King James Daily Bible Study: Be Content, But Look
Date: Saturday March 19, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 17-19
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-19
Details of Today's Reading: The division of the promised land continues for the remainder seven tribes of Israel and the tabernacle is set up in Shiloh.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word content is defined as to be satisfied with what one is or has, not wanting more or anything else. The Bible says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content...Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” - I Timothy 6:6-8,17-19.
The key to being content and seeing God give us all things richly through it, is following His commands. Think about it. A person is hired for a job and gets paid minimum wage, at first he is content with making minimum wage, but after a while he gets tired of it and wants more. If he wants to advance he must show an effort, do the labor needed. This does three things, it shows the employer that he is a hard worker to keep what he has, is willing to work to advance, and shows that he can be trusted with more responsibility. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6.
I imagine that not one of us are doing today what we even imagined doing as a kid. I remember growing up wanting to be an artist, I even got accepted for a scholarship at an art school. Then when I got out of high school I did not go to art school, but a trade school and became an electronic technician. Today, I am a website designer and a Sunday school teacher. How those two would mix, I have no clue, but God does. God used my abilities to design websites to be used to serve Him, not only in reaching the lost with the Gospel via cyberspace, but keep them growing in their faith with Bible studies, knowledge, and encouragement to keep going. You see, if I had just been content with wanting to be an artist I would have never stepped foot in the world of computers, thus being here today. While God does want us to be content with what we have, He does not want us to be so content that we lose sight of our vision. The Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” - Proverbs 29:18. It is good to be content with what we have, but we must look to see what other things God has in store for us.
The Israelites were on the promised land, each tribe was given a part of the land, which was divided by how many people were in the tribe. What the tribes did not account for was the people already dwelling in the land, not God or Joshua, the people. The command from God was to drive them out, the Israelites were not to dwell with the Canaanites. However, many of the tribes did not want to fight and were content to live among them, which caused problems for the smaller tribes.
“And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto? And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee. And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel. And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only: But the mountain shall be thine; for it is a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, and though they be strong.” -Joshua 17:14-18.
Joshua was himself of the tribe of Ephraim, but was far from supporting the demands of his kinsmen, he tells them that they were given enough of the land to share amongst them, plenty of it, and if they fought for it like they were told to do then they would see that. God has much more to give us, but we must show Him that we are content and thankful with what we have first and follow through with what He asks us to do. We can do anything that God asks us to do, He never gives us anything that we can not handle, above all He strengthens us through Christ, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:11-13.
In the midst of the division all the Israelites came together to set up the Tabernacle. “And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.” - Joshua 18:1. The setting up of the Tabernacle in Shiloh gives a hint of the coming Shiloh (Christ) of whom Jacob had spoken. “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” - Genesis 49:10. When Jesus returns all who are His will gather together, Jew and Christian alike will become one nation lead by our King of kings. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” - I Thessalonians 4:16,17.
God has me on a huge task right now, I admit I am struggling with it and know that it does have an impact on some of the trials I am facing. However, I know that I can do it because God knows I can, it's just time for me to get over the fear and let Christ walk me through it. We all have something that we fear that hinders God's blessings, but Christ will walk us through them and allow us to get them done. Oh, it might take some time, but we will get there as long as we remain content with where we are looking forward to the riches that can only come as we diligently do the work He calls us to do. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises...And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. ” - Hebrews 6:10-12,15.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Shiloh, one day Jesus will return, just as He promises to claim all that are His. “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” - John 14:2,3.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you, enjoy your 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
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Value The Promises
King James Daily Bible Study: Value The Promises
Date: Friday March 18, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 14 - 16
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-18
Details of Today's Reading: The nine and a half tribes receive their inheritance, Caleb receives Hebron, Judah's portion, their cities, and the sons of Joseph.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
While our works do not save us and take us to heaven, the work we do after we are saved not only determines the inheritance we receive in the Kingdom of God, but what we will receive here on earth as well. When we are serving God He pays attention and whatever we ask of Him He will give it to us, oh, He may give us a different version of what we anticipate, often even better, but He never goes back on His Word and always keeps His promises.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - II Peter 1:3-8. As we allow Christ to live in and through us He transforms us into His likeness and the closer we get to Him the more fruitful we become.
The time had come for the Israelites to receive the land promised to them, the amount given had nothing to do with how much they had done for God, it was given to them simply because God chose them to be His people. However, the amount of land received was according to the number or people in that tribe, with one exception, Caleb.
“Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea. Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God...Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.” - Joshua 14:6-9,12-14.
Caleb was one of two men, along with Joshua, that came from the first generation of Israelites to come out of Egypt. Forty-five years earlier Moses sent ten people to search the land of Canaan all, but Caleb and Joshua gave an evil report because they feared the size of the people and did not want to fight them. Even though Caleb and Joshua stood by their faith and assured the Israelites that God would help them through it the people had so much anger toward God that God said no one from that generation would step foot on the promised land, except for Caleb and Joshua.
“Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it...Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.” - Numbers 14:22-24,30.
Caleb asked for the mountain that God promised Him for following Him wholly and he got it. God will give us everything He promises us, the key to receiving it is having faith in Him, learning to wait on His time table, and wholly following Him. When we wholly follow God we are more likely to be obedient to Him, conforming into the likeness of His Son. We will never be Jesus, but we can become more like Him and the result is receiving the promises He made to us.
“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” - I Peter 1:2-4.
