King James Daily Bible Study: The Fear of God
Date: Saturday March 12, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 32-34
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-12
Details of Today's Reading: The song and exhortation of Moses, the blessings upon the tribes, the vision and death of Moses.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word fear is defined as to alarm or warn, to reverence or give respect to, to awe or show love to, or to be afraid of. You will often hear the phrase “Fear God”or “Fear the Lord” at some point in your walk with God. If you put the meanings to the word God is saying one of several things. “I am warning you.”, “Show some respect for me.”, “Show love toward me.”, or “Be afraid of me.” The Bible says, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” - Ephesians 5:18-21.
Sometimes we do need to be afraid of what God would do to us, but for the most part, fearing God is simply showing God that you love and respect Him by not only listening to His warnings, but following them. We are His people, He knows us better than we do and knows what is going to happen to us well beyond what we see before our eyes. Therefore, the best thing we can ever do to help ourselves is to fear God. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” - Hebrews 12:28.
Before Moses finished his speech to the Israelites and the Levites he taught them a song that they were to remember and sing often. It was not a typical uplifting song, it was a solemn song, one that foretold much of the future of the Israelites as well as other nations. The objective of this song was to remind them of God's judgment and salvation to all who fear the Rock.
“Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation...Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee...How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up? For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges...To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.”- Deuteronomy 32:1-5,18,30,31,35,36.
God will not watch one of His own living in sin, He will turn His back on them and let them fall, until He says, “Okay, they have had enough.” That is when He places that fear in them and reminds them that He is still around and it's time to repent. Their Rock that will judge or chaste and save a few is the same Rock that will judge and save a few of us, Jesus Christ. “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 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 10:1-4.
Now, after the chastening comes the blessings, Moses reminded the Israelites about the inheritance they were about to receive from God, it was not by their righteousness that they received it, but simply by being one of His own. “And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words. Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob.” - Deuteronomy 33:1-4.
You know if we depended on our own self righteousness to receive things from people we would get absolutely nothing. No one wants to give people things when they are arrogant and proud. That is why God does not give us an inheritance into the Kingdom of God by our righteousness. All who receive His Son receive a part of the inheritance of God's kingdom.“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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. ” - Ephesians 2:8-10.
Moses went up to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, one last time to view the promised land before he died. The beautiful land, flowing with milk and honey could been seen, but he could not enter it because of his disobedience. However, God never forgot what Moses had done for Him throughout the years and even after he was told that he could not go into the promised land. “And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day...And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,” - Deuteronomy 34:4-6,10.
Sometimes there are things that we do that forfeit our rights to receive certain blessings from God here on earth, but when we make things right with Him He will honor us and bless us accordingly. It is actually what we do for Him after we are saved that counts and last for eternity. There will come a time when our life here on earth will be no more and we will face Jesus Christ for judgment. He is going to show us an instant replay of our lives, the things we have done for Him, the opportunities we have missed, and He will also show us what rewards we will receive, but the most important thing He will judge is whether or not we know Him. Many people know of Jesus, but do not know Him personally as their Savior and unfortunately that is going to decide their fate. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” - Matthew 7:21-23.
The fate of those who do not know Christ is a second death, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:12-15.
Yes, it is a scary thought that one can end up cast into a lake of fire, that is something we all need to be afraid of, not God. People ask me, “How can God let so many people end up in hell if He loves everyone?” The truth is He gave up His Son so no one has to end up in hell. What greater love is that? It is of one's own choice whether or not they accept Christ into their lives. God loves them either way, Christ died for them too, but He will not save someone that does not want to be saved. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:10.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Rock, He is our foundation that no one can shake. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 3:11.
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, March 12, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: The Mysteries of God
King James Daily Bible Study: The Mysteries of God
Date: Friday March 11, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 29-31
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-11
Details of Today's Reading: A reminder of the miracles from God, the ruin of the Jewish nation foretold, the blessings and curses, and mercy on those who repent, Moses hands over leadership to Joshua, and gives the Levites a talking to.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
If you go up to anyone off the streets and ask them, “What do you think about all the fighting, wars, and natural disasters going on?” I imagine you may get answers like the apocalypse is coming, Armageddon, it's the end of the world, it's karma, it's the sign of the times, or Jesus is coming, but the majority of people would not know how to answer that question because they do not even know that God or a god of some sort exists. That is where we come in, the few and faithful Christians that know the truth, do not bend it, and are not afraid to speak it. Jesus said, “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given...For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” - Matthew 13:11,15-17.
People want to know what's going on in the world and instead of watching some movie, reading some book, or listening to some one who has no clue what is going on, God has chosen His few and faithful to teach those who really want to know the truth, the truth. God may have chosen the Israelites to be the people that would represent Him, but He did not leave anyone out, if anyone entered the covenant with God they would be one of His people.
“Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do. Ye stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel, Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water: That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day: That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” - Deuteronomy 29:9-13.
When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior you entered a covenant with God, you made an oath. You are trusting in His Son to save you from hell and He is giving you heaven and eternal life in doing so. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:5-7.
God blesses the few and faithful, sometimes it may look as though we can not get ahead and that God is no where to be found, but as God places trials before us for a reason. He grows us spiritually, increases our faith and trust in Him, and teaches us to be dependent on Him for all things. God promised the Israelites that they would be blessed and prosper in all that they did simply for remaining faithful to Him.
