King James Daily Bible Study: Key To God's Blessings
Date: Friday March 25, 2011
Chapters: Judges 8-9
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-25
Details of Today's Reading: The jealousy of Ephriam, events to the death of Gideon, the conspiracy of Abimelech, Gideon's son, Abimelech murders his brothers and makes himself a king, the Shechemites conspire against Abimelech and he is killed.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Serving God is an amazing adventure, there truly is no better victory than to see a person bow their head and ask Jesus Christ to save them. While God uses an able body to lead the person to Christ, God is the one who gets the victory because it is by His power that one is even able to get into the heart of the one being witnessed to. It is good to feel good about serving God and what we have accomplished for Him, but we have to be careful not to boast about it as if it were solely ourselves doing it. The word boast means to brag about one's self, to say or tell things which are intended to give others a high opinion of one's self. The Bible says, “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” - Proverbs 27:1,2.
With God, Gideon was successful at leading the Israelite army to victory over the Midianites, 135,000 Midianites were slain by 300 Israelites running down a hill shouting with trumpets, lanterns, and pitchers in their hands. Gideon never lost sight of the fact that God was leading him and always acknowledged that. The men of Ephraim on the other hand thought Gideon was taking the credit for the victory, wanting it for themselves, they confronted Gideon.
“And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply. And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.” - Judges 8:1-3.
Gideon did not argue with them, in fact, he even gave them praise, reminding them that God was the one who led the princes to them, who they killed, all he and his army did was blow some trumpets, break some pitchers, and run down the hill screaming. Sometimes our pride gets in the way when we hear people praising others about what they have done and no one praising us. Who truly gets the glory is God, we all want to be acknowledged for a job well done, but what's important is the one who really acknowledges us and that is God. Keep pressing on and you will hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” - Matthew 25:23.
After their victory, the people were eager for a king, they urged Gideon to reign over them. No matter how many kings, presidents, or rulers we have here on earth, there is only One King and that is God. While flattered, Gideon declined the offer, he would not rule nor wanted any of his sons to rule over them either. However, Gideon made one grave mistake that would cause many problems nor only for him, but his family as well.
“And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you. And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey. And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks. And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.” - Judges 8:23-27.
In this desire for the gold Gideon falls to the level of ordinary men, perhaps Gideon wanted it as a token of remembrance of their victory over the Midianites. The ephod though was an important piece of the high priest’s dress which was necessary upon receiving the offerings by men. Perhaps, being a judge, he desired to have an ephod of his own, kept in his own city, to he worn by the priest whenever Gideon might summon him to inquire of the Lord for him, but it turned out to be a problem when the worldly people wanted to take it as gold was and still is very valuable to the world. Gold is so unimportant to God that He paves His streets with it, while money is a necessity for life, the more you have, the more problems you get, if not by our own greed then by the greed of others wanting what you have. “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” - Proverbs 22:4.
When people desire things that are against God's will they completely forget about God and will do anything to get it, even if that meant following a false god or committing murder. Gideon had seventy-one sons, out of all of them, one, Abimelech, wanted nothing to do with God and stooped to any level to become king himself. After Gideon (also named Jerubbaal) died, Abimelech urged his brothers to let him become the first king of Israel. Now, his brothers knew that this was against God's and Gideon's wishes so they refused to let him reign, but that did not stop him. He negotiated a large sum of money from the Baal temple treasury to pay men to murder his brothers, all except one was killed, Jotham. In this rather odd illustration Jotham explains the importance of keeping God king.
“And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you. The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us. But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?.. Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us. And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.” - Judges 9:7-9,14,15.
The trees represent the Israelites, the olive tree, which was the most useful of all the trees represents Gideon and the bramble a worthless plant, whose end is to be burned, represented Abimelech. Jotham points out the base ingratitude of the people in raising Abimelech upon the ruin of Gideon’s house, and foretells the judgment which would fall upon both parties. Abimelech was later killed by a woman, which was the shame of man. Sooner or later, all deception is accounted for, one can not blame God or other people for suffering, or worse death, that they cause all on their own because they chose the deceitful way of obtaining things.
God will give us anything we ask Him for, the reason we do not get them is one of two reasons, instead of waiting on God's time table and letting Him make the decisions for us, we take things into our own hands. Or we are asking Him for something that goes completely against His will for us. “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” - James 4:2-4.