You are the elect, God has chosen you. Why? Only He knows, but one reason is that you put your faith and trust in His Son. That alone is cause for receiving His promise, the promise of eternal life. God may call you to do only one thing in your life time for Him here on earth, but that one thing is very important to God and should be honored because He chose you to do it. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:16. Praise God!
Caleb shows how he values the promise and insists on the mountain God had spoken of. The man of faith values that which is given by promise far above that given by providence only. We too are to value the promise, while all who call on Jesus to save them are saved, God has much more to give those who are content just to walk in the door. The key to receiving it is allowing Christ to live in and through you. “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep...And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” - John 10:9-11,28. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Caleb, who wholly followed the Lord. “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” - John 5:30.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Friday March 18, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 14 - 16
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-18
Details of Today's Reading: The nine and a half tribes receive their inheritance, Caleb receives Hebron, Judah's portion, their cities, and the sons of Joseph.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
While our works do not save us and take us to heaven, the work we do after we are saved not only determines the inheritance we receive in the Kingdom of God, but what we will receive here on earth as well. When we are serving God He pays attention and whatever we ask of Him He will give it to us, oh, He may give us a different version of what we anticipate, often even better, but He never goes back on His Word and always keeps His promises.
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - II Peter 1:3-8. As we allow Christ to live in and through us He transforms us into His likeness and the closer we get to Him the more fruitful we become.
The time had come for the Israelites to receive the land promised to them, the amount given had nothing to do with how much they had done for God, it was given to them simply because God chose them to be His people. However, the amount of land received was according to the number or people in that tribe, with one exception, Caleb.
“Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea. Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God...Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance. Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.” - Joshua 14:6-9,12-14.
Caleb was one of two men, along with Joshua, that came from the first generation of Israelites to come out of Egypt. Forty-five years earlier Moses sent ten people to search the land of Canaan all, but Caleb and Joshua gave an evil report because they feared the size of the people and did not want to fight them. Even though Caleb and Joshua stood by their faith and assured the Israelites that God would help them through it the people had so much anger toward God that God said no one from that generation would step foot on the promised land, except for Caleb and Joshua.
“Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it...Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.” - Numbers 14:22-24,30.
Caleb asked for the mountain that God promised Him for following Him wholly and he got it. God will give us everything He promises us, the key to receiving it is having faith in Him, learning to wait on His time table, and wholly following Him. When we wholly follow God we are more likely to be obedient to Him, conforming into the likeness of His Son. We will never be Jesus, but we can become more like Him and the result is receiving the promises He made to us.
“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” - I Peter 1:2-4.
You are the elect, God has chosen you. Why? Only He knows, but one reason is that you put your faith and trust in His Son. That alone is cause for receiving His promise, the promise of eternal life. God may call you to do only one thing in your life time for Him here on earth, but that one thing is very important to God and should be honored because He chose you to do it. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:16. Praise God!
Caleb shows how he values the promise and insists on the mountain God had spoken of. The man of faith values that which is given by promise far above that given by providence only. We too are to value the promise, while all who call on Jesus to save them are saved, God has much more to give those who are content just to walk in the door. The key to receiving it is allowing Christ to live in and through you. “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep...And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” - John 10:9-11,28. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Caleb, who wholly followed the Lord. “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” - John 5:30.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Thursday, March 17, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Much Shall Be Revealed
King James Daily Bible Study: Much Shall Be Revealed
Date: Thursday March 17, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 11-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-17
Details of Today's Reading: Joshua leads the Israelites in battle over Canaan with God's assistance, thirty-one kings slain, more work to be done, the division of the land, and the Levites inheritance.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Sometimes it seems as though burdens just pour out like water, no sooner than you deal with one here comes another, sometimes several at one time. It can be overwhelming and quite deafening to the spirit, especially when it takes so long to get through some of them. However, we can get through them, I imagine how fast we do depends upon who we are putting our faith and trust in to get us through them. Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30. The key to keeping our spirits up and finding peace and joy through our burdens is Jesus Christ, when we attach ourselves to Him and walk with Him, we can not lose.
Now that the Israelites were on the promised land the task of possessing the land was at hand, this was not an easy task since every bit of it, except where they were camped, was possessed by the Canaanites. The command, destroy them all and possess the land. What a command? Can you imagine the burden? Nations began joining with each other in huge numbers to defeat Israel. However, they failed to realize that no amount of the most skilled fighters can defeat God. God assured Joshua that He was with them and that they will defeat all of them.
“And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them. And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining...And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe. As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.” - Joshua 11:5-814,15.
Sometimes the things that God calls us to do can be overwhelming and fearful, but when we live in obedience to His commands there is nothing He will not do for us. He will give us the strength, no matter how overwhelming the task, to not only do what He commands, but see victory. God never gives us a task or burden that we can not handle. The only way we can be defeated is by detaching ourselves from Him. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” - I Corinthians 10:13.
With God on their side Joshua lead the Israelites to defeat thirty-one kings and possess the land they possessed. It was time for a rest from battle, during that time Joshua began dividing up the land as God commanded. However, God reminded Joshua that there was still a lot of land to be possessed.
“So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.” - Joshua 11:23. “Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed...These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward. But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them.” - Joshua 13:1,32,33.
The Levites were not given a part of the land to possess, each tribe was to give them a portion of what they possessed. Why? God chose the Levites to work in the ministry, their inheritance was God and He would bless them by serving Him. Now, we are all called to serve God in some way, such as encouraging someone or praying for them, but certain people are called to serve God in His ministry. Often, they well carry a lot of burdens, in fact, the more God calls you to do the more burdens you seem to carry. However, what better inheritance to receive than God? Remember, yesterday's lesson, being a child of God means that you are His and He is yours? When you call on Christ to save you, you receive God, I mean you literally get God. You not only get God, you get eternal life with Him and the Kingdom of God too. What better possession is that? Praise God!