“And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers: If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off...But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.” - Deuteronomy 30:9-11,14-16.
God's Word is the key to knowing and following His commandments, without it we would never know the mysteries of God and would be guessing at this just like the rest of the world. We must never lose sight of God's Word, even if you are new at reading the Bible, every little bit counts. I know people who have decided to read the Bible cover to cover one chapter a day and still going strong five years later. The truth is, it's not how fast or how much we read, it's reading it and taking a little bit in each day. “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” - Psalm 119:15-18.
Moses gives some instructions and encouragement to Joshua, who God chose to lead the people into the promise land and to the priests and Levites who would take over as ministering to the people. “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee...And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, men and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.” - Deuteronomy 31:6,10-13.
It is the few and faithful that God uses to keep His Word going strong, God appoints people of all walks of life to preach and teach His Word. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” - Ephesians 4:11-13.
We who know the mysteries of God need to take a stand and not be afraid to tell the truth to those who really need to hear it. Remember, the truth sets you free. If they do not want to hear the truth than it is on them, but at least you gave them something to think about and you did what God asked you to do. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - II Timothy 2:15.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed as life (30:15). Jesus is life in all who believe in Him, “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - I John 5:12.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you, have a wonderful weekend,
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 March 11, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 29-31
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-11
Details of Today's Reading: A reminder of the miracles from God, the ruin of the Jewish nation foretold, the blessings and curses, and mercy on those who repent, Moses hands over leadership to Joshua, and gives the Levites a talking to.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
If you go up to anyone off the streets and ask them, “What do you think about all the fighting, wars, and natural disasters going on?” I imagine you may get answers like the apocalypse is coming, Armageddon, it's the end of the world, it's karma, it's the sign of the times, or Jesus is coming, but the majority of people would not know how to answer that question because they do not even know that God or a god of some sort exists. That is where we come in, the few and faithful Christians that know the truth, do not bend it, and are not afraid to speak it. Jesus said, “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given...For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” - Matthew 13:11,15-17.
People want to know what's going on in the world and instead of watching some movie, reading some book, or listening to some one who has no clue what is going on, God has chosen His few and faithful to teach those who really want to know the truth, the truth. God may have chosen the Israelites to be the people that would represent Him, but He did not leave anyone out, if anyone entered the covenant with God they would be one of His people.
“Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do. Ye stand this day all of you before the LORD your God; your captains of your tribes, your elders, and your officers, with all the men of Israel, Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that is in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water: That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day: That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” - Deuteronomy 29:9-13.
When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior you entered a covenant with God, you made an oath. You are trusting in His Son to save you from hell and He is giving you heaven and eternal life in doing so. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:5-7.
God blesses the few and faithful, sometimes it may look as though we can not get ahead and that God is no where to be found, but as God places trials before us for a reason. He grows us spiritually, increases our faith and trust in Him, and teaches us to be dependent on Him for all things. God promised the Israelites that they would be blessed and prosper in all that they did simply for remaining faithful to Him.
“And the LORD thy God will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for the LORD will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers: If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off...But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.” - Deuteronomy 30:9-11,14-16.
God's Word is the key to knowing and following His commandments, without it we would never know the mysteries of God and would be guessing at this just like the rest of the world. We must never lose sight of God's Word, even if you are new at reading the Bible, every little bit counts. I know people who have decided to read the Bible cover to cover one chapter a day and still going strong five years later. The truth is, it's not how fast or how much we read, it's reading it and taking a little bit in each day. “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” - Psalm 119:15-18.
Moses gives some instructions and encouragement to Joshua, who God chose to lead the people into the promise land and to the priests and Levites who would take over as ministering to the people. “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee...And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, men and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.” - Deuteronomy 31:6,10-13.
It is the few and faithful that God uses to keep His Word going strong, God appoints people of all walks of life to preach and teach His Word. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” - Ephesians 4:11-13.
We who know the mysteries of God need to take a stand and not be afraid to tell the truth to those who really need to hear it. Remember, the truth sets you free. If they do not want to hear the truth than it is on them, but at least you gave them something to think about and you did what God asked you to do. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - II Timothy 2:15.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed as life (30:15). Jesus is life in all who believe in Him, “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - I John 5:12.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you, have a wonderful weekend,
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, March 10, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Delighting In His Way
King James Daily Bible Study: Delighting In His Way
Date: Thursday March 10, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 28
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-10
Details of Today's Reading: The blessings upon those whom obey God's commands, and the foretelling of the curses upon those whom do not obey God's commands.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Most of us try to do the right thing, but if you ask someone what would be the right thing to do you would get a thousand different answers. Why? We all have our own views on what we see as the right thing to do. While one person condones a little white lie, another is against it. I can count many times where I have allowed something knowing it was wrong because I did not want a confrontation. Since we all have our own views on what the right thing to do is it is important to see God's view on what the right thing to do is. The Bible says, “For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” - Psalm 37:22-24. The key to doing the right thing is delighting in God's way. Regardless of what others do or how they treat us, we must follow God's way and delight in doing so and when we do God not only blesses us, He blesses us abundantly and everyone around us as well.