The key to God blessing us is three things, acknowledging, listening, and waiting, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” - Psalm 27:7-11.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Gideon, who delivered the Israelites from the Midianites (8:22-23). Jesus has delivered us out of the hands of our spiritual enemy. “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” - Galatians 1:4.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Jehovahshalom
King James Daily Bible Study: Jehovahshalom
Date: Thursday March 24, 2011
Chapters: Judges 6-7
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-24
Details of Today's Reading: More apostasy in Israel, Gideon is called to judge Israel, Gideon’s three hundred men and the victory over Midian and Amalek.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
As Christians we have one thing going for us that no one in the world can ever understand and that is our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Now, the strength of our faith and trust in Him go up and down like a roller coaster, mostly upon the circumstances in our lives. I my church choir we sing a song titled, “Lord I need you” it's about times that we unintentionally forget that God is with us when things are going well, only to fall into tribulation because of it. 95% of the time tribulation comes from forgetting to acknowledge God. God does not bring upon tribulation to punish us, it's to keep us faithful to Him. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” - Proverbs 3:5,6.
Have you ever been praying and praying and praying, doing what seems right, yet wonder where is God, why He has not answered you, or will you ever get through this? This is the same response that Gideon had when his people were forced to live in caves in fear of the Midianites.
“And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds...And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,..And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” - Judges 6:1,2,7,11-13.
Even if we are not living in sin, ignoring God when things are going well is like turning your back on Him. Sooner or later, if you do not keep God in your sights, one sin will creep in, turning into another and before you know it tribulation comes, just as it did with the Israelites. Then the first thing people do is question why God is doing it to them. Over the past few years I have learned a valuable lesson, when things start falling apart it means that I am losing my sight of God. You know, even when serving God, we can lose sight of Him? That is why it is important to pay attention to the warnings before things really start to fall apart. God does not want to see us suffer, but the sufferings are what bring us closer to God. “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.” - II Corinthians 1:5,6.
God assured Gideon that He was with him and He would lead them to victory over the Midianites, after a few tests to prove God, Gideon was ready to do the work God called him to do.
“And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O LORD God! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face. And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.” - Judges 6:22-27.
Sometimes God just needs us to prove Him, nothing pleases God more than proving to His people and especially the world that He is the one and only Almighty God. The angel of the Lord is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, the word Jehovahshalom, means Jehovah (God) of peace. Jehovahshalom comes through our tribulations through one person and one person only and that is our Lord, Jesus Christ. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” - Romans 5:1-4.
While God has the power to do and make anything happen at any time, including give us what we ask instantly,
He rarely gives them to us right away. Why? He wants the recognition. Thirty-two thousand men showed up to help Gideon defeat the Midianites, which were about a hundred-fifty thousand men, out of those thirty-two thousand only three hundred were used by God to defeat the Midianites.
“Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go...And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.” - Judges 7:1-4,7.
Had the Israelites used the thirty-two thousand men in battle the Israelites would have been boasting about their victory. If God was going to prove to the Israelites and Midianites that He was the one who lead the Israelites to victory than it would have to be with less people. God wants prepared men to fight God’s battles with God’s weapons in God’s way. Why? This would inspire the Israelites to serve Him with confidence and the Midianites would fear Him as well. The whole purpose for trials and tribulations is that we all acknowledge the Almighty God and come to repentance. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” - II Peter 3:9.
Jehovahshalom only comes through Christ, He is our peace and when He is with us no matter what we are going through we will have peace. Trials and tribulations come and go, faith and trust is dependent upon trials and tribulations, we must go through them to realize that God is the Jehovahshalom. As we endure the trials and tribulations we can say with Job, “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:8-10.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Sword of the Lord, (7:18-20) Jesus is the Sword of the Lord, which is the Word of God made flesh. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:17. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
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 24, 2011
Chapters: Judges 6-7
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-24
Details of Today's Reading: More apostasy in Israel, Gideon is called to judge Israel, Gideon’s three hundred men and the victory over Midian and Amalek.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
As Christians we have one thing going for us that no one in the world can ever understand and that is our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Now, the strength of our faith and trust in Him go up and down like a roller coaster, mostly upon the circumstances in our lives. I my church choir we sing a song titled, “Lord I need you” it's about times that we unintentionally forget that God is with us when things are going well, only to fall into tribulation because of it. 95% of the time tribulation comes from forgetting to acknowledge God. God does not bring upon tribulation to punish us, it's to keep us faithful to Him. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” - Proverbs 3:5,6.
Have you ever been praying and praying and praying, doing what seems right, yet wonder where is God, why He has not answered you, or will you ever get through this? This is the same response that Gideon had when his people were forced to live in caves in fear of the Midianites.
“And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds...And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,..And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” - Judges 6:1,2,7,11-13.
Even if we are not living in sin, ignoring God when things are going well is like turning your back on Him. Sooner or later, if you do not keep God in your sights, one sin will creep in, turning into another and before you know it tribulation comes, just as it did with the Israelites. Then the first thing people do is question why God is doing it to them. Over the past few years I have learned a valuable lesson, when things start falling apart it means that I am losing my sight of God. You know, even when serving God, we can lose sight of Him? That is why it is important to pay attention to the warnings before things really start to fall apart. God does not want to see us suffer, but the sufferings are what bring us closer to God. “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.” - II Corinthians 1:5,6.