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” - Romans 8:16-18.
We have so much waiting for God to reveal to us, we are going to be burdened, but as long as we stand side by side with Jesus we will seen an end to them. We should really be grateful for the burdens. Why? The more burdens we carry the closer we are to God, and the closer we are to God the more He will reveal to us. While the greatest blessings in the Kingdom of God are waiting for us, God has much more to give us here as well. We will overcome because we possess something that can never be taken away from us and that is God. He is our inheritance.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing...Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:2-4,12.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Moses, the servant of the Lord (11:12). Jesus, gave up His throne in heaven, to become a servant. “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded...Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me...For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” - John 13:3-5,8,15,16.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you, Happy St. Patrick's Day.
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 17, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 11-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-17
Details of Today's Reading: Joshua leads the Israelites in battle over Canaan with God's assistance, thirty-one kings slain, more work to be done, the division of the land, and the Levites inheritance.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Sometimes it seems as though burdens just pour out like water, no sooner than you deal with one here comes another, sometimes several at one time. It can be overwhelming and quite deafening to the spirit, especially when it takes so long to get through some of them. However, we can get through them, I imagine how fast we do depends upon who we are putting our faith and trust in to get us through them. Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30. The key to keeping our spirits up and finding peace and joy through our burdens is Jesus Christ, when we attach ourselves to Him and walk with Him, we can not lose.
Now that the Israelites were on the promised land the task of possessing the land was at hand, this was not an easy task since every bit of it, except where they were camped, was possessed by the Canaanites. The command, destroy them all and possess the land. What a command? Can you imagine the burden? Nations began joining with each other in huge numbers to defeat Israel. However, they failed to realize that no amount of the most skilled fighters can defeat God. God assured Joshua that He was with them and that they will defeat all of them.
“And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them. And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining...And all the spoil of these cities, and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto themselves; but every man they smote with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any to breathe. As the LORD commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.” - Joshua 11:5-814,15.
Sometimes the things that God calls us to do can be overwhelming and fearful, but when we live in obedience to His commands there is nothing He will not do for us. He will give us the strength, no matter how overwhelming the task, to not only do what He commands, but see victory. God never gives us a task or burden that we can not handle. The only way we can be defeated is by detaching ourselves from Him. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” - I Corinthians 10:13.
With God on their side Joshua lead the Israelites to defeat thirty-one kings and possess the land they possessed. It was time for a rest from battle, during that time Joshua began dividing up the land as God commanded. However, God reminded Joshua that there was still a lot of land to be possessed.
“So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.” - Joshua 11:23. “Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed...These are the countries which Moses did distribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, on the other side Jordan, by Jericho, eastward. But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them.” - Joshua 13:1,32,33.
The Levites were not given a part of the land to possess, each tribe was to give them a portion of what they possessed. Why? God chose the Levites to work in the ministry, their inheritance was God and He would bless them by serving Him. Now, we are all called to serve God in some way, such as encouraging someone or praying for them, but certain people are called to serve God in His ministry. Often, they well carry a lot of burdens, in fact, the more God calls you to do the more burdens you seem to carry. However, what better inheritance to receive than God? Remember, yesterday's lesson, being a child of God means that you are His and He is yours? When you call on Christ to save you, you receive God, I mean you literally get God. You not only get God, you get eternal life with Him and the Kingdom of God too. What better possession is that? Praise God!
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” - Romans 8:16-18.
We have so much waiting for God to reveal to us, we are going to be burdened, but as long as we stand side by side with Jesus we will seen an end to them. We should really be grateful for the burdens. Why? The more burdens we carry the closer we are to God, and the closer we are to God the more He will reveal to us. While the greatest blessings in the Kingdom of God are waiting for us, God has much more to give us here as well. We will overcome because we possess something that can never be taken away from us and that is God. He is our inheritance.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing...Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:2-4,12.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Moses, the servant of the Lord (11:12). Jesus, gave up His throne in heaven, to become a servant. “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded...Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me...For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” - John 13:3-5,8,15,16.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you, Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Wednesday, March 16, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Prayer And Supplication
King James Daily Bible Study: Prayer And Supplication
Date: Wednesday March 16, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 9-10
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-16
Details of Today's Reading: Five kings join in alliance to defeat Israel, the Gibeonites cunningly make an alliance with Israel, the five kings make war with Gibeon, the Israelites help, the sun and moon stand still until the kings, people, and several cities were destroyed.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
As a child of God you have one thing going for you that not even Satan himself can take from you and that is God Himself. You are His and He is yours and nothing, not even turning your back on God can separate you from Him. Oh, a person can get caught up in sin and when that happens God will turn His back to the sin, He hates sin, but He loves you, He knows who are His and He will do whatever it takes to get them to realize He is still with them and has been all along. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” - Hebrews 13:5.
Since you are a child of God, believe it or not, the world fears you, they are afraid of you, not because of anything that you have done, but because they know you are one of God's people. When God's people show up that means God is around, they might tell you that they do not want anything to do with God, but deep down they know that God is powerful and if they mess with you, they mess with God and are in big trouble. With that said, you can expect a lot of sweet talkers and charmers coming your way to try and make an alliance with you. We must be careful who we align ourselves with, while nothing can separate us from God, it can prove harmful later on, especially if they have no intention of converting.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - II Corinthians 6:14-18.