The Israelites were days from entering the promised land, I imagine they were both excited and scared at the same time. You know the feeling you get when you walk into a place you have been anticipating for the first time? Wow? There is so much to see and do? What do I do first? Well, most places have a map or a guide showing you what to expect. Through Moses, God gave the Israelites a guide on what to expect and promised them if they follow the guide that they would be blessed.
“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.” - Deuteronomy 28:1-6.
Our guide in everything we do from friendships, to marriage, to work, to play, is God and His Word, as long as we follow His guide we will be blessed and prosper. Who knows us better than ourselves? God does, after all He is the one who made us. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” - John 16:13.
While God is the creator of all things He only chooses certain people to be His people, that is, to represent them as His. Now the amazing thing about that is that God is not a respecter of persons and chooses people from all walks of life, rich, poor, thin, fat, smart, or dumb. He has even chosen murders, thieves, and adulterers to represent Him. Why? To show us that anyone can come to God and do the right thing, to be a changed person and live their lives for Him. You know, people who live in the world are much more afraid of us than we are of them? Why do you think they mock us and treat us so badly? Moses explains this further.
“The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee...And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.” - Deuteronomy 28:9,10,13,14.
There is no better life than one with God in it, He blesses you in so many ways that you can not imagine. Little things that meant nothing to you have more meaning to them, life itself has more meaning to it. When you are one of God's people others notice it and it scares them. Why? God changes you and they do not want to be changed. Jesus said, “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.” - Matthew 10:21,22.
While God saves all who come to Him through His Son that does not exempt them from continuing to live in sin. They might get to heaven, but God is going to strip them of their blessings here on earth until they figure that out. God warned the Israelites what would happen if they do not follow His commands.
“But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store. Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out. The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.” - Deuteronomy 28:15-20.
We must realize that God does not place curses on us Himself, we do it all by ourselves. Every time I read through these chapters I am reminded of the life I was living when God was not in it and the things I allowed and did to please others while trying to find my place in the world. Oh, I was cursed, I destroyed myself, but it was not until I destroyed myself that I realized I have no place in the world, my place is with God. We must lose our lives to gain life. “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” - John 12:25,26.
Now, God has turned that curse into a blessing, simply because I heard His voice and listened to what He was trying to tell me all along. Sometimes it takes God a while to get through to us, but when He does He delights in us as well. We will still have to face some trials and even some repercussions of the past, but this time God will be with us and bless us for delighting in His way. “As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.” - Proverbs 11:19-21.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the One from whom our blessings come (28:1-2). “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” - James 1:25.
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 March 10, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 28
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-10
Details of Today's Reading: The blessings upon those whom obey God's commands, and the foretelling of the curses upon those whom do not obey God's commands.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Most of us try to do the right thing, but if you ask someone what would be the right thing to do you would get a thousand different answers. Why? We all have our own views on what we see as the right thing to do. While one person condones a little white lie, another is against it. I can count many times where I have allowed something knowing it was wrong because I did not want a confrontation. Since we all have our own views on what the right thing to do is it is important to see God's view on what the right thing to do is. The Bible says, “For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” - Psalm 37:22-24. The key to doing the right thing is delighting in God's way. Regardless of what others do or how they treat us, we must follow God's way and delight in doing so and when we do God not only blesses us, He blesses us abundantly and everyone around us as well.
The Israelites were days from entering the promised land, I imagine they were both excited and scared at the same time. You know the feeling you get when you walk into a place you have been anticipating for the first time? Wow? There is so much to see and do? What do I do first? Well, most places have a map or a guide showing you what to expect. Through Moses, God gave the Israelites a guide on what to expect and promised them if they follow the guide that they would be blessed.
“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.” - Deuteronomy 28:1-6.
Our guide in everything we do from friendships, to marriage, to work, to play, is God and His Word, as long as we follow His guide we will be blessed and prosper. Who knows us better than ourselves? God does, after all He is the one who made us. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” - John 16:13.
While God is the creator of all things He only chooses certain people to be His people, that is, to represent them as His. Now the amazing thing about that is that God is not a respecter of persons and chooses people from all walks of life, rich, poor, thin, fat, smart, or dumb. He has even chosen murders, thieves, and adulterers to represent Him. Why? To show us that anyone can come to God and do the right thing, to be a changed person and live their lives for Him. You know, people who live in the world are much more afraid of us than we are of them? Why do you think they mock us and treat us so badly? Moses explains this further.
“The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee...And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.” - Deuteronomy 28:9,10,13,14.
There is no better life than one with God in it, He blesses you in so many ways that you can not imagine. Little things that meant nothing to you have more meaning to them, life itself has more meaning to it. When you are one of God's people others notice it and it scares them. Why? God changes you and they do not want to be changed. Jesus said, “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.” - Matthew 10:21,22.
While God saves all who come to Him through His Son that does not exempt them from continuing to live in sin. They might get to heaven, but God is going to strip them of their blessings here on earth until they figure that out. God warned the Israelites what would happen if they do not follow His commands.
“But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field. Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store. Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Cursed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out. The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.” - Deuteronomy 28:15-20.
We must realize that God does not place curses on us Himself, we do it all by ourselves. Every time I read through these chapters I am reminded of the life I was living when God was not in it and the things I allowed and did to please others while trying to find my place in the world. Oh, I was cursed, I destroyed myself, but it was not until I destroyed myself that I realized I have no place in the world, my place is with God. We must lose our lives to gain life. “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” - John 12:25,26.