God assured Gideon that He was with him and He would lead them to victory over the Midianites, after a few tests to prove God, Gideon was ready to do the work God called him to do.
“And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O LORD God! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face. And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.” - Judges 6:22-27.
Sometimes God just needs us to prove Him, nothing pleases God more than proving to His people and especially the world that He is the one and only Almighty God. The angel of the Lord is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, the word Jehovahshalom, means Jehovah (God) of peace. Jehovahshalom comes through our tribulations through one person and one person only and that is our Lord, Jesus Christ. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” - Romans 5:1-4.
While God has the power to do and make anything happen at any time, including give us what we ask instantly,
He rarely gives them to us right away. Why? He wants the recognition. Thirty-two thousand men showed up to help Gideon defeat the Midianites, which were about a hundred-fifty thousand men, out of those thirty-two thousand only three hundred were used by God to defeat the Midianites.
“Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go...And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.” - Judges 7:1-4,7.
Had the Israelites used the thirty-two thousand men in battle the Israelites would have been boasting about their victory. If God was going to prove to the Israelites and Midianites that He was the one who lead the Israelites to victory than it would have to be with less people. God wants prepared men to fight God’s battles with God’s weapons in God’s way. Why? This would inspire the Israelites to serve Him with confidence and the Midianites would fear Him as well. The whole purpose for trials and tribulations is that we all acknowledge the Almighty God and come to repentance. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” - II Peter 3:9.
Jehovahshalom only comes through Christ, He is our peace and when He is with us no matter what we are going through we will have peace. Trials and tribulations come and go, faith and trust is dependent upon trials and tribulations, we must go through them to realize that God is the Jehovahshalom. As we endure the trials and tribulations we can say with Job, “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:8-10.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Sword of the Lord, (7:18-20) Jesus is the Sword of the Lord, which is the Word of God made flesh. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:17. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Arm Yourself
King James Daily Bible Study: Arm Yourself
Date: Wednesday March 23, 2011
Chapters: Judges 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-23
Details of Today's Reading: The apostasies of Israel, God brings up judges Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Deborah to deliver the Israelites, Barak, and the song of Deborah and Barak.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word judge is defined as a chief magistrate (official), with civil and military powers. While we as Christians may not carry military powers, we do carry something that is powerful and that is the Word of God. The Bible says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.
The Israelites were governed by judges for more than three hundred years. While the judges were alive the Israelites were obedient and followed God wholeheartedly and prospered, but when they died the Israelites quickly forgot God, falling right back into the corruption of those who lived in the world and becoming enslaved to them.
“Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;..And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves. Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years. And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.” - Judges 3:1,2,5-9.
Temptations and trials detect the wickedness of the hearts of sinners and strengthens the graces of believers in their daily conflict with Satan, sin, and this wicked world. While we must live in this world, we are not of it and are forbidden to conform to it. The only way we can guard ourselves against the temptations of the world is through God and remaining in His Word. Yes, we need a man of God to guide us, it's great to have studies like these to help us understand God's Word, but what good is that man or these studies if we do not get in His Word ourselves. We are all human, although I teach the Bible, I am human and make mistakes just like you. Reading God's Word for yourself only confirms my findings or any errors that I have made. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:11-13.
As the Israelites fell away from the Lord again when Ehud died, God gave them into the hands of the Canaanitish king Jabin, who oppressed them severely for twenty years with a powerful army under Sisera his general. God will use anyone to help stir us in the right direction, He even used a woman to judge the people.
“And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead. And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time...And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?..And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.” - Judges 3:1-4,6,8,9.
Deborah was a prophetess, one instructed in Divine knowledge by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. She judged Israel as God's mouth to them, correcting abuses, and redressing grievances. By God's direction, she ordered Barak to raise an army, and engage Jabin's forces. Barak insisted upon her presence, she was eager to help, though reminding him that she would be the one honored, whom was the weaker vessel. However, Barak values the satisfaction of his mind, and the good success of his enterprise, more than mere honor. God created the woman to be a help meet for the man, sometimes she is stronger in her faith, but God will not give us a task that we can not handle, even if that means lifting up the spirits of man who is weaker in his. “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her...Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” - Proverbs 31:25-28,30.
The amazing thing about God is that no matter how many times we turn from Him, He is eager to help when we cry out to Him. That's the key, we need to cry out to Him. Do you ever wonder why Jesus asked a person what they needed, well knowing already what they needed? He wanted them to come to Him on their own. God knows what we need, but just like anyone else, He will not offer His help until we come up to Him and ask Him for it. I remember times where I would be working really hard while watching another just standing there and wondering why they would not just come over and help. Well, no one wants to overstep their bounds, they might want to help, but unless I asked they assumed I did not need any help. God is the same way, if we do not ask, we do not receive. “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” - James 4:2,3.