After the Israelites defeated Jericho and Ai the surrounding cities were scared, they knew that God's people were coming to get them. They were so scared that five kings, normally enemies, joined in alliance together to defeat Israel. While they were plotting a neighboring city, Gibeon, came up with a deceitful plan to join in alliance with Israel.
“And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us...And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.” - Joshua 9:3-6,15.
The mistake here is that Joshua made a league with them before consulting with God about it, these were actually Canaanites, people that God commanded to be destroyed. It was not until after making peace with them that Joshua found out who they were. However, once he made a league with them he could not go back on his word. Therefore, Israel would always be bound to the agreement, meaning they would never be able to defeat the Gibeonites no matter what they did to them. This is an example of a mixed marriage, two religions trying to live together in the same house, which always creates problems. Marrying a person can not change them, especially if it is done in a deceitful way. We must consult with God on every matter, especially those from the heart. “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” - I Corinthians 4:5.
After all the chaos with the Gibeonites here come the five kings, first, to make war with the Gibeonites for joining in with the Israelites. This time Joshua consulted with God and got the okay to join the Gibeonites in battle. They not only defeated and killed the five kings, destroying their towns, and everyone in them, they took on seven more as well.
“So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour. And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee. Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night. And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah...So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded. And Joshua smote them from Kadeshbarnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon. And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.” - Joshua 10:7-10,40-42.
The Lord fought for His people, it is amazing how God will take a failure and turn it into a victory. While the Israelites did err in joining with the Gibeonites without consulting God, that err proved beneficial when Joshua turned to God. Only by his turning to God did God give them the victory, we only win when God fights for us. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” - I Corinthians 15:57,58.
Although their alliance proved beneficial now, years later it would prove to be a problem. It is seldom that every step of our way is taken in faith and dependence upon God, we are going to make decisions without consulting Him, even major decisions, and once we make them there is no turning back, we must face any consequences that follow. We are going to let our guard down and align ourselves with people that have deceived us, maybe even marry someone. However, as a child of God, once you humble yourself before Him He makes it easier, lessens the chastisement, and even blesses you through your obedience. While we can not do anything about our past mistakes we can change today. The most effective way to change today is by prayer and supplication (humbling yourself) before God. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:5-7.
By the way, the only way to be a child of God is to know His Son, “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness...For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” - Romans 8:10,15-17.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the One whom we have victory (10:25). Jesus gives us the victory over Satan and all who deceive us. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 15:57.
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 16, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 9-10
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-16
Details of Today's Reading: Five kings join in alliance to defeat Israel, the Gibeonites cunningly make an alliance with Israel, the five kings make war with Gibeon, the Israelites help, the sun and moon stand still until the kings, people, and several cities were destroyed.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
As a child of God you have one thing going for you that not even Satan himself can take from you and that is God Himself. You are His and He is yours and nothing, not even turning your back on God can separate you from Him. Oh, a person can get caught up in sin and when that happens God will turn His back to the sin, He hates sin, but He loves you, He knows who are His and He will do whatever it takes to get them to realize He is still with them and has been all along. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” - Hebrews 13:5.
Since you are a child of God, believe it or not, the world fears you, they are afraid of you, not because of anything that you have done, but because they know you are one of God's people. When God's people show up that means God is around, they might tell you that they do not want anything to do with God, but deep down they know that God is powerful and if they mess with you, they mess with God and are in big trouble. With that said, you can expect a lot of sweet talkers and charmers coming your way to try and make an alliance with you. We must be careful who we align ourselves with, while nothing can separate us from God, it can prove harmful later on, especially if they have no intention of converting.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - II Corinthians 6:14-18.
After the Israelites defeated Jericho and Ai the surrounding cities were scared, they knew that God's people were coming to get them. They were so scared that five kings, normally enemies, joined in alliance together to defeat Israel. While they were plotting a neighboring city, Gibeon, came up with a deceitful plan to join in alliance with Israel.
“And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us...And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.” - Joshua 9:3-6,15.
The mistake here is that Joshua made a league with them before consulting with God about it, these were actually Canaanites, people that God commanded to be destroyed. It was not until after making peace with them that Joshua found out who they were. However, once he made a league with them he could not go back on his word. Therefore, Israel would always be bound to the agreement, meaning they would never be able to defeat the Gibeonites no matter what they did to them. This is an example of a mixed marriage, two religions trying to live together in the same house, which always creates problems. Marrying a person can not change them, especially if it is done in a deceitful way. We must consult with God on every matter, especially those from the heart. “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” - I Corinthians 4:5.
After all the chaos with the Gibeonites here come the five kings, first, to make war with the Gibeonites for joining in with the Israelites. This time Joshua consulted with God and got the okay to join the Gibeonites in battle. They not only defeated and killed the five kings, destroying their towns, and everyone in them, they took on seven more as well.
“So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour. And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee. Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night. And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah...So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded. And Joshua smote them from Kadeshbarnea even unto Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even unto Gibeon. And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.” - Joshua 10:7-10,40-42.
The Lord fought for His people, it is amazing how God will take a failure and turn it into a victory. While the Israelites did err in joining with the Gibeonites without consulting God, that err proved beneficial when Joshua turned to God. Only by his turning to God did God give them the victory, we only win when God fights for us. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” - I Corinthians 15:57,58.
