reason why they were still in the wilderness.

“The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount: Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates. Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give unto them and to their seed after them...Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged...Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God,..And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers...Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.” - Deuteronomy 1:6-8,21,32,34,35,39.

Because of their unbelief, all but two people, Caleb and Joshua, from the first generation to be freed from Egypt were able to enter the promised land, even Moses forfeited his right tom enter because of his disbelief. This is a reminder that only those who believe in the Son of man, who is the Son of God, Jesus Christ, will be able to enter the promised land. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:13.

Moses warned the Israelites about the giants that they would face as they entered the promised land, but assured them that God would be with them and as long as He was they would be able to defeat every giant that got in front of them.

“And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore: Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession. Ye shall buy meat of them for money, that ye may eat; and ye shall also buy water of them for money, that ye may drink. For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.” - Deuteronomy 2:4-7.

Remember back in the Book of Numbers we read that the Israelites tried to pass through Moab and they would not let them pass? Now they would be able to pass without any problems. Why? There were several reason, first, God was chastening them a bit, second, He was strengthening them for battle to come, third, He was getting them to learn to trust Him. To trust God when we are faced with giants does not come naturally for anyone. It takes a lot of strength and will to be able to withstand the evil forces that keep us from being obedient to God. However, with determination combined with the Power of God He can and will help us defeat every giant that tries to knock us down. “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - I Peter 5:9,10.

The Israelites just got a replay of their forty years in the wilderness, when we face Jesus He is going to rewind the tapes and show us many things, perhaps, the day we got saved, the things we have done for Him, the opportunities we missed along the way. The rewards we receive in heaven are dependent upon what we do for God after we get saved, for they are what will last eternally. However, those who are not saved have just lost their chance, because of their disbelief they can not enter the promised land. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:7,8.

The second death is eternal separation from God and spending an eternity in the lake of fire. No one has to end up in hell, all they have to do to walk into the promised land is believe. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - I John 5:10-12. Praise God!

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Moses, who spoke to the Israelites according to all that God commanded him. Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. “When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” - John 8:28.

Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Monday, February 28, 2011

King James Daily Bible Study: United, But Separated

King James Daily Bible Study: United, But Separated
Date: Monday February 28, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 34-36
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-28
Details of Today's Reading: The boundaries of the promised land, Eleazar and Joshua appointed to divide the land between the tribes, cities given to the Levites from each tribe, the cities of refuge, laws about murder, the inheritance of the daughters of Zelophehad, and all the daughters encouraged to marry within their own tribe to keep their inheritance.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word nation is defined as a country with its own government, a body of people, civilization, or a society. The second you call on Jesus Christ as your Savior you become part of a nation, a body of people united by one person, Jesus Christ, in other words you are a part of a Christian Nation. “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” - Romans 12:4,5.

Now, within the nation there are tribes, a group of Christians with common interests. The word tribe is defined as an ethnic group, a family, a group with a common interests. While, we are all Christians by our faith in Jesus Christ, it is important that we remain within our own tribe, in other words, our own religion. Why? The Bible says, “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:..And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” - Ephesians 5:5-8,11. While we all may be united with Christ, we must separate ourselves from those who might not be following the correct doctrine that God has given us.

The Israelites were getting ready to cross over the Jordan into the promised land God sent the boarders of the land and appointed Eleazar the priest and Joshua to be the ones who would divide Canaan up for the tribes, each tribe was given a certain amount of cities according to the number or people in the tribe.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:) And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, These are the names of the men which shall divide the land unto you: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun. And ye shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land by inheritance.” - Numbers 34:1,2,16-18.

All Christians will receive a part of the inheritance of the Kingdom of God, how much of it we get depends upon how much we do for God after we get saved. “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come...Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. ” - I Timothy 4:6-8,16.

After God gave the instructions on where they would dwell He gave them instructions on where the Levites were to dwell, since they were ministers of the service of God they did not receive their own inheritance, but were appointed cities to dwell in within each tribe. They were to be given forty-eight cities, six of those were known as cities of refuge.

“And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities. So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs. And the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel: from them that have many ye shall give many; but from them that have few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.” - Numbers 35:1-3,6-8.

The Levites were given cities among all the tribes so they could minister to people without them having to go to the tabernacle every time. The cities of refuge were given as a safe place for an offender to dwell until either he was acquitted or had someone after him and needed a safe place to hide. Today, our refuge is through Jesus Christ, literally He gives us a safe place to hide from the devil as well as kept us from death and being cast into the lake of fire. “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.” - Proverbs 14:26,27.

Now the fathers of the tribe of Manasseh were questioning the rights that a woman would have to their inheritance should she marry into another tribe. Their thought was that if she marry into a different tribe then they would loose their inheritance. However, God made it clear that no tribe will lose any part of their inheritance.

“This is the thing which the LORD doth command concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, Let them marry to whom they think best; only to the family of the tribe of their father shall they marry. So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. And every daughter, that possesseth an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers. Neither shall the inheritance remove from one tribe to another tribe; but every one of the tribes of the children of Israel shall keep himself to his own inheritance.” - Numbers 36:6-9.

Again, once you are saved, you will receive a part of the inheritance of the Kingdom of God, no one can take that away from you. It is yours forever and ever. While it is important that we remain within our own tribe, God assures us that we are still His people and nothing we do can make us lose the rights to what He has given us simply for believing in His Son, Jesus Christ. Think of it this way, you have a child, that child is yours forever, no matter what he or she does, they are still yours forever. Once you accept Christ as your Savior you are one of God's children, no matter what you do you are still His for ever and ever. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:11-13. Praise God!

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through cities of refuge. “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:..Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” - Hebrews 6:18,20.

Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Sunday, February 27, 2011

King James Daily Bible Study: Avoiding The Con

King James Daily Bible Study: Avoiding The Con
Date: Sunday February 27, 2011
Chapters: Numbers 32-33
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-february-27
Details of Today's Reading: The tribes of Reuben and Gad request an inheritance on the east of Jordan instead of going into the promised land, the Israelites journey from camp to camp, and orders are given by God to drive the Canaanites out of the land.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
Have you ever fallen for a con, got tricked by someone who thought was trustworthy? I have known some real charmers in my lifetime, it is usually after they conned you several times that you realize how deceitful they are and wonder if they ever told the truth about anything. You know, we may get conned, but no one can con God. He knows all, sees all, and goes directly to the heart of every person to see whether or not they are sincere in fulfilling the commitment they made with Him. “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” - Psalm 24:3-5.

When the tribes of Reuben and Gad saw the beautiful land before them and how much there was of it, having possessed much cattle, they did not want to dwell in the land that God promised them, instead they asked if they could remain there.

“Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;..And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones: But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land. We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance.” - Numbers 32:1,16-18.

Beyond that beautiful land was a land full of idolatry and corruption, but they were blind to the dangers of it because all they saw was the surface. While the promised land had much of the same, the one thing that this land did not have was God's presence. The Reubenites and Gadites are examples of people who know God, are probably saved, but God rarely plays a role in their lives. The problem with that is that one day when they need God the most He is not going to be there to comfort and help them because they never acknowledged Him. “I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.” - Hosea 5:15. Until we acknowledge God, we will not know His presence.

After Moses questioned them he came up with a compromise that would allow the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of the tribe of Manasseh to possess the land, they needed to help the other tribes get into the promised land. First of all, God hates compromise, second of all, neither Moses nor the tribes sought guidance from God in this matter. However, God allowed Moses to instruct them on the matter.

“And Moses said unto them, If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war, And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the LORD, until he hath driven out his enemies from before him, And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD. But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.” - Numbers 32:20-23.

Upon this declaration Moses frees them from all guilt, and promises them the desired land for a possession, on condition that they fulfill their promise, but he reminds them again of the sin that they will commit, and will have to atone for, if their promise is not fulfilled. We can not hide from our sins, even the most cleaver con can not con God. “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” - I Corinthians 3:17-19.

The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, they were close to the promised land. God gave them instructions before they were to cross over the Jordan.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan; Then ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places: And ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it. And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit. But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them. ” - Numbers 33:50-56.

God gave them all a stern warning, once they crossed over the Jordan, they were about to enter a land full of temptation and corruption. They were ordered to drive out all of the people and everything that would give them cause to sin. If they did not they would face constant affliction and suffering, not only by them, but by God Himself. God instructs all His people to drive out anyone and anything that would cause them to sin. Why? No matter how strong we are or how close we are to God, if the temptation remains eventually one will give into it.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17,18.

Sometimes no matter how much we try to avoid the con, we fall for something, simply because we try to trust and see the good in everyone. I do not know how many times I or my family has allowed someone to stay at our house only to find corruption in it. It is important that as Christians we do all we can to avoid these situations, set some boundaries, be cordial, but always on guard. “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Thessalonians 5:14-23.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the promised land (33:50-54). “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” - John 10:10.

Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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