God is no respecter of persons, therefore, we are to judge no person, but we can judge a persons behavior and warn them against it. Jesus said, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” - Luke 17:3,4. People of the world are clueless to God's judgment upon them, what they perceive as bad luck or what many might say is karma, is, in fact, God trying to get their attention. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.” - I Corinthians 2::14-16. There is nothing more powerful than having the mind of Christ, which can only be obtained by and through the Word of God.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Othniel, a deliverer upon whom the Lord rested. The Spirit of the Lord rests upon all who know Christ.
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 23, 2011
Chapters: Judges 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-23
Details of Today's Reading: The apostasies of Israel, God brings up judges Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Deborah to deliver the Israelites, Barak, and the song of Deborah and Barak.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word judge is defined as a chief magistrate (official), with civil and military powers. While we as Christians may not carry military powers, we do carry something that is powerful and that is the Word of God. The Bible says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.
The Israelites were governed by judges for more than three hundred years. While the judges were alive the Israelites were obedient and followed God wholeheartedly and prospered, but when they died the Israelites quickly forgot God, falling right back into the corruption of those who lived in the world and becoming enslaved to them.
“Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;..And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves. Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years. And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.” - Judges 3:1,2,5-9.
Temptations and trials detect the wickedness of the hearts of sinners and strengthens the graces of believers in their daily conflict with Satan, sin, and this wicked world. While we must live in this world, we are not of it and are forbidden to conform to it. The only way we can guard ourselves against the temptations of the world is through God and remaining in His Word. Yes, we need a man of God to guide us, it's great to have studies like these to help us understand God's Word, but what good is that man or these studies if we do not get in His Word ourselves. We are all human, although I teach the Bible, I am human and make mistakes just like you. Reading God's Word for yourself only confirms my findings or any errors that I have made. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:11-13.
As the Israelites fell away from the Lord again when Ehud died, God gave them into the hands of the Canaanitish king Jabin, who oppressed them severely for twenty years with a powerful army under Sisera his general. God will use anyone to help stir us in the right direction, He even used a woman to judge the people.
“And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD, when Ehud was dead. And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles. And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time...And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?..And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the LORD shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.” - Judges 3:1-4,6,8,9.
Deborah was a prophetess, one instructed in Divine knowledge by the inspiration of the Spirit of God. She judged Israel as God's mouth to them, correcting abuses, and redressing grievances. By God's direction, she ordered Barak to raise an army, and engage Jabin's forces. Barak insisted upon her presence, she was eager to help, though reminding him that she would be the one honored, whom was the weaker vessel. However, Barak values the satisfaction of his mind, and the good success of his enterprise, more than mere honor. God created the woman to be a help meet for the man, sometimes she is stronger in her faith, but God will not give us a task that we can not handle, even if that means lifting up the spirits of man who is weaker in his. “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her...Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” - Proverbs 31:25-28,30.
The amazing thing about God is that no matter how many times we turn from Him, He is eager to help when we cry out to Him. That's the key, we need to cry out to Him. Do you ever wonder why Jesus asked a person what they needed, well knowing already what they needed? He wanted them to come to Him on their own. God knows what we need, but just like anyone else, He will not offer His help until we come up to Him and ask Him for it. I remember times where I would be working really hard while watching another just standing there and wondering why they would not just come over and help. Well, no one wants to overstep their bounds, they might want to help, but unless I asked they assumed I did not need any help. God is the same way, if we do not ask, we do not receive. “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” - James 4:2,3.
God is no respecter of persons, therefore, we are to judge no person, but we can judge a persons behavior and warn them against it. Jesus said, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” - Luke 17:3,4. People of the world are clueless to God's judgment upon them, what they perceive as bad luck or what many might say is karma, is, in fact, God trying to get their attention. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.” - I Corinthians 2::14-16. There is nothing more powerful than having the mind of Christ, which can only be obtained by and through the Word of God.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Othniel, a deliverer upon whom the Lord rested. The Spirit of the Lord rests upon all who know Christ.
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
King James Daily Bible Study: Paying Tribute
King James Daily Bible Study: Paying Tribute
Date: Tuesday March 22, 2011
Chapters: Judges 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-22
Details of Today's Reading: The incomplete victories of Judah, Benjamin and Manasseh, a review of Israelites invasion of Canaan up to Joshua’s death, the results of incomplete obedience, and judges are instituted.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of Judges is the seventh book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-one chapters. The author of the book is Samuel and it was written to the Israelites, the time line of these events took place approximately 1425 BC to 1120 BC. The purpose of the book was to record the Israelites journey after the death of Joshua, their repeated sin, and the judges God sent, who ruled, to get them redeemed and right with God. What we are to learn from the book is that God's chastisement is for the benefit of all God's people to turn us away from sin and to the Savior. “And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.” - Judges 10:15,16.