Although their alliance proved beneficial now, years later it would prove to be a problem. It is seldom that every step of our way is taken in faith and dependence upon God, we are going to make decisions without consulting Him, even major decisions, and once we make them there is no turning back, we must face any consequences that follow. We are going to let our guard down and align ourselves with people that have deceived us, maybe even marry someone. However, as a child of God, once you humble yourself before Him He makes it easier, lessens the chastisement, and even blesses you through your obedience. While we can not do anything about our past mistakes we can change today. The most effective way to change today is by prayer and supplication (humbling yourself) before God. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:5-7.
By the way, the only way to be a child of God is to know His Son, “And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness...For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” - Romans 8:10,15-17.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the One whom we have victory (10:25). Jesus gives us the victory over Satan and all who deceive us. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 15:57.
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 15, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Remove The Accursed Things
King James Daily Bible Study: Remove The Accursed Things
Date: Tuesday March 15, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 7-9
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-15
Details of Today's Reading: The sin of Achan, Ai defeats Israel, Joshua complains then repents, Israel defeats Ai, and Joshua reads the law to the whole congregation.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word accursed means to be under a curse, ill-fated, doomed for something bad. The Bible says, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” - Galatians 1:6-8. The angel from heaven that Paul is speaking of from these verses is Satan, known as Lucifer. He was cast down from heaven because he caused havoc in heaven and tried to over power God. Satan's accursed to be cast into hell and the lake of fire, but until then he is going to do anything he can to cause havoc on God and His people here on earth, especially in the church. Just like God has His people, Satan has his as well, if he can get one person to go against one command from God then he can get others to follow and cause all kinds of havoc, no doubt bringing God's people into deception and corruption. Needless to say that anyone who perverts God's Word is accursed.
After their victory in Jericho the Israelites felt pretty good about themselves, perhaps they thought they could defeat anyone. Little did Joshua know that amongst them was a man who was taking things into his own hands. Without speaking to God about it Joshua proceeded to take out a small town named Ai only to be defeated by them, losing thirty-six lives. Upon returning Joshua knelt before God weeping and in fear, but instead of God comforting him, God gave him a thrashing.
“But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel...And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water...And Joshua said, Alas, O LORD God, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!..And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.” - Joshua 7:1,5,7,10-12.
Had Joshua inquired with God first he would have known that Achan had taken accursed things and caused a curse upon the people. We can never be over confident about ourselves in any matter, so many people have lost their lives because they thought they had everything under control. Every decision we make needs to be thought out and inquired with God, every decision. One day I forgot my wallet, it caused me to be ten minutes late, but had I been at the turn I normally make at the time I made it someone would have hit me and I and my little nephew would have been caught up in a serious accident. “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” - Psalm 73:24-26.
Before God would bless the Israelites they had to remove the person or people that were accursed along with the accursed things. Joshua found Achan, his family and all the things that he had taken.
“And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.” - Joshua 7:24-26.
One man's sin caused death upon himself, his family, and to innocent people. All mankind is accursed, doomed to be cast into hell, and the lake of fire, because of one man's sin. “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” - I Corinthians 15:21,22. Jesus Christ gave us a way to break free from the accursed, He gave His life for us. He gave His life for every person whether he sinned once or ten thousand times. The only way to break the curse is asking Him to save you. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10.
Those who have not asked Jesus to save them are still accursed, them along with every person who has corrupted God's Word and deceived people by it receive the same fate that Satan does. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever...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 20:10,14,15.
Once Achan and all the accursed things were removed from among the people with God's instructions Israel came back and defeated Ai. After their victory, Joshua wrote a copy of the law then gathered all the people together, Israelites and strangers among them, and read it before them. He read it word for word, leaving nothing out. “And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.” - Joshua 8:34,35.
Satan has no problem with people believing in God and His Son, He knows they exist, but if he can get one accursed person to altar God's Word just a little bit he has done what he came here to do. One little doubt, one little word changes everything. One little word can mean the difference between life and death, Satan already knows his fate, the more havoc he creates the longer he lives, but he, like the rest of us, have no idea when Jesus will return and when He does, all hell will literally break loose. The only way to be prepared is to remove the accursed things from among us. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” - II Peter 3:9,10.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the uncut stones at the altar (8:31). Jesus is our Corner Stone. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” - Ephesians 2:19,20.
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 15, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 7-9
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-15
Details of Today's Reading: The sin of Achan, Ai defeats Israel, Joshua complains then repents, Israel defeats Ai, and Joshua reads the law to the whole congregation.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word accursed means to be under a curse, ill-fated, doomed for something bad. The Bible says, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” - Galatians 1:6-8. The angel from heaven that Paul is speaking of from these verses is Satan, known as Lucifer. He was cast down from heaven because he caused havoc in heaven and tried to over power God. Satan's accursed to be cast into hell and the lake of fire, but until then he is going to do anything he can to cause havoc on God and His people here on earth, especially in the church. Just like God has His people, Satan has his as well, if he can get one person to go against one command from God then he can get others to follow and cause all kinds of havoc, no doubt bringing God's people into deception and corruption. Needless to say that anyone who perverts God's Word is accursed.
After their victory in Jericho the Israelites felt pretty good about themselves, perhaps they thought they could defeat anyone. Little did Joshua know that amongst them was a man who was taking things into his own hands. Without speaking to God about it Joshua proceeded to take out a small town named Ai only to be defeated by them, losing thirty-six lives. Upon returning Joshua knelt before God weeping and in fear, but instead of God comforting him, God gave him a thrashing.
“But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel...And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water...And Joshua said, Alas, O LORD God, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!..And the LORD said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also, and they have put it even among their own stuff. Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.” - Joshua 7:1,5,7,10-12.
