Friday, April 8, 2011

King James Daily Bible Study: What God Will Do

King James Daily Bible Study: What God Will Do
Date: Friday April 08, 2011
Chapters: I Samuel 22-24
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-april-8
Details of Today's Reading: David hides in a cave, men follow him, Saul destroys the priests of Nob, David rescues the city of Keilah, Jonathan encourages David, an invasion of the Philistines, David mercy upon Saul's life, and Saul acknowledges his mistakes.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
As Christians we will face all kinds of trials simply because of our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amazingly, there are even religions who claim to be Christians, yet they have now idea who Christ truly is. The truth is that these people are being deceived and really have no idea that they are being deceived. How sad is it to go through life and think that you are doing what are taught only to find out that you have been deceived. We can choose to follow the truth or a lie, but if we say we are Christians we need to follow the truth and the only way to know the truth is to personally know Christ. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - I John 5:11,12.

David, was to be the next king of Israel and this put so much jealousy and hatred in Saul, the current king, that he wanted him dead. Now, David is hiding in a cave, but this time he is not alone.

“David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.” - I Samuel 22:1-3.

Four hundred men that thought they had nothing going for themselves sought David, often when we are suffering we find ourselves being drawn to others who are as well. It is actually a comfort to us when we focus on others heartaches instead of our own for a while, they often put ours in perspective. David and these men had the best thing going for them, they had God they may not have known what their future held, but they knew they were in the will of God. How? David never took his eyes off God the entire time he was in distress. We too may not know our future, but what we can know is that God holds our future in His hands and He will never leave nor forsake any one who seeks to know what God will do for him. “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:27,28.

Every where David went, Saul followed, there was always someone willing to sell him out for their own personal gain, even though they knew it was wrong. Saul even stooped so low as to start killing priests and their families for helping David escape, but the first thing David did before he made a move was ask God what he should do.

“Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah. And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.” - I Samuel 23:2-5.

David knew that God was with them and would help them defeat the Philistines, but he also knew that if he wanted God's help he had to ask Him for it. God will not do anything unless we seek His guidance first. By seeking His guidance we are letting Him know that we are trusting in Him to make the right decision for us. We can not go wrong when we humble ourselves before God and allow Him to make the decisions for us. “Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” - Psalm 25:8-10.

When our heart's desire is to please the Lord, we are often tested to seek revenge on those who have wronged us. Now, David had the chance to kill Saul, upon trying to corner David, Saul got cornered himself. He was hiding in a cave to sneak up on David when David found him, it was the opportune time for David to seek revenge and kill him instead.

“Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD. So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.” - I Samuel 24:2-7.

His soldiers were convinced that God had delivered Saul into David's hands to be executed and David would be justified in killing him. However, David would not violate the Word of God that Saul had been set apart for service as the earthly representative of God on the throne of Israel. God had appointed Saul as king and until He removed him from the throne, David had no right to take this mans life even though he tried to take his. Truthfully, revenge does nothing for us, but make us become one of them. After David went back to the palace Saul asked him why he let him go when he had the chance to kill him. David's reply, “The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.” - I Samuel 24:12-15.

At times, it seems as though everyone is against us, but we can not forget that God is always for us and it is during the trials we face that He shows Himself as the one who can truly protect and lead us to safety as long as we come to Him. No matter what people have done to us we have no right to take the law into our own hands. It is better to walk away then to let ourselves stoop to their level. God is still in control and although He allows the devil to place evil upon our lives, it is important that we do not render evil for evil, God will take care of it for us. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” - Romans 12:19,20.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through David's refusal to take the kingdom by force or before the appointed time set by God (24:10-13). Jesus refused to allow Israel to make Him a king by force, “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” - John 6:15.

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

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Thursday, April 7, 2011

King James Daily Bible Study: God, Our Refuge

King James Daily Bible Study: God, Our Refuge
Date: Thursday April 07, 2011
Chapters: I Samuel 19-21
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-april-7
Details of Today's Reading: Saul's jealousy turned hate toward David and his plots to try and kill him, Jonathan protects David, Saul goes after Jonathan, David's covenant with Jonathan, and David flees to Ahimelech and Achish.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
As Christians we face a lot of opposition because of the fact that we are Christians. Often, those who we thought were our friends and even family members have sought to shame and destroy us because of our faith in the Son of the living God. People who live in the world are jealous of us. Why? Because we live our lives with Jesus Christ in it, which means we have some morals. They see our lives changing for the better, even during the circumstances we face, and that makes them jealous because they know that God is on our side. The Bible says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” - Hebrews 13:5,6. No matter what they do to us, God is on our side, He will never leave us, and will always protect us as long as we remain faithful to Him.

Saul became so jealous and enraged over David's popularity that he sought to kill him, yet David, never took his eyes off God the entire time Saul was after him. In fact, the more Saul sought him the more he tried to please Saul. However, that stopped working and now David is being hunted down like an animal, Saul even commanded Jonathan, whom loved David like his brother, to kill him.

“And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself: And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee. And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good: For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?” - I Samuel 19:1-5.

Jonathan knew that there was no cause for his father to kill David so he pleaded with Saul, reminding him that it was David through the power of God who saved Israel from the hand of the Philistines, but Saul saw David as a threat and was not about to stop pursuing him until he was dead. People of the world do not need a reason to try to destroy a child of God. The truth is that they see the blessings that God gives you and that enrages them because their lives are not changing or getting worse. The first reaction is to destroy the person, but in reality what they are really trying to do is destroy the image of God that is inside of you. Satan loves to destroy the image of God, especially if he can get a faithful follower to turn away from God. And he will too, Jesus said, “For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.” - Mark 13:22.

Jealousy is like a disease, it slowly spreads until it consumes and controls the person that it captures and stops at nothing to destroy what gets in its way. Saul became increasingly violent with an uncontrolled temper, he considered any opposition as treason. So, when his own son defended David he denounced him and even attempted to kill him as well.

“Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.” - Samuel 20:30-33.

Jonathan became a victim when he defended David. He could have avoided any risk to himself if he had decided not to get involved, but he knew that he was defending an innocent man, whatever the cost to him, and that displayed biblical principles by doing what he knew was morally right. We will all be faced with the choice to stand by our morals or not get involved, but the choice we make determines if we are following the will of God or our own. Jesus Said, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” - Luke 14:26,27. This does not mean that we are to literally hate our family or ourselves in order to be a disciple of Christ, it means that in all we do, our love for Christ is to be so strong that He comes before anyone one else. It is our commitment to Christ that strengthens the rest of our relationships and in due time they will see that God truly is on our side and want Him on theirs as well. “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.

Now, no matter how strong our faith in God, we can get a little discouraged at times when it seems that nothing is going our way. God is on our side and it is through our discouragement that He will comfort us more than ever. Many of the Psalms written in the Bible were from David when he was discouraged and seeking comfort from God. We can all find peace and comfort during all our times of discouragement. We just need to remind ourselves that God is our refuge. “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.” - Psalm 57:1-3. Praise God! God never forsakes those who put their trust in Him. Praise God!

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through David, who, as a servant of Saul, suffered at the hands of the one whom he served. Jesus suffered at the hands of the ones He came to serve and to save. “The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.” Luke 9:22.

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

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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King James Daily Bible Study: Job Training

I apologize for this late posting, all should resume back to normal tomorrow. Thank you for your patience.

King James Daily Bible Study: Job Training
Date: Wednesday April 06, 2011
Chapters: I Samuel 17-18
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-april-6
Details of Today's Reading: Defiance of Israel by Goliath and David’s victory over him, the covenant of Jonathan and David, Saul’s jealousy toward David and his attempts on David’s life, Saul's attempt to have David killed in battle, and Saul’s daughter is given to David for a wife.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is said that true Christians are some of the best workers on the planet. Why? Because true Christians are honest, loyal, faithful, and believe in the Word of God. How can believing in the Word of God make someone a better worker? Because when you believe in God's Word, you follow God's Word and learn that even the most tedious job in the world can be one of joy through the Lord. Everything that we do, including our jobs, needs to be done in the will of God, even if we are working for worldly people. Being obedient to God, especially through the most difficult circumstances, always keeps us right with God and the reward is much greater than anything we will ever receive here on earth. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.

David, was the youngest of eight sons, he was the smallest of them all and of all jobs, he was a sheep herder. God chose David to be the king that would reign over Israel because of Saul's disobedience. Now, the amazing thing about God is that He does not always do everything immediately, although Samuel anointed David to be king, he did not reign right away. God was actually preparing David to become a great king and in order to do that he had to be trained. God may have some strange ways of training people, but what seems strange to us is a blessing to God. To train David properly, God placed him in Saul's life, first as a musician, then as the man who would stand up to Goliath.

“Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.... And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.” - I Samuel 17:12-14,32-36.

David was not afraid to take on the Philistine because he had faith in God, He knew that if God pulled him out of the paws of a lion and a bear He could certainly defeat a giant. As Christians, we may be daily facing the giants of the world, but as long as we have faith in the living God He will help us defeat the biggest of giants. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” - I john 5:3,4.

Ever notice how the slackers get jealous and hateful toward those whom are hard working and favored by their employer. David was the talk of the town because He defeated Goliath, as soon as Saul heard that the people were cheering him he became very jealous, to the point of wanting him dead.

“And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.” - I Samuel 18:10-12.

The evil spirit from God is not actually God Himself, bringing evil upon them, God can not commit evil Himself.

The evil spirit is Satan, it means that God allowed Satan to cast evil upon him. The devil was once an angel of God, but he was not satisfied with that and wanted control so, God cast him out of heaven and that is why it says the evil spirit from God. “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” - Isaiah 14:12-15.

Saul's jealousy caused him to fear David, the more David trusted in God, the more fearful Saul became of him. Why? Because Saul knew that the root to all the good in David was God. “And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him. And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually. Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.” - I Samuel 18:28-30.

Saul knew he was not being the king much longer and that God called David to take him place and he feared that. If he was doing the job right God would have not replaced him. You know, because we are loyal and faithful and have God on our side it will cause some strife between those who are not, especially in the work place, even leaders have been known to fear their jobs. I remember trying to get a part-time job as a cashier once just to make some extra money, the manager bluntly said I can not hire you because you are not going to take my job. The truth is, a person that is not doing the job they are supposed to be doing always fears losing it. God is in control of all things, no one on the earth is irreplaceable and if we are not doing our jobs, we will be replaced, regardless of what job we do. “Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.” - Deuteronomy 1:17.

This was only the beginning to the troubles that David would face before he even became king. Despite all the jealousy and the deceitfulness from people, God uses all of them for our own good, He not only tests our faith in Him, He also strengthens it as well as blesses us through them. “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” - II Corinthians 4:15-18.

Every thing we go through is for our own good and God's glory. Think about it. Every day things come to pass and we rarely acknowledge that it is God, but something that comes to light by the power of God we know is from God and we praise Him for it. Every time we face adversity we are strengthened and become a better Christian and learn of the greater eternal rewards that we will receive beyond the surface. Praise God! If you are facing trials, remember, Jesus is with you and God is renewing you and strengthening your faith in Him. Just keep doing what you are doing, knowing, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:13. Praise God!

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Jonathan, who stripped himself of his royal robes and made the soul covenant with David, (18:3-4). Knowing the will of God, Jesus stripped Himself of His royal robe to be a servant for us. “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” - Hebrews 2:9.

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

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

King James Daily Bible Study: Job Evaluation

King James Daily Bible Study: Job Evaluation
Date: Tuesday April 05, 2011
Chapters: I Samuel 15-16
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-april-5
Details of Today's Reading: Saul’s incomplete obedience to God, God dethrones Saul, Samuel mourns, God chooses David as king, Samuel anoints David, and Saul calls for David.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word evaluation is defined as a estimation, a determination of merit based on a set of standards. Of all the employers in the world the most prosperous and rewarding is God, when He chooses you to work for Him, regardless of the position, it is an honor, and one that we should strive to excel at. We can expect an evaluation from God based on His standards. Now, we are all human and are going to make some mistakes from times to time. God knows this, so, what He is actually basing His evaluation on is our attitude and how we handle things, especially when God points out our mistakes. The Bible says, “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 4:17.

Saul, had everything going for him, he was the first king of Israel, prosperous, and was chosen by God Himself to reign over His people. Saul loved God and truly thought that he was following God's will, yet quite often he only followed His will partially. Whenever Samuel confronted him about his actions he always made some kind of excuse as to why he had not followed God's command directly. This time, however, his excuses had no merit,

God declared a war on the Amalekites. Saul was commanded to destroy everything, people and livestock, not one thing was to be spared nor taken for themselves. However, Saul did things a little differently.

“And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly...And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.” - I Samuel 15:7-9,13-15.

Saul disobeyed by sparing the kings life as well allowing the people to take their livestock, he then lays the blame upon the people, which they could not have done without his consent. Even worse, he tries to say that the animals were spared for God's sake to offer up sacrifices to Him. Okay, we can come up with as many excuses as we can to justify our reason for not following a command, but bring God into it and watch what happens. Saul truly thought that he had obeyed God's commands completely, but his response gave him away. After giving excuses Samuel told Saul that God was renouncing him as king. Saul then admitted he sinned, but it was too late God had already chosen a new king.

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD. And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.” - I Samuel 15:20-26.

Saul, like many Christians had the mentality he could do anything he wanted and God would forgive him. While God is a forgiving God and forgives all our sins when we truly repent, He much rather us be obedient in the first place. We can not pick and choose which of God's commands to follow, we are to follow all of them. Following God partially is just as bad as not following Him at all, in fact, it is worse. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:15,16.

It was time for Samuel to anoint a new king of God's choice, God sent Samuel to Bethlehem, where a man named Jesse who had eight sons. “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart...Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.” - I Samuel 16:7,10-13

God reminded Samuel that while men look at the outward appearance of a person in choosing whether or not they are qualified to work for them, He looks inside their heart. We can tell how men look, which can be deceiving, but God can tell what they are. He judges of men by the heart. We often form a mistaken judgment of character, but God values only the faith, fear, and love, which are planted in the heart, beyond human discernment. And God does not favor our children according to our fond partiality, but often most honors and blesses those who have been least regarded. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” - Hebrews 11:3.

God knows each and every one of our hearts. Do you love and fear God? Do you have faith in Him? Are you willing to give up your favorite pass time to live by His standards? God calls every Christian to serve Him in some way, regardless of whether or not we serve Him in the church, at home, or at work, our job performance will be evaluated by His standards. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:..That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” - Ephesians 4:11,12,22-24.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through David's name which means beloved, he was a type of God's beloved Son, whom Jesus was. “...and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” - Luke 3:22.

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

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Monday, April 4, 2011

King James Daily Bible Study: Right Thing Made Wrong

King James Daily Bible Study: Right Thing Made Wrong
Date: Monday April 04, 2011
Chapters: I Samuel 12-14
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-april-4
Details of Today's Reading: Samuel’s proclamation of the kingdom, Samuel reminds the Israelites what God has done for them, the sign of thunder and rain, the self-will of Saul, his intrusion into the priests office, and Jonathan’s great victory over the Philistines.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
As Christians we all long to please God and follow His will, but if we are not careful we can change the right things into wrong things. There is a right and a wrong way to do everything, even when it comes to serving God. Yes, it is good to read the Bible, but if you are reading it while at church listening to a sermon, it is wrong. It is the right thing made wrong. “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” - James 1:26,27.

While all the other nations had an earthly king, Israel's king was God. However, the people never saw God as their king, demanding an earthly king like the rest of the nations. God fulfilled their request and sent them Saul, at first the people rejected him, but it did not take long, (I am sure it was because of something he did that was pleasing) for them to accept him as their king. Samuel talked to the people, reminding them who they chose to be their king, and that God was still the King, even over the king.

“Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you. If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.” - I Samuel 12:13-18.

At Samuel's word, God sent thunder and rain, at a season of the year when, in that country there would be none. He showed their error in desiring an earthly king to save them, rather than God, or Samuel through the power of God in prayer, reminding them that the king would only give them their anticipated deliverance if they would fear the Lord, and give up their rebellion against God. Fearing God does not mean to be afraid of Him, although some people should be afraid of God after what they have done to put Him to shame. However, fearing God means to acknowledge Him as God, respect Him, and listen to Him. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.

It did not take long before Saul, about a year, began serving God on his terms rather than God's. Saul was instructed to wait for Samuel to present an offering before God. Regardless of how much power a person had, no one was allowed to offer up an offering before God, except a priest, the priest had to offer it on the sinners behalf. However, Saul took things into his own hands by offering the offering to God himself.

“And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.” - I Samuel 13:9-14.

When Samuel confronted Saul about his sin, the first thing he did was make excuses as to why he went against God's command. He tried to justify himself in what he had done and gave no sign of repentance for it. Had Saul just confessed to God he probably would have allowed him to remain king, but that instant God sought a king who was after His own heart. God will forgive us and even help us get out of our messes, but unless we sincerely and humbly go before God He will not justify the sin. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - James 4:6,7.