The word tributary is defined as paying tribute (money) to another, either from compulsion, as an acknowledgment of submission, or to secure protection, or for the purpose of purchasing peace. The Bible says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil...Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” - Romans 13:1-4,7,8.
God is in control of everything that happens, all the wars, storms, earthquakes, fires, fighting, even this thing called evolution, are all under one power and that is God. Now, no matter what generation we live in someone always thinks they have more power than God or that thy are a god. So, not one, but all of us are affected by some ego who thinks they have everything under control. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” - II Timothy 3:12-15.
If you live in America than you know what I am talking about, slowly, no quickly, our nation is falling under control of foreigners as we are subject to paying tribute and debts owed to them. The sad thing is that it's not our government that is affected, it is every person in America. Paul called it when he said, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” - I Timothy 6:9,10.
The Israelites are now facing life without their leader Joshua, what were they to do. There were to do just as Joshua said, drive all the inhabitants from the land and follow God's commands. Well, they followed some of the commands, but failed to do one important thing, drive all the inhabitants from the land. The tribes of Judah and Simeon worked together to get the people out of their towns, but the rest of the tribes did not want to fight or were afraid of them, the result, either the Canaanites paid them or even worse the Canaanites paid them to keep the peace.
“And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out. Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them. Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries...Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them. And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley: But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.” - Judges 1:28-30,33-35.
When we make a promise to live our lives for God, He pays attention and expects us to follow through, now, He knows there are going to be snares that slow us down, but He is always watching. As God watched the Israelites compromising with the Canaanites, He did what He promised, that they would always be a snare in their side. God confronted the Israelites, reminding them of that very thing.
“And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you...And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed. Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.” - Judges 2:1-3,14-16.
While God did make the Canaanites a snare to the Israelites, allowed them to follow their gods, and allowed them to suffer for it, He did send judges (leaders) from time to time in hopes that they would turn from their gods to Him, the one and only, Almighty God. That is all God ever asks of His people. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” - Galatians 5:19-25.
When Jesus Christ died on the cross He paid tribute to God for every sinner, paid the debt owed to them for peace with God. All who call on Christ are secured, the debt is paid in full, and peace is made with God. What better way to give thanks for the debt paid is by honoring the promise we made. God will never expect us to do something we are unable to do, therefore He will never ask us to do it. What He does ask is that we give it our all. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:30,31.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Angel of the Lord (2:1), Jesus, is God in the flesh ans Spirit, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” - Revelation 1:8
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 22, 2011
Chapters: Judges 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-22
Details of Today's Reading: The incomplete victories of Judah, Benjamin and Manasseh, a review of Israelites invasion of Canaan up to Joshua’s death, the results of incomplete obedience, and judges are instituted.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of Judges is the seventh book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-one chapters. The author of the book is Samuel and it was written to the Israelites, the time line of these events took place approximately 1425 BC to 1120 BC. The purpose of the book was to record the Israelites journey after the death of Joshua, their repeated sin, and the judges God sent, who ruled, to get them redeemed and right with God. What we are to learn from the book is that God's chastisement is for the benefit of all God's people to turn us away from sin and to the Savior. “And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.” - Judges 10:15,16.
The word tributary is defined as paying tribute (money) to another, either from compulsion, as an acknowledgment of submission, or to secure protection, or for the purpose of purchasing peace. The Bible says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil...Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” - Romans 13:1-4,7,8.
God is in control of everything that happens, all the wars, storms, earthquakes, fires, fighting, even this thing called evolution, are all under one power and that is God. Now, no matter what generation we live in someone always thinks they have more power than God or that thy are a god. So, not one, but all of us are affected by some ego who thinks they have everything under control. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” - II Timothy 3:12-15.
If you live in America than you know what I am talking about, slowly, no quickly, our nation is falling under control of foreigners as we are subject to paying tribute and debts owed to them. The sad thing is that it's not our government that is affected, it is every person in America. Paul called it when he said, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” - I Timothy 6:9,10.
The Israelites are now facing life without their leader Joshua, what were they to do. There were to do just as Joshua said, drive all the inhabitants from the land and follow God's commands. Well, they followed some of the commands, but failed to do one important thing, drive all the inhabitants from the land. The tribes of Judah and Simeon worked together to get the people out of their towns, but the rest of the tribes did not want to fight or were afraid of them, the result, either the Canaanites paid them or even worse the Canaanites paid them to keep the peace.
“And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out. Neither did Ephraim drive out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwelt in Gezer among them. Neither did Zebulun drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became tributaries...Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them. And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer them to come down to the valley: But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries.” - Judges 1:28-30,33-35.