Had Joshua inquired with God first he would have known that Achan had taken accursed things and caused a curse upon the people. We can never be over confident about ourselves in any matter, so many people have lost their lives because they thought they had everything under control. Every decision we make needs to be thought out and inquired with God, every decision. One day I forgot my wallet, it caused me to be ten minutes late, but had I been at the turn I normally make at the time I made it someone would have hit me and I and my little nephew would have been caught up in a serious accident. “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” - Psalm 73:24-26.
Before God would bless the Israelites they had to remove the person or people that were accursed along with the accursed things. Joshua found Achan, his family and all the things that he had taken.
“And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. And Joshua said, Why hast thou troubled us? the LORD shall trouble thee this day. And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones. And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.” - Joshua 7:24-26.
One man's sin caused death upon himself, his family, and to innocent people. All mankind is accursed, doomed to be cast into hell, and the lake of fire, because of one man's sin. “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” - I Corinthians 15:21,22. Jesus Christ gave us a way to break free from the accursed, He gave His life for us. He gave His life for every person whether he sinned once or ten thousand times. The only way to break the curse is asking Him to save you. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10.
Those who have not asked Jesus to save them are still accursed, them along with every person who has corrupted God's Word and deceived people by it receive the same fate that Satan does. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever...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 20:10,14,15.
Once Achan and all the accursed things were removed from among the people with God's instructions Israel came back and defeated Ai. After their victory, Joshua wrote a copy of the law then gathered all the people together, Israelites and strangers among them, and read it before them. He read it word for word, leaving nothing out. “And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.” - Joshua 8:34,35.
Satan has no problem with people believing in God and His Son, He knows they exist, but if he can get one accursed person to altar God's Word just a little bit he has done what he came here to do. One little doubt, one little word changes everything. One little word can mean the difference between life and death, Satan already knows his fate, the more havoc he creates the longer he lives, but he, like the rest of us, have no idea when Jesus will return and when He does, all hell will literally break loose. The only way to be prepared is to remove the accursed things from among us. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” - II Peter 3:9,10.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the uncut stones at the altar (8:31). Jesus is our Corner Stone. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” - Ephesians 2:19,20.
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 14, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Suffering Reproach
King James Daily Bible Study: Suffering Reproach
Date: Monday March 14, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 4-6
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-14
Details of Today's Reading: Twelve men carry twelve stones from the Jordan to Gilgal, circumcision of the men, the Passover, the Captain of the Lord's host, the walls of Jericho fall, the Israelites defeat the people in Jericho, Rehab and her family are spared.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word reproach is defined as to find fault with, to be a cause of blame or discredit to. We all have done something that we are either are the blame of, blame ourselves for, or blame others for. While we can sit here and dwell on what we could have or should have done, the important thing to remember is that we can not do anything about the past, but we can do something about the future. How we handle reproach determines not only our outlook on life, but those around us as well. The Bible says, “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer...For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” - I Timothy 4:4,5,10. Everything we go through, whether we have done it ourselves or someone has done it to us, happens for a reason and has a purpose, therefore, we are to be thankful each and every time we suffer reproach.
The Israelites had just miraculously passed over the Jordan, imagine the excitement and fear, after all, the Canaanites already knew they were coming and ready for battle. The very first thing that God commanded them to do was gather twelve stones out of the Jordan.
“And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying, Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night...And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.” - Joshua 4:1-3, 21-24.
The twelve stones from the twelve tribes from the Jordan was a token, a reminder, of the twelve tribes that the Almighty God miraculously sent over the Jordan by dividing it and allowing them to walk on dry land through it, just as He did when the first generation crossed over the Red Sea with Moses over forty years ago. God will often give us tokens, reminders, of what He has brought us through. While He is a forgiving and forgetful God He does allow us to keep in remembrance some of the things that we did and He has gotten us out of over the years. Why? To keep us obedient and to also be a testimony for others to follow. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used...For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”- Hebrews 10:31-33,36.
Before the Israelite men were to go any further they had to be circumcised, circumcision was a command from God upon every male born. It was done for several reasons, including cleansing and identifying a male as one of God's, whether he was an Israelite or not. In the forty years that the new generation had been wandering the wilderness none had been circumcised and this is why God commanded it to be done.
“And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way. And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the people, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole. And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.” - Joshua 5:7-9.
Circumcision was done mainly as an act of cleansing, but circumcision is not just for males, it is for females as well, not physically, but spiritually. The only way to be circumcised spiritually is by the cleansing of the blood of Christ. “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:..Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” - Colossians 2:10,11,14. Every sin committed was taken to the cross with Jesus when He died for you. Calling on Jesus Christ circumcises, cleanses, you from those sins. Your acceptance of Christ and what He has done in your life upon doing so is a token that should never be forgotten and is a wonderful testimony for all to follow.
Let's face it, no one is perfect, we can not please everyone nor can we avoid offending some one from time to time because we all carry around this flesh that is full of emotions, past guilt, pride, and anger or bitterness. We are going to suffer reproach because of this, but it's not over, God has a plan for you. “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 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. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” - Romans 8:27-29.
You are a child of God, therefore, He is going to allow you to suffer reproach from time to time in order to conform you into the likeness of His Son. Like Jesus, God has a great purpose for you, but until all the hindrances are removed He will only take you so far. Are you holding on to something from your past or even recently that you can not let go of? It's time to give thanks to God for it and release yourself from it. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6,7. Thank God for getting you through it and what He has taught you, thank Him for how much stronger and wiser He has made you and for bringing you closer to Him. Thank Him for even caring enough to put you through those things because He does not want you to suffer far worse had you continued.