Once again we learn of Saul trying to do the right thing, making it wrong. The Israelites were in battle with the Philistines, Saul ordered the people to fast, including the army, if anyone ate during the fast he would be put to death. “And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food...And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. ” -I Samuel 14:24,26.

Saul's severe order was very unwise, it kept the men from being able to fight the Philistines the proper way. Ever try to do a hard job when you are tired and weak? Daily work cannot be done without daily bread, which God graciously gives to us. Saul was turning aside from God, along with building the altars, his eagerness was to serve the form of godliness, but he refused to do it the right way. He was not doing any of it to reach God, but to give himself glory. There are times when fasting is needed, but fasting is a time to be spent with God for His glory, not our own. “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” - Matthew 6:16-18.

When choosing to follow God with all our heart, soul, and mind we must look at the proper ways to do that, otherwise we are serving God in vain. If we want to truly have a loving, joyous, prosperous relationship with God we need to learn the right ways to do it. “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.” - Galatians 5:21-23.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Samuel the intercessor (12:23). Jesus the intercessor for all who believe in Him. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” - Hebrews 7:25.

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

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King James Daily Bible Study: A New Creature

King James Daily Bible Study: A New Creature
Date: Sunday April 03, 2011
Chapters: I Samuel 8-11
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-april-3
Details of Today's Reading: Israel rejects God as their king and demands an earthly king, God chooses Saul to be their king, and Saul is anointed by Samuel to be the first king of Israel.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
An amazing thing happens the second we say amen after we bow our head and ask Jesus to save us, God changes our heart. We are no longer trusting in our deeds or behavior to take us to heaven, we are trusting in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” - II Corinthians 5:17-21.

Samuel had been judging Israel for quite some time now, he is getting old and decides to give his two sons some of the responsibility. However, these two sons fell into the lust of money and caused all kinds of problems for Israel. That's when all the elders got together, went to Samuel, and demanded that he give them a king.

“Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.” - I Samuel 8:4-9.

Since God is the Almighty God, whom is the all powerful and in control of all things, we have the tendency to forget that God has created us in His own image. Therefore, all the things that we feel, God feels them too. So, when Israel was demanding a king, God took it as a rejection. Ever have someone turn you down? It doesn't feel so good. Well, God feels the same way when we seek other means for help over Him. Now, God does not want us to sit in a corner, pray all day long, and expect Him to give us things, although He can do that, but He does want to be apart of our lives in every area of our lives, from work, to marriage, to family, and even hobbies, God wants to be involved. When we allow God to be in every area of our lives He will lead us to much greater visions than we can ever imagine. “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.

God sends Samuel to meet Saul, Saul was a young man, a Benjamite, who did not think much of himself, remember, the Benjamites were few in number because of the civil war between them and the rest of the tribes. However, God saw something in him that no one saw, not even Saul himself, a godly, faithful, honest, hard working king. Samuel took a vial of oil and anointed Saul as king and when he did something amazing happened.

“Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?.. After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.” - I Samuel 10:1,5-7.

Saul received the power of God in him the day he got anointed, he was no longer the same man, he became a new man. This is a great illustration of God anointing the believer with the blood of Christ when they ask Jesus to save them. We are no longer the same person, we are new and when we allow Christ to live in us we literally transform into a new person, a new creature. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:1-3.

When you first get saved you can expect a lot of rejection from friends and family, even lose some friends, whom your thought were your best friends. When word got out that Saul was anointed as king the people did not take to kindly to it, especially after the first order given.

“And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death. And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel. Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there. And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.” - I Samuel 11:12-15.

This once despised man was now honored and respected by all, the people gladly accepted him as their king. One day, Jesus, whom the world despises, will return and when He does He will reign as King once and for all, then and only then will He be honored and respected as King. We who are saved, are the minority, the elect, the few, who honor and respect Him as our King today. Sadly, we too are despised, but we will never be put to death because salvation has been brought to all who asked Jesus to save them. When the world comes to an end and everyone is scrambling we will be safely awaiting our arrival into God's new kingdom. “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” - Revelation 21:1-3. Praise God!

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Samuel who faithfully served Israel as judge, prophet, and priest. “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.” - Matthew 12:18.

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

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