When we make a promise to live our lives for God, He pays attention and expects us to follow through, now, He knows there are going to be snares that slow us down, but He is always watching. As God watched the Israelites compromising with the Canaanites, He did what He promised, that they would always be a snare in their side. God confronted the Israelites, reminding them of that very thing.
“And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you...And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed. Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.” - Judges 2:1-3,14-16.
While God did make the Canaanites a snare to the Israelites, allowed them to follow their gods, and allowed them to suffer for it, He did send judges (leaders) from time to time in hopes that they would turn from their gods to Him, the one and only, Almighty God. That is all God ever asks of His people. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” - Galatians 5:19-25.
When Jesus Christ died on the cross He paid tribute to God for every sinner, paid the debt owed to them for peace with God. All who call on Christ are secured, the debt is paid in full, and peace is made with God. What better way to give thanks for the debt paid is by honoring the promise we made. God will never expect us to do something we are unable to do, therefore He will never ask us to do it. What He does ask is that we give it our all. “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:30,31.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Angel of the Lord (2:1), Jesus, is God in the flesh ans Spirit, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” - Revelation 1:8
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 21, 2011
King James Daily Bible Study: Characteristics of Christ
King James Daily Bible Study: Characteristics of Christ
Date: Monday March 21, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 22-24
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-21
Details of Today's Reading: The Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh return to their homes on the other side of the Jordan, they build an altar, Joshua speaks to the congregation, Joshua's Death, and Eleazar’s
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word character is defined as a combination of traits and qualities distinguishing the individual nature of a person. While God gives us our own unique character we really are all a collection of several people. How? We pick up ideas, thoughts, habits, and the characteristics of those we get around. The Bible says, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” - II Corinthians 3:17,18. When Christ lives in us His Spirit is in us and we begin to take on the characteristics of Him, amazingly we have never even seen Jesus face to face, yet we become a combination of His traits and qualities as we get around Him.
After all the land was divided and the Levites got their part, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh were ready to return to the land Moses promised them on the other side of the Jordan, in Gilead. When they got there they decided to build an altar as a reminder that they too are a part of Israel. However, when the other nine and a half tribes heard that they built an altar it caused so much strife that nearly a war began.
“And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to. And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel. And when the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up to war against them...Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,..Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice: But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.” - Joshua 22:10-12,21,26,27.
Even though the tribes were on the other side of the promised land they knew they were God's people, therefore, they knew it was important to teach their children that even though they are not living in the promised land, they are still children of God. All who accept Christ are children of God. It is important that we, be a witness to the next generations, if we do not leave them with some kind of knowledge of Jesus and what He has done for us than the next generation will not know who He is. How do you think we are becoming the minority? Individuals stop teaching Jesus to their children. Do you know how many teenagers I meet that have no idea who the Son of God is? When a person stops getting around Jesus they can forget that He is there, keep doing that generation upon generation and you have a family that believes in evolution and not Jesus. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. ” - Romans 1:20-23.
Joshua was now one hundred and ten years old, he knew his time on earth was coming to an end, before he passed he gathered all the elders together for one last remembrance of the miracles, lessons, blessings, and laws given by God. First, Joshua reminded them that they are standing on the promised land because of one person and one person only, God.
“Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God. Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.” - Joshua 23:11-13.
When we are faithful to God, He is faithful to us and will always fight for those who put their faith and trust in Him. Of course, we are going to have bad days and our faith is not going to be as strong, but God knows our hearts, He knows who are His and whether He needs to give us a good kick to remind us or give someone else a good kick He will fight for us. “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...Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” - I Peter 4:12,13,16,17.
Joshua reminded, encouraged, and also warned them, “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD...And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.” - Joshua 24:14,15,21-23.
An amazing thing happens when a person calls on Jesus Christ to save them, they become a witness, meaning they take on His characteristics as they live their lives with Him in it. Now, a warning comes to those who have
chosen God over their god then continue to serve their god, they will go through a great deal of suffering before God takes them home. Why? There is a difference between someone who gets saved and is sincere about it and someone who just gets saved to continue living a wicked life and not end up in hell. He will save anyone who comes to Him, but He is going to make that person suffer for a while, then when they finally get it and have had enough, that is when God will bring that person home.“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?..Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” - Hebrews 12:6,7,11.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Peace Offering (22:27) Jesus offered Himself to us so that we can have peace with God. “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” - Colossians 1:20.
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: Monday March 21, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 22-24
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-21
Details of Today's Reading: The Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh return to their homes on the other side of the Jordan, they build an altar, Joshua speaks to the congregation, Joshua's Death, and Eleazar’s
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word character is defined as a combination of traits and qualities distinguishing the individual nature of a person. While God gives us our own unique character we really are all a collection of several people. How? We pick up ideas, thoughts, habits, and the characteristics of those we get around. The Bible says, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” - II Corinthians 3:17,18. When Christ lives in us His Spirit is in us and we begin to take on the characteristics of Him, amazingly we have never even seen Jesus face to face, yet we become a combination of His traits and qualities as we get around Him.