Now, God has turned that curse into a blessing, simply because I heard His voice and listened to what He was trying to tell me all along. Sometimes it takes God a while to get through to us, but when He does He delights in us as well. We will still have to face some trials and even some repercussions of the past, but this time God will be with us and bless us for delighting in His way. “As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death. They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.” - Proverbs 11:19-21.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the One from whom our blessings come (28:1-2). “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” - James 1:25.
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, March 9, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Avouched For
King James Daily Bible Study: Avouched For
Date: Wednesday March 09, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 24-27
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-9
Details of Today's Reading: Laws concerning divorce, newly married couples, pledges, justice, generosity to strangers, first born rights, weights and measures, the covenant made with God and His people, and the law to be written and followed.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word avouch means to assume responsibility for, to testify on one's behalf. When Jesus Christ died on the cross He avouched for all of us, He took on the responsibility for all our sins and gave His life for everyone, regardless of whether or not they accept Him. Now, when you call on Jesus Christ to save you, He takes that one step further, He stands before God and avouches for you, testifies on your behalf that you have accepted Him and are depending on Him for your salvation (to be saved from death, hell, and being cast into the lake of fire). “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:22,23.
When God chose the Israelites to be His people, He avouched for them, took on the responsibility of them as a parent would his very own children. When God avouches for you He will never go back on His promise and He will never forsake you, but He does expect you to follow through with the covenant He made with you. That is why He enforced so many rules upon the Israelites, even from marriage to divorce God enforced some kind of rule in order to show the world that His people are not to follow suit with them. Moses explains this further.
“When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife. And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.” - Deuteronomy 24:1-5.
Marriage is very sacred to God, it means much more to Him than a man and woman saying “I do.” It is a union in which the man and woman have avouched themselves to each other. They are no longer two separate people, but joined as one. Jesus said, “It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” - Matthew 5:31,32. Fornication means immorality or adultery of any kind and is the only exception to divorce, if all other means to reconcile are exhausted.
When we accept Christ as our Savior we enter a marriage with Him, a union, joined as one, and nothing can separate or divorce us from Him, therefore, God sees a marriage between a man and woman just as He would a marriage between Christ and His convert. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 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 8:35-39.
God's choice in His people had nothing to do with them being more righteous than any one else, it had to do simply with the covenant He made with Abraham, a man who committed adultery with his own wife, to establish Himself through his seed and make him a father of many nations. God promised the Israelites that He would not only avouch for them, He would bless them if they simply hearken to His voice.
“This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice: And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.” - Deuteronomy 26:16-19.
God not only avouches for the Israelites, but all who hearken to His voice, all who listen to the call to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. If you have accepted Christ you are one of God's people, a peculiar people, unique, and a holy people. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - I Peter 2:9,10.
Likewise, God wants you to avouch for Him, to take on the responsibility of showing the world that being one of God's people is an honor, a blessing, and something to value. The sad thing is that so many people who claim to be Christians do not live as Christians or live even worse than people in the world do. They have put God to shame and caused a great deal of distrust in Him in the eyes of the world. “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” - Romans 1:22,23.
Therefore, it is important that we who do live as true Christians avouch for God in how He has changed our lives and lift Him us as the amazing, wonderful and merciful God that He is. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away... Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” -I Peter 5:2-4,8-10.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and Pharaoh (26:8). “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - II Peter 2:9.
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 March 09, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 24-27
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-9
Details of Today's Reading: Laws concerning divorce, newly married couples, pledges, justice, generosity to strangers, first born rights, weights and measures, the covenant made with God and His people, and the law to be written and followed.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word avouch means to assume responsibility for, to testify on one's behalf. When Jesus Christ died on the cross He avouched for all of us, He took on the responsibility for all our sins and gave His life for everyone, regardless of whether or not they accept Him. Now, when you call on Jesus Christ to save you, He takes that one step further, He stands before God and avouches for you, testifies on your behalf that you have accepted Him and are depending on Him for your salvation (to be saved from death, hell, and being cast into the lake of fire). “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:22,23.
When God chose the Israelites to be His people, He avouched for them, took on the responsibility of them as a parent would his very own children. When God avouches for you He will never go back on His promise and He will never forsake you, but He does expect you to follow through with the covenant He made with you. That is why He enforced so many rules upon the Israelites, even from marriage to divorce God enforced some kind of rule in order to show the world that His people are not to follow suit with them. Moses explains this further.
“When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife. And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.” - Deuteronomy 24:1-5.
Marriage is very sacred to God, it means much more to Him than a man and woman saying “I do.” It is a union in which the man and woman have avouched themselves to each other. They are no longer two separate people, but joined as one. Jesus said, “It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” - Matthew 5:31,32. Fornication means immorality or adultery of any kind and is the only exception to divorce, if all other means to reconcile are exhausted.
When we accept Christ as our Savior we enter a marriage with Him, a union, joined as one, and nothing can separate or divorce us from Him, therefore, God sees a marriage between a man and woman just as He would a marriage between Christ and His convert. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 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 8:35-39.
God's choice in His people had nothing to do with them being more righteous than any one else, it had to do simply with the covenant He made with Abraham, a man who committed adultery with his own wife, to establish Himself through his seed and make him a father of many nations. God promised the Israelites that He would not only avouch for them, He would bless them if they simply hearken to His voice.