Remember, God is with you and loves you, He has forgotten all about what you have done, if you repented. He just wants you to never forget what He has taken you away from. “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;.. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; ” - Ephesians 2:13,14,19.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Captain of the host of the Lord (5:14). Jesus is the Captain of our salvation. “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” - Hebrews 2:10.
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 14, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 4-6
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-14
Details of Today's Reading: Twelve men carry twelve stones from the Jordan to Gilgal, circumcision of the men, the Passover, the Captain of the Lord's host, the walls of Jericho fall, the Israelites defeat the people in Jericho, Rehab and her family are spared.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word reproach is defined as to find fault with, to be a cause of blame or discredit to. We all have done something that we are either are the blame of, blame ourselves for, or blame others for. While we can sit here and dwell on what we could have or should have done, the important thing to remember is that we can not do anything about the past, but we can do something about the future. How we handle reproach determines not only our outlook on life, but those around us as well. The Bible says, “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer...For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” - I Timothy 4:4,5,10. Everything we go through, whether we have done it ourselves or someone has done it to us, happens for a reason and has a purpose, therefore, we are to be thankful each and every time we suffer reproach.
The Israelites had just miraculously passed over the Jordan, imagine the excitement and fear, after all, the Canaanites already knew they were coming and ready for battle. The very first thing that God commanded them to do was gather twelve stones out of the Jordan.
“And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spake unto Joshua, saying, Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night...And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.” - Joshua 4:1-3, 21-24.
The twelve stones from the twelve tribes from the Jordan was a token, a reminder, of the twelve tribes that the Almighty God miraculously sent over the Jordan by dividing it and allowing them to walk on dry land through it, just as He did when the first generation crossed over the Red Sea with Moses over forty years ago. God will often give us tokens, reminders, of what He has brought us through. While He is a forgiving and forgetful God He does allow us to keep in remembrance some of the things that we did and He has gotten us out of over the years. Why? To keep us obedient and to also be a testimony for others to follow. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used...For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”- Hebrews 10:31-33,36.
Before the Israelite men were to go any further they had to be circumcised, circumcision was a command from God upon every male born. It was done for several reasons, including cleansing and identifying a male as one of God's, whether he was an Israelite or not. In the forty years that the new generation had been wandering the wilderness none had been circumcised and this is why God commanded it to be done.
“And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way. And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the people, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole. And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.” - Joshua 5:7-9.
Circumcision was done mainly as an act of cleansing, but circumcision is not just for males, it is for females as well, not physically, but spiritually. The only way to be circumcised spiritually is by the cleansing of the blood of Christ. “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:..Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” - Colossians 2:10,11,14. Every sin committed was taken to the cross with Jesus when He died for you. Calling on Jesus Christ circumcises, cleanses, you from those sins. Your acceptance of Christ and what He has done in your life upon doing so is a token that should never be forgotten and is a wonderful testimony for all to follow.
Let's face it, no one is perfect, we can not please everyone nor can we avoid offending some one from time to time because we all carry around this flesh that is full of emotions, past guilt, pride, and anger or bitterness. We are going to suffer reproach because of this, but it's not over, God has a plan for you. “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 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. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” - Romans 8:27-29.
You are a child of God, therefore, He is going to allow you to suffer reproach from time to time in order to conform you into the likeness of His Son. Like Jesus, God has a great purpose for you, but until all the hindrances are removed He will only take you so far. Are you holding on to something from your past or even recently that you can not let go of? It's time to give thanks to God for it and release yourself from it. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6,7. Thank God for getting you through it and what He has taught you, thank Him for how much stronger and wiser He has made you and for bringing you closer to Him. Thank Him for even caring enough to put you through those things because He does not want you to suffer far worse had you continued.
Remember, God is with you and loves you, He has forgotten all about what you have done, if you repented. He just wants you to never forget what He has taken you away from. “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;.. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; ” - Ephesians 2:13,14,19.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Captain of the host of the Lord (5:14). Jesus is the Captain of our salvation. “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” - Hebrews 2:10.
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 13, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Follow Then Lead
King James Daily Bible Study: Follow Then Lead
Date: Sunday March 13, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 1-3
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-13
Details of Today's Reading: Joshua’s commission and command to the Israelites, Rahab and the two spies in Jericho, and the passing of the Jordan river.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
A leader is a person who leads or guides others, most of us really do not want to be leaders. We may like the thought of being in leadership, but when it comes to making big decisions that can effect everyone else we would rather step back. However, we all must be a leader at one point as well as a follower. The Bible says, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:12,13. The key to being a good leader is following our great leader, Jesus Christ. When we follow Him, He will give us the strength to lead the way in making those decisions we just can not seem to make.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-four chapters. The author of the book is Joshua and it was written to the Israelites, the time line for these events are approximately 1451 BC -1427 BC. The purpose of the book was to record the details on how the successor of Moses, Joshua, led the people of Israel into the promised land of Canaan and explains the military campaigns and the division of the land among the tribes. What we are to learn from the book is that no moral or spiritual battles are won without God, He gives victory to all who let Him lead them. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” - Joshua 1:9.
After the death of Moses it was time for Joshua, the Israelites new leader, to take charge and follow God's command to lead them into the promised land. Before he got started God spoke to him and encouraged him, reminding him that He would always be with him.
“Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” - Joshua 1:6-9.