After all the land was divided and the Levites got their part, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh were ready to return to the land Moses promised them on the other side of the Jordan, in Gilead. When they got there they decided to build an altar as a reminder that they too are a part of Israel. However, when the other nine and a half tribes heard that they built an altar it caused so much strife that nearly a war began.
“And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to. And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel. And when the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up to war against them...Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel,..Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice: But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.” - Joshua 22:10-12,21,26,27.
Even though the tribes were on the other side of the promised land they knew they were God's people, therefore, they knew it was important to teach their children that even though they are not living in the promised land, they are still children of God. All who accept Christ are children of God. It is important that we, be a witness to the next generations, if we do not leave them with some kind of knowledge of Jesus and what He has done for us than the next generation will not know who He is. How do you think we are becoming the minority? Individuals stop teaching Jesus to their children. Do you know how many teenagers I meet that have no idea who the Son of God is? When a person stops getting around Jesus they can forget that He is there, keep doing that generation upon generation and you have a family that believes in evolution and not Jesus. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. ” - Romans 1:20-23.
Joshua was now one hundred and ten years old, he knew his time on earth was coming to an end, before he passed he gathered all the elders together for one last remembrance of the miracles, lessons, blessings, and laws given by God. First, Joshua reminded them that they are standing on the promised land because of one person and one person only, God.
“Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God. Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.” - Joshua 23:11-13.
When we are faithful to God, He is faithful to us and will always fight for those who put their faith and trust in Him. Of course, we are going to have bad days and our faith is not going to be as strong, but God knows our hearts, He knows who are His and whether He needs to give us a good kick to remind us or give someone else a good kick He will fight for us. “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...Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” - I Peter 4:12,13,16,17.
Joshua reminded, encouraged, and also warned them, “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD...And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.” - Joshua 24:14,15,21-23.
An amazing thing happens when a person calls on Jesus Christ to save them, they become a witness, meaning they take on His characteristics as they live their lives with Him in it. Now, a warning comes to those who have
chosen God over their god then continue to serve their god, they will go through a great deal of suffering before God takes them home. Why? There is a difference between someone who gets saved and is sincere about it and someone who just gets saved to continue living a wicked life and not end up in hell. He will save anyone who comes to Him, but He is going to make that person suffer for a while, then when they finally get it and have had enough, that is when God will bring that person home.“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?..Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” - Hebrews 12:6,7,11.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Peace Offering (22:27) Jesus offered Himself to us so that we can have peace with God. “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” - Colossians 1:20.
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
King James Daily Bible Study: Thou Art My Refuge
King James Daily Bible Study: Thou Art My Refuge
Date: Sunday March 20, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 20-21
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-20
Details of Today's Reading: Cities of refuge and land divisions, portions are given for the Levites from each tribe.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word refuge is defined as a shelter or protection from danger, trouble, or anything to which one has support for aid, relief, or escape. There have been or will be times in our lives where we feel as though no one is on our side, that we are left to fend for ourselves and deal with something on our own. Can I tell you that we can find refuge in God. The Bible says, “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living...Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.” - Psalm 142:3-5,7.
God commanded that cities of refuge be given from each tribe amongst the land they inherited. A city of refuge was a place where anyone could go if they had been accused of murder to escape the wrath of the family out to get him while awaiting trial.
“And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime. And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.” - Joshua 20:4-6.
This is an amazing illustration of Christ in two ways, first, He gives us a place of refuge, our refuge comes when we stand at the entrance of the gate, confess that we are a sinner, and ask Him to save us, then He accepts us and saves us from death and hell. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - I John 5:11,12.
Second, when the high priest died the accuser would be set free, allowed to return to their home and family. Christ, being our high priest, when He died on the cross, enabled all who believe in Him to be set free, to return to there home and family. That home is none other than the Kingdom of God, that family, God's, by whom we are made heirs with Christ when we ask Him to save us. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:5-7.
The Levites patiently waited for all the tribes to receive their inheritance before going to Joshua and asking him for a place to dwell among them. Since they were not given a part of the inheritance of the land God commanded that every tribe give a portion of theirs for them to dwell on. This was done for two reasons, one they served God in the ministry, which meant they set up the tabernacle and kept it clean, while the priests would receive the offerings, so, it was done as a way to give thanks. Two, it was a way for the people to have a man of God near by to be able to minister to him at any time rather than have to make the journey, sometimes long, to Shiloh. Now, each tribe gave a portion of their land to the Levites.
“Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel; And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle. And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs..All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suburbs. These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus were all these cities. And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.” - Joshua 21:1-3,41-43.