“This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice: And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.” - Deuteronomy 26:16-19.
God not only avouches for the Israelites, but all who hearken to His voice, all who listen to the call to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. If you have accepted Christ you are one of God's people, a peculiar people, unique, and a holy people. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - I Peter 2:9,10.
Likewise, God wants you to avouch for Him, to take on the responsibility of showing the world that being one of God's people is an honor, a blessing, and something to value. The sad thing is that so many people who claim to be Christians do not live as Christians or live even worse than people in the world do. They have put God to shame and caused a great deal of distrust in Him in the eyes of the world. “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.” - Romans 1:22,23.
Therefore, it is important that we who do live as true Christians avouch for God in how He has changed our lives and lift Him us as the amazing, wonderful and merciful God that He is. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away... Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” -I Peter 5:2-4,8-10.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and Pharaoh (26:8). “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - II Peter 2:9.
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, March 8, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Magnetized To God
King James Daily Bible Study: Magnetized To God
Date: Tuesday March 08, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 21-23
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-8
Details of Today's Reading: Cleansed of blood shed, the fate of a stubborn son, humanity toward others, the consequences of immorality, cleanliness, and vowing a vow.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
A magnet is a metal device that is magnetized by positive and negative electrical current in a coil that surrounds it. A magnet will find and attract a certain type of metal hidden between several objects and bring it to it. Once the metal attaches to it it is hard to remove it from the magnet, the stronger the magnet, the stronger the hold it has on the object. Imagine the magnet as God, God will find His people no matter what obstacles are in between Him and them. “How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” - Matthew 18:12-14.
Now bring another magnet near it and see what happens, one of two things happens. If the positive and negative sides meet they will attract, if both positive or negative sides meet they will never attract no matter how much you force them. The Bible says, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” - II Timothy 2:19-22. As Christians we must have a balance of positives and negatives in our lives if we want God's presence in our lives, meaning we need to remain faithful to Him when things look good and bad. Any change in our heart toward God will cause separation until we get right with Him.
Moses instructs the Israelites on the rebellious and immoral acts that are an abomination to God. While some of the penalties were severe God stresses the importance of why He placed such harsh punishments upon the people. “If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear. And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 21:18-23.
God enforced these punishments upon the people to put the evil away, in other words, to keep the rest of His people from falling into corruption. If they feared that that what was going to happen to them they would not do it. Think about it. If you were just told to stay away from something that is dangerous would you do it? Most people when told they can not do something do it. However, if you actually saw someone get killed from doing it wouldn't you be less likely not to do it? While God does not want to enforce such punishments, He will if it meant that it would be the only way to keep His people from being corrupted. “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - II Peter 2:9.
Perhaps the things that are an abomination to God next to following other gods are the things that defile the body. Since God made us in His own image we are to present ourselves as such, while it may seem strange to us, it's the little things that matter to God, even the clothes we wear matter to God. Everything we do that pertains to the body needs to be done as God would want it done. Moses explains this further.
“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young: But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days...Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together. Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.” - Deuteronomy 22:5-7,10-12.
If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have respect to His will and to His glory, and not to the vain fashions of the world. Even in putting on our garments, as in eating or in drinking, all must be done with a serious regard to preserve our own and others purity in heart and actions. The birds nest refers to a persons home, we are responsible for our own sins, not those caused by others, in other words if a parent's wickedness causes a child to sin, the child is not bound to the law, only the parent. As for the plow, it is the same as the magnet, when they oppose nothing gets done. “If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” - I Corinthians 3:15-17.
Today, we need to be truly grateful that all these laws were done away with when Jesus Christ died on the cross. However, the same principals still apply. When you accepted Christ as your Savior you made a vow with God and God expects you to follow through with it. Moses explains this further.
“When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.” - Deuteronomy 23:21-23.
God promises to all that if they confess with their mouths, with a pure heart, the Lord Jesus that He will follow through with His vow. “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. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 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.” - Romans 10:9-12.
God opposes all who really have no interest in Him and will not save a person who really does not want to be saved. But if you are saved that means that you are magnetized to God forever, your pure heart keeps God magnetized to you. Even if His people go astray He knows their heart and will bring them back to Him no matter how long it takes. “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 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 8:37-39. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the hanged body on the tree that was taken down (21:22,23). In the evening He was taken down from the cross, signifying the Law had been satisfied. “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:” - Galatians 3:13.
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 March 08, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 21-23
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-8
Details of Today's Reading: Cleansed of blood shed, the fate of a stubborn son, humanity toward others, the consequences of immorality, cleanliness, and vowing a vow.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
A magnet is a metal device that is magnetized by positive and negative electrical current in a coil that surrounds it. A magnet will find and attract a certain type of metal hidden between several objects and bring it to it. Once the metal attaches to it it is hard to remove it from the magnet, the stronger the magnet, the stronger the hold it has on the object. Imagine the magnet as God, God will find His people no matter what obstacles are in between Him and them. “How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” - Matthew 18:12-14.
Now bring another magnet near it and see what happens, one of two things happens. If the positive and negative sides meet they will attract, if both positive or negative sides meet they will never attract no matter how much you force them. The Bible says, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” - II Timothy 2:19-22. As Christians we must have a balance of positives and negatives in our lives if we want God's presence in our lives, meaning we need to remain faithful to Him when things look good and bad. Any change in our heart toward God will cause separation until we get right with Him.
Moses instructs the Israelites on the rebellious and immoral acts that are an abomination to God. While some of the penalties were severe God stresses the importance of why He placed such harsh punishments upon the people. “If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear. And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 21:18-23.
God enforced these punishments upon the people to put the evil away, in other words, to keep the rest of His people from falling into corruption. If they feared that that what was going to happen to them they would not do it. Think about it. If you were just told to stay away from something that is dangerous would you do it? Most people when told they can not do something do it. However, if you actually saw someone get killed from doing it wouldn't you be less likely not to do it? While God does not want to enforce such punishments, He will if it meant that it would be the only way to keep His people from being corrupted. “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - II Peter 2:9.
Perhaps the things that are an abomination to God next to following other gods are the things that defile the body. Since God made us in His own image we are to present ourselves as such, while it may seem strange to us, it's the little things that matter to God, even the clothes we wear matter to God. Everything we do that pertains to the body needs to be done as God would want it done. Moses explains this further.
“The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young: But thou shalt in any wise let the dam go, and take the young to thee; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days...Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together. Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together. Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.” - Deuteronomy 22:5-7,10-12.
If we would prove ourselves to be God's people, we must have respect to His will and to His glory, and not to the vain fashions of the world. Even in putting on our garments, as in eating or in drinking, all must be done with a serious regard to preserve our own and others purity in heart and actions. The birds nest refers to a persons home, we are responsible for our own sins, not those caused by others, in other words if a parent's wickedness causes a child to sin, the child is not bound to the law, only the parent. As for the plow, it is the same as the magnet, when they oppose nothing gets done. “If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” - I Corinthians 3:15-17.
Today, we need to be truly grateful that all these laws were done away with when Jesus Christ died on the cross. However, the same principals still apply. When you accepted Christ as your Savior you made a vow with God and God expects you to follow through with it. Moses explains this further.
“When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.” - Deuteronomy 23:21-23.
God promises to all that if they confess with their mouths, with a pure heart, the Lord Jesus that He will follow through with His vow. “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. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 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.” - Romans 10:9-12.
God opposes all who really have no interest in Him and will not save a person who really does not want to be saved. But if you are saved that means that you are magnetized to God forever, your pure heart keeps God magnetized to you. Even if His people go astray He knows their heart and will bring them back to Him no matter how long it takes. “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 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 8:37-39. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the hanged body on the tree that was taken down (21:22,23). In the evening He was taken down from the cross, signifying the Law had been satisfied. “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:” - Galatians 3:13.
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, March 7, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: God of Peace
King James Daily Bible Study: God of Peace
Date: Monday March 07, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 17-20
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-7
Details of Today's Reading: Perfect sacrifices, penalties for idolatry, dealing with controversy, choosing a king, providing for the Levites, the abominations of the Canaanites, Christ foretold, cities of refuge, and the false witness.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word evil is defined as any wrong doing, immoral, mischievous, or malicious (hateful) act committed in principle or practice. In other words, any thought or action that is immoral, hateful, or wrong is evil and God hates evil. The Bible says, “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 5:15-23.
As Moses continues to give the Israelites instructions on how they were to act and reminders of the blessings from God, past, present, and future, Moses gave strict instructions to remove all evil from their presence. God wanted every appearance of evil to be removed, even if it meant killing the one person who caused it to happen.
“Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination unto the LORD thy God. If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant, And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded; And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel: Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.” - Deuteronomy 17:1-5.
As Christians we are to present ourselves as a living sacrifice, meaning we are to offer ourselves to God spotless. In other words, if you are going to live for God do it wholeheartedly, you can not have God in your life and live in the world too, it's as if you are serving another god to Him. Now, God knows we are going to sin every now and then, even when serving Him, but there is a difference between presenting yourself as spotless or a blemish. “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. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:1-3.
God is adamant about removing all evil thoughts or actions from our lives and anyone who would cause such. It was important for the Israelites to drive out the heathens that were possessing the land. God already knew that these people would not accept Him and He was perfectly fine with that, but He would not have His own people doing the things that they were doing.
“For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” - Deuteronomy 18:14-18.
The prophet Moses speaks of is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, everything from the sacrifices, to the tabernacle, to the law was a representative of Christ that would one day come in the flesh. “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect...But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;..For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” - Hebrews 10:1,12,14. The amazing thing about God is that He is perfectly fine if a person does not want to accept Him, while He loves all and does want all to accept Him, He rather them go about their own business then mix in with His people and corrupt them. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” - II Peter 3:9.
God promised that He would be there for and assist the Israelites in possessing the land He promised them, but it was going to be a battle. However, if the Israelites wanted the best God had to offer they would have to put their faith and trust in Him, who would in turn show them how to possess it in a godly way, with His leadership.
“When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” - Deuteronomy 20:1-4.
Why did God choose for them to possess a land already possessed by heathens? While God promises to give His people the best life, He wants us to learn to appreciate it. God will always give us the best, but He does want us to work for it in order to learn to appreciate it. However, the incredible thing is that God has an amazing place waiting for all who put their faith and trust in His Son. We are rewarded eternal life for accepting Him, but you can be sure that in order to learn to appreciate that gift we will have to do some work and endure some suffering here on earth first. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” - Titus 3:5-8.
The world does not see God as the God of peace that we as Christians see Him as, even some Christians will question God, especially when something evil happens to them or someone they love. While my mom is a faithful Christian, to this day she still has a hard time forgiving people that harassed my brother ten years ago and questions why God allowed it to happen in the first place. Can I tell you that everything we go through, whether it is joy, sorrow, grief, or suffering, works together for our own good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28. One day we will be able to look back and say, “So, that is why You put me through that?” and you will be able to see that God is truly the God of peace and had a good reason for what He put you through.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the prophet God would send to speak His Word. “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” - John 14:10.
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: Monday March 07, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 17-20
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-7
Details of Today's Reading: Perfect sacrifices, penalties for idolatry, dealing with controversy, choosing a king, providing for the Levites, the abominations of the Canaanites, Christ foretold, cities of refuge, and the false witness.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word evil is defined as any wrong doing, immoral, mischievous, or malicious (hateful) act committed in principle or practice. In other words, any thought or action that is immoral, hateful, or wrong is evil and God hates evil. The Bible says, “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 5:15-23.
As Moses continues to give the Israelites instructions on how they were to act and reminders of the blessings from God, past, present, and future, Moses gave strict instructions to remove all evil from their presence. God wanted every appearance of evil to be removed, even if it meant killing the one person who caused it to happen.
“Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination unto the LORD thy God. If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant, And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded; And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel: Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.” - Deuteronomy 17:1-5.
As Christians we are to present ourselves as a living sacrifice, meaning we are to offer ourselves to God spotless. In other words, if you are going to live for God do it wholeheartedly, you can not have God in your life and live in the world too, it's as if you are serving another god to Him. Now, God knows we are going to sin every now and then, even when serving Him, but there is a difference between presenting yourself as spotless or a blemish. “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. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:1-3.
God is adamant about removing all evil thoughts or actions from our lives and anyone who would cause such. It was important for the Israelites to drive out the heathens that were possessing the land. God already knew that these people would not accept Him and He was perfectly fine with that, but He would not have His own people doing the things that they were doing.
“For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” - Deuteronomy 18:14-18.
The prophet Moses speaks of is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, everything from the sacrifices, to the tabernacle, to the law was a representative of Christ that would one day come in the flesh. “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect...But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;..For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” - Hebrews 10:1,12,14. The amazing thing about God is that He is perfectly fine if a person does not want to accept Him, while He loves all and does want all to accept Him, He rather them go about their own business then mix in with His people and corrupt them. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” - II Peter 3:9.
God promised that He would be there for and assist the Israelites in possessing the land He promised them, but it was going to be a battle. However, if the Israelites wanted the best God had to offer they would have to put their faith and trust in Him, who would in turn show them how to possess it in a godly way, with His leadership.
“When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” - Deuteronomy 20:1-4.
Why did God choose for them to possess a land already possessed by heathens? While God promises to give His people the best life, He wants us to learn to appreciate it. God will always give us the best, but He does want us to work for it in order to learn to appreciate it. However, the incredible thing is that God has an amazing place waiting for all who put their faith and trust in His Son. We are rewarded eternal life for accepting Him, but you can be sure that in order to learn to appreciate that gift we will have to do some work and endure some suffering here on earth first. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” - Titus 3:5-8.
The world does not see God as the God of peace that we as Christians see Him as, even some Christians will question God, especially when something evil happens to them or someone they love. While my mom is a faithful Christian, to this day she still has a hard time forgiving people that harassed my brother ten years ago and questions why God allowed it to happen in the first place. Can I tell you that everything we go through, whether it is joy, sorrow, grief, or suffering, works together for our own good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28. One day we will be able to look back and say, “So, that is why You put me through that?” and you will be able to see that God is truly the God of peace and had a good reason for what He put you through.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the prophet God would send to speak His Word. “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” - John 14:10.
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
Sunday, March 6, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Heart And Soul With God
King James Daily Bible Study: Heart And Soul With God
Date: Saturday March 05, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 11-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-5
Details of Today's Reading: Moses continues to remind the Israelites of the miraculous things God has done for them and their fathers, the warnings of serving other gods, changing God's commandments, and enticing others to sin.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Did you ever wonder, “How did I end up in this situation?” You spent sleepless nights worrying and stressed out because things did not go as planned, yet the more you did to fix the problem the bigger the bigger the problem got? We all have gotten into messes like these and the main culprit to these situations is two things that Satan uses to deceive us in all the time and those are the heart and the soul. The Bible says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” - I Peter 2:9-11.
The soul craves love just as much as the heart does and it will follow along side by side it, even if it knows it is dangerous. Why? The soul is our inner most being,our center of life, it follows one of two things, the heart, which is our own emotional thinking, and the spirit, which, if you have Christ in you, is the Spirit of God in you. If you follow God your soul follows God, if you follow your heart the soul follows you heart. As Moses continues to remind the Israelites of the miracles and chastening they have witness over the years he explains the importance of keeping God in both the heart and soul.
“And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,..Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; And then the LORD's wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you. Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” - Deuteronomy 11:13,16-19.