The key to prosperity in anything we do is meditating on God's Word, His Word is our guide, it shows us when to take the lead and when to back away. It shows us how to handle every situation, settles our fears, and keeps us faithful to God. Without it we would be guessing at everything, but with it everything prospers, from our homes, to our jobs, to our hobbies, God's Word must be with us if we want to succeed and stay successful. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” - II Timothy 3:16,17.
After God spoke to Joshua it was time for them to pass over into the promised land, first Joshua sent two spies over into Jericho to search it out. Word had already gotten out that the Israelites were about to come in and siege the land so when they heard that there were spies on their land they wanted to capture them and kill them. However, the spies met a woman, a harlot to be exact, named Rahab, who God would use to save them.
“And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.” - Joshua 2:4-6.
God is always with those who follow His lead, in fact, He chooses who He knows will follow His lead to be a leader. Rahab lead the spies to their safety, she had enough faith and fear in God that she knew by helping His people that her life would never be the same. Before she let the spies escape she asked them for one thing, “And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.” - Joshua 2:11-14. Even though it could have cost her her life, she did what was right and because of that she and her family were spared.
Later on we learn that Rahab turned from her false gods, left her life as a prostitute, and trusted in the mercy of the One True God, becoming an ancestor of King David and was included in the genealogy of where God would send Jesus to be born of. God will not put harm to anyone who comes to Him, who listens and follows Him. He will never leave nor forsake those who have come to Him through His Son. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38,39.
It was time to pass over the Jordan into the promised land. How would they get across the river with no boat? Noting is impossible when God leads the way. Joshua commanded the Levites, who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant, God's Word, to lead the way, miraculously the river divided into two, allowing them to walk across on dry land.
“And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) 6That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho. And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.” - Joshua 3:15-17.
God always makes the impossible possible when we let Him lead us. Of course, everything we go through, whether it is good or bad, has happened for a reason and has a purpose, while we think something should come to pass the way we expect it rarely is how God allows it to come to pass. However, when we follow God's lead in every area of our lives He will follow us wherever we go and we will see some amazing things happening in our lives. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - I Peter 4:12,13.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Joshua leading the Israelites into the promised land. Jesus leads us, who is our great Shepherd. “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” - I Peter 2:25.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Sunday March 13, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 1-3
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-13
Details of Today's Reading: Joshua’s commission and command to the Israelites, Rahab and the two spies in Jericho, and the passing of the Jordan river.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
A leader is a person who leads or guides others, most of us really do not want to be leaders. We may like the thought of being in leadership, but when it comes to making big decisions that can effect everyone else we would rather step back. However, we all must be a leader at one point as well as a follower. The Bible says, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:12,13. The key to being a good leader is following our great leader, Jesus Christ. When we follow Him, He will give us the strength to lead the way in making those decisions we just can not seem to make.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-four chapters. The author of the book is Joshua and it was written to the Israelites, the time line for these events are approximately 1451 BC -1427 BC. The purpose of the book was to record the details on how the successor of Moses, Joshua, led the people of Israel into the promised land of Canaan and explains the military campaigns and the division of the land among the tribes. What we are to learn from the book is that no moral or spiritual battles are won without God, He gives victory to all who let Him lead them. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” - Joshua 1:9.
After the death of Moses it was time for Joshua, the Israelites new leader, to take charge and follow God's command to lead them into the promised land. Before he got started God spoke to him and encouraged him, reminding him that He would always be with him.
“Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” - Joshua 1:6-9.
The key to prosperity in anything we do is meditating on God's Word, His Word is our guide, it shows us when to take the lead and when to back away. It shows us how to handle every situation, settles our fears, and keeps us faithful to God. Without it we would be guessing at everything, but with it everything prospers, from our homes, to our jobs, to our hobbies, God's Word must be with us if we want to succeed and stay successful. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” - II Timothy 3:16,17.
After God spoke to Joshua it was time for them to pass over into the promised land, first Joshua sent two spies over into Jericho to search it out. Word had already gotten out that the Israelites were about to come in and siege the land so when they heard that there were spies on their land they wanted to capture them and kill them. However, the spies met a woman, a harlot to be exact, named Rahab, who God would use to save them.
“And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.” - Joshua 2:4-6.
God is always with those who follow His lead, in fact, He chooses who He knows will follow His lead to be a leader. Rahab lead the spies to their safety, she had enough faith and fear in God that she knew by helping His people that her life would never be the same. Before she let the spies escape she asked them for one thing, “And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.” - Joshua 2:11-14. Even though it could have cost her her life, she did what was right and because of that she and her family were spared.
Later on we learn that Rahab turned from her false gods, left her life as a prostitute, and trusted in the mercy of the One True God, becoming an ancestor of King David and was included in the genealogy of where God would send Jesus to be born of. God will not put harm to anyone who comes to Him, who listens and follows Him. He will never leave nor forsake those who have come to Him through His Son. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38,39.
It was time to pass over the Jordan into the promised land. How would they get across the river with no boat? Noting is impossible when God leads the way. Joshua commanded the Levites, who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant, God's Word, to lead the way, miraculously the river divided into two, allowing them to walk across on dry land.
“And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) 6That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho. And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan.” - Joshua 3:15-17.
God always makes the impossible possible when we let Him lead us. Of course, everything we go through, whether it is good or bad, has happened for a reason and has a purpose, while we think something should come to pass the way we expect it rarely is how God allows it to come to pass. However, when we follow God's lead in every area of our lives He will follow us wherever we go and we will see some amazing things happening in our lives. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - I Peter 4:12,13.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Joshua leading the Israelites into the promised land. Jesus leads us, who is our great Shepherd. “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” - I Peter 2:25.
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
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