There is an inheritance provided for all saints, God’s royal, priesthood, whom are all who have come to Him for refuge, but if they want to receive it they must ask for it through the true Joshua, who is Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” - Matthew 7:7,8.
God will give us anything we ask, especially the things He promises, but the key is asking, He will not give us anything if we do not ask Him for it. My nephew asked me the other day, “No one can control us, but God, right?” I replied, “Not even God can control us, only we can control us.” God can not and will not force a person to come to Him, He might send hints and place every person and thing before you as a reminder that He is still around, but He will not force you to follow His commands or accept His Son. We do that of our own free will, no one can be saved unless they ask to be saved. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:9,10,13.
We do not need to feel all alone or try to handle everything on our own, God is there for us, He is our refuge, but if we do not ask, we do not receive. He will let us deal with it by ourselves unless we seek Him for help. However, there does come a time when He comes to us and just says, “You have gone through enough, it's time you let Me help.” That is when you can say, “ I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living...Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.” - Psalm 142:3-5,7. It took me two years of suffering before I went to God and when I did it was the best thing I ever did. He picked me up, reassured me that He was really never gone, but I needed to see that for myself, He gave me refuge and that is where I have been ever since, almost seven years now and counting. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Eleazar, the chief priest (21:1). Jesus is our high (chief) priest. “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” - Hebrews 9:11,12.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Sunday March 20, 2011
Chapters: Joshua 20-21
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-20
Details of Today's Reading: Cities of refuge and land divisions, portions are given for the Levites from each tribe.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word refuge is defined as a shelter or protection from danger, trouble, or anything to which one has support for aid, relief, or escape. There have been or will be times in our lives where we feel as though no one is on our side, that we are left to fend for ourselves and deal with something on our own. Can I tell you that we can find refuge in God. The Bible says, “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living...Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.” - Psalm 142:3-5,7.
God commanded that cities of refuge be given from each tribe amongst the land they inherited. A city of refuge was a place where anyone could go if they had been accused of murder to escape the wrath of the family out to get him while awaiting trial.
“And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbour unwittingly, and hated him not beforetime. And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.” - Joshua 20:4-6.
This is an amazing illustration of Christ in two ways, first, He gives us a place of refuge, our refuge comes when we stand at the entrance of the gate, confess that we are a sinner, and ask Him to save us, then He accepts us and saves us from death and hell. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - I John 5:11,12.
Second, when the high priest died the accuser would be set free, allowed to return to their home and family. Christ, being our high priest, when He died on the cross, enabled all who believe in Him to be set free, to return to there home and family. That home is none other than the Kingdom of God, that family, God's, by whom we are made heirs with Christ when we ask Him to save us. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:5-7.
The Levites patiently waited for all the tribes to receive their inheritance before going to Joshua and asking him for a place to dwell among them. Since they were not given a part of the inheritance of the land God commanded that every tribe give a portion of theirs for them to dwell on. This was done for two reasons, one they served God in the ministry, which meant they set up the tabernacle and kept it clean, while the priests would receive the offerings, so, it was done as a way to give thanks. Two, it was a way for the people to have a man of God near by to be able to minister to him at any time rather than have to make the journey, sometimes long, to Shiloh. Now, each tribe gave a portion of their land to the Levites.
“Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel; And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle. And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs..All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the children of Israel were forty and eight cities with their suburbs. These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus were all these cities. And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.” - Joshua 21:1-3,41-43.
There is an inheritance provided for all saints, God’s royal, priesthood, whom are all who have come to Him for refuge, but if they want to receive it they must ask for it through the true Joshua, who is Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” - Matthew 7:7,8.
God will give us anything we ask, especially the things He promises, but the key is asking, He will not give us anything if we do not ask Him for it. My nephew asked me the other day, “No one can control us, but God, right?” I replied, “Not even God can control us, only we can control us.” God can not and will not force a person to come to Him, He might send hints and place every person and thing before you as a reminder that He is still around, but He will not force you to follow His commands or accept His Son. We do that of our own free will, no one can be saved unless they ask to be saved. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation...For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:9,10,13.
We do not need to feel all alone or try to handle everything on our own, God is there for us, He is our refuge, but if we do not ask, we do not receive. He will let us deal with it by ourselves unless we seek Him for help. However, there does come a time when He comes to us and just says, “You have gone through enough, it's time you let Me help.” That is when you can say, “ I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living...Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.” - Psalm 142:3-5,7. It took me two years of suffering before I went to God and when I did it was the best thing I ever did. He picked me up, reassured me that He was really never gone, but I needed to see that for myself, He gave me refuge and that is where I have been ever since, almost seven years now and counting. Praise God!
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Eleazar, the chief priest (21:1). Jesus is our high (chief) priest. “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” - Hebrews 9:11,12.
Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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