The heart is the center of our feelings, the thoughts we get in our head come from the heart. The soul is the center of our physical bodies, the feelings we get in our heart come from the soul. We get into these situations because the soul desires something the heart just can not give and that is life. Once the soul figures out that joy does not come from the surface it longs for something that comes from within. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” - Galatians 5:19-25.
What is life? Life is the blood that is within us, without it we would be dead, but blood is more than just fluid that runs through our veins. We can not just have any kind of blood put in us, it must be a special type or serious complications or even death can occur. The one true thing to give life to the soul is God and Moses explains this further.
“When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after. If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after. Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike. Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh. Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water. Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD. Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:” - Deuteronomy 12:20-26.
The soul longs for flesh, meaning it desires physical things that the heart longs for also, but the blood, the true source of life, was not to be eaten, meaning God is the only true source for life. In other words, the soul is telling us we need something to make us feel alive. Then the heart gets involved searching for anything to make it feel alive, instead of the one true thing that can give life to the soul, and that is God, whom brings us life through the Lord Jesus Christ. “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.
Moses warns the Israelites not to get around those who think they know what God is going to do, claiming to know the true source of life. This is warning to all those false prophets and religions claiming that they know God, but lead them away from Him, and also a warning to psychics and fortune tellers too.
“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.” - Deuteronomy 13:1-5.
We can not trust every person that claims they know God, the only way to know God through His Son. When His Spirit moves in us we can read the Bible and finally get some meaning out of what God is really saying. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” - John 14:5,6. Jesus is the only true source to life and all who accept Him receive life. The soul literally comes alive and then informs the heart to keep it on Him to keep us feeling alive. It is important that we always keep our heart and soul on Jesus, He is what keeps us out of trouble and helps us out of any messes we have gotten into. You do not have to worry or stress out about things, Jesus is with you, He will help you out of every situation that you are in. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” - Matthew 11:28,29.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the burnt offerings to be atoned for their sins. Jesus offered Himself once to save all who come to Him. “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.
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: Saturday March 05, 2011
Chapters: Deuteronomy 11-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-5
Details of Today's Reading: Moses continues to remind the Israelites of the miraculous things God has done for them and their fathers, the warnings of serving other gods, changing God's commandments, and enticing others to sin.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Did you ever wonder, “How did I end up in this situation?” You spent sleepless nights worrying and stressed out because things did not go as planned, yet the more you did to fix the problem the bigger the bigger the problem got? We all have gotten into messes like these and the main culprit to these situations is two things that Satan uses to deceive us in all the time and those are the heart and the soul. The Bible says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” - I Peter 2:9-11.
The soul craves love just as much as the heart does and it will follow along side by side it, even if it knows it is dangerous. Why? The soul is our inner most being,our center of life, it follows one of two things, the heart, which is our own emotional thinking, and the spirit, which, if you have Christ in you, is the Spirit of God in you. If you follow God your soul follows God, if you follow your heart the soul follows you heart. As Moses continues to remind the Israelites of the miracles and chastening they have witness over the years he explains the importance of keeping God in both the heart and soul.
“And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,..Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them; And then the LORD's wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you. Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” - Deuteronomy 11:13,16-19.
The heart is the center of our feelings, the thoughts we get in our head come from the heart. The soul is the center of our physical bodies, the feelings we get in our heart come from the soul. We get into these situations because the soul desires something the heart just can not give and that is life. Once the soul figures out that joy does not come from the surface it longs for something that comes from within. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” - Galatians 5:19-25.
What is life? Life is the blood that is within us, without it we would be dead, but blood is more than just fluid that runs through our veins. We can not just have any kind of blood put in us, it must be a special type or serious complications or even death can occur. The one true thing to give life to the soul is God and Moses explains this further.
“When the LORD thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after. If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after. Even as the roebuck and the hart is eaten, so thou shalt eat them: the unclean and the clean shall eat of them alike. Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh. Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water. Thou shalt not eat it; that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, when thou shalt do that which is right in the sight of the LORD. Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:” - Deuteronomy 12:20-26.
The soul longs for flesh, meaning it desires physical things that the heart longs for also, but the blood, the true source of life, was not to be eaten, meaning God is the only true source for life. In other words, the soul is telling us we need something to make us feel alive. Then the heart gets involved searching for anything to make it feel alive, instead of the one true thing that can give life to the soul, and that is God, whom brings us life through the Lord Jesus Christ. “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.
Moses warns the Israelites not to get around those who think they know what God is going to do, claiming to know the true source of life. This is warning to all those false prophets and religions claiming that they know God, but lead them away from Him, and also a warning to psychics and fortune tellers too.
“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.” - Deuteronomy 13:1-5.
We can not trust every person that claims they know God, the only way to know God through His Son. When His Spirit moves in us we can read the Bible and finally get some meaning out of what God is really saying. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” - John 14:5,6. Jesus is the only true source to life and all who accept Him receive life. The soul literally comes alive and then informs the heart to keep it on Him to keep us feeling alive. It is important that we always keep our heart and soul on Jesus, He is what keeps us out of trouble and helps us out of any messes we have gotten into. You do not have to worry or stress out about things, Jesus is with you, He will help you out of every situation that you are in. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” - Matthew 11:28,29.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the burnt offerings to be atoned for their sins. Jesus offered Himself once to save all who come to Him. “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.
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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