Saturday, July 16, 2011

Find Rest

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional

Message Title: Find Rest
Date: Saturday July 16, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 15-16, Proverb 16, Psalm 36
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-16
Details of Today's Chapters: The Divine judgments about to come upon the Moabites, the women of Moab anticipate the Davidic Kingdom and lament the pride of Moab.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world... For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 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 4:1-3, 10-12.

The privileges we have under the Gospel are far greater than any under the law of Moses, although the same Gospel for substance was preached under both Testaments, we are truly blessed to only have to turn to the Savior for salvation. God's Word is so powerful that it pierces the heart and soul, those who hear and receive the Word find spiritual rest in the Savior, which also gives rest to the soul. This rest is, a rest of grace, comfort, peace, and holiness, in the Gospel state, but those who do not believe, shall never enter into this spiritual rest, either shale they know of God's grace. Sadly, many will not enter His rest no matter how many times the Gospel is preached to them, but we can not give up, God will soften a few hardened hearts.

As we read through the Book of Isaiah we learn of great prophecies, some of which came true already, some
have yet to be fulfilled, amazingly we are told of Christ's reign when He returns and becomes King over all. In today's reading, God lead the prophet Isaiah to turn his thoughts away from the glorious future reign of the King of kings to proclaim the judgment of God upon the unbelieving Moabites.

“He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads shall be baldness, and every beard cut off. In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth: on the tops of their houses, and in their streets, every one shall howl, weeping abundantly. And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard even unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him. My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction.” - Isaiah 15:2-5.

Great changes, and very dismal ones, will be made to the Moabites in a very short time, they would turn to everything, but God to find relief, to no prevail. The ungodly, when in trouble, have no comforter, they will literally turn to every means possible to find relief, but seldom hear the Word of God nor feel the need to approach our forgiving God with true sorrow and believing prayer. However, no one has to be afraid to approach God, He is ready and willing to forgive any sin and receive any tender heart. “Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.” - II Chronicles 34:27.

While God does place His judgment upon all, He does give a way out of the consequences, no matter who we are, even the Moabites were given the opportunity to repent, proving that God was not just the God of the Jews, but of all.

“Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land. And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so... And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray; but he shall not prevail. This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning Moab since that time. But now the LORD hath spoken, saying, Within three years, as the years of an hireling, and the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude; and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.” - Isaiah 16:4-6,12-14.

God gave them the opportunity to repent, but they refused and within three years this prophecy did come to pass. Why? They were too proud and would not listen to God. Those who will not be counseled cannot be helped, more souls are destroyed by pride than by any other sin because they are too proud to seek help from the only one who can give it to them. “The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth. The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” -Psalm 10:2-4.

The unbelieving will never hear God, they live without prayer, and that is living without God. They have many thoughts, objects and devices, but think not of the Lord in any of them, they have no submission to His will, nor aim for His glory. Even Christians can become unbelieving, but as long as they believed on the Savior at one point in their lives they have heard Him at one time and will find rest, even if it does not happen until the Lord takes them home. No one has to live their lives in stress and confusion, no one has to go through their burdens alone, God wants to help, but unless we ask Him for it in belief He will not respond. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Friday, July 15, 2011

Judged Accordingly

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional

Message Title: Judged Accordingly
Date: Friday July 15, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 13-14, Proverb 15, Psalm 35
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-15
Details of Today's Chapters: Prophecy concerning the last days when punishment will be visited upon the nations and Israel shall pass through the Great Tribulation, Christ’s Kingdom set up on earth Israel will be restored, others will follow, Satan’s fall and doom, and Babylon’s final judgment.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:10-15.

Do you know how many people have twisted these verses to say that in order to be saved from hell one must live a righteous life? The truth is this, yes, we will all stand before Jesus one day, yes, we will all be judged according to our works, but it is not your works that save you, it is your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ that saves you. If you personally asked Jesus to save you He will save you, you are sinless in His eyes therefore, you will not be judged for any sin, but He will judge your works of righteousness. Those who have not asked Christ to save them will not only be judged according to their works of evil, but good too. Then they will get the gruesome reminder of the opportunities they missed that would have saved themselves. Yes, all who reject Christ are given a replay of the times they could have accepted Him. Those who have not accepted Him will be immediately sentenced to the second death penalty and cast into the lake of fire.

I understand that these are some scary words to hear, but we must face reality, no matter how many people deny Christ and the existence of God that does not change the fact that they still exist and Jesus will return one day, just like everything else out of the Bible comes to pass, this to will come to pass. Through Isaiah, God foretells the defeat of the northern kingdom by Assyria to the future when Babylon would carry the people of Judah into captivity. Surprisingly, about 180 years before it took place, he also foretold Babylon's defeat and destruction.

“The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.” - Isaiah 13:4-9.

The day of the Lord will, indeed, be terrible with wrath and fierce anger, far beyond what the eye has ever seen. All sinners will be destroyed, if you have ever done anything wrong in your entire life you are a sinner, that means you will be destroyed as well. However, there is one escape and that is Jesus Christ. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” - Romans 3:20-24.

Now, God foretells the Jews captivity to Babylon, their becoming servants to them, and the rest they will receive after their service. “For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob. And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors. And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,” - Isaiah 14:1-3.

It is the comfort of God’s people that God has purposed through the exaltation of His Son to set up a righteous and eternal Kingdom on earth, when Israel shall have rest from their wanderings and the days of affliction of all His people shall have an end forever. It is a bit scary to know that the when Christ does return that the whole earth will be destroyed as Babylon, but we can also be put at ease because just as Israel will be restored so will the earth. As Christian's we have nothing to fear because we along with Isaiah can proclaim that the Lord Jesus, is our Savior, our strength comes from Him and only Him. “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.

An interesting insight and revelation into Satan and sin is revealed in this chapter, it gives us some insight into how sin came into the universe through Satan, known as Lucifer, who was once one of God's angels. It also foretells Satan's fate as we learn earlier at the beginning of this message.

“All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us? Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. 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 14:10-15.

See, everything we learn from the people during New Testament times was already revealed to people from the Old Testament times. They too had to live by faith, in fact, their faith had to be of His coming the first time. Sadly, many Jews do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah that God speaks of through this book, they too are subject to the same fate as the rest of those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Remember, all will face or have faced Him already, the only way you can even enter those pearly gates and escape from hell is through Jesus Christ. God's judgment is inevitable, but anyone can be saved from it simply by trusting in His Son, Jesus Christ. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Thursday, July 14, 2011

Reconcile With God

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional

Message Title: Reconcile With God
Date: Thursday July 14, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 11-12, Proverb 14, Psalm 34
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-14
Details of Today's Chapters: The peaceful character of Christ's kingdom and subjects foretold, His judgment, and the conversion of the Gentiles and Jews, and the worship of the coming of His Kingdom.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” - John 5:25-30.

God has given the task of Judge to Jesus Christ Himself, the amazing thing about that is that while Christ is the Son of God, He is also the Son of man, meaning as being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, who is God, through the seed of David, who is man. Only those who hear the voice of Christ will live when He returns to judge the world.

This is nothing new, even Adam knew that God would send someone to reconcile mankind from the death penalty of sin. Now, through Isaiah God is foretelling the coming of the Messiah, this time He reveals Christ as the one who would return and judge all mankind, just as we learned from Jesus Himself.

“And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked...And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.” - Isaiah 11:2-4,10,11.

The great comfort in days of distress is the hope of the coming universal kingdom of righteousness and peace, when Christ, who is in every way qualified to be King of earth, shall take the throne. Then God’s people shall be delivered, not only from evil, but from the fear of it forever. When Christ returns, not only will the remnant of Israel return to Him so will all the Gentiles who put their faith and trust in Him.

“What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:” - Romans 9:22-27.

Through Jesus Christ, the Root of Jesse, the Divine anger against mankind was turned away, for He is our Peace. Those whom God is reconciled, is comforted by Him. They are taught to triumph in God and their interest in Him. This amazing prophecy is revealed by God through Isaiah.

“And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.” - Isaiah 12:1-4.

The song of praise in this chapter is suitable for the return of the outcasts of Israel from their long captivity, but it is especially suitable to the case of a sinner, when they first find peace and joy in believing in the Savior. This salvation is from the love of God the Father, it comes to us through God the Son, and is applied by the new-creating power of God the Spirit.

“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.

The believer is created anew, their heart is not merely set right with God, but a new heart is given to them. They are the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Though the same as a man, they are changed in their character and conduct. By the inspiration of God, the Scriptures were written, which are the word of reconciliation, showing that peace has been made by the cross, and how we may be interested in it. Can any lose, labor, or suffer too much for Him, who gave His beloved Son to be the Sacrifice for their sins, that they might be made the righteousness of God in him? “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10. Praise God!

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

His Stretched Out Hand

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional

Message Title: His Stretched Out Hand
Date: Wednesday July 13, 2011
Chapters: Isiah 9-10, Proverb 13, Psalm 33
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-13
Details of Today's Chapters: The prophecy of The Son that would be born, and His kingdom, the judgments to come upon Israel and on the enemies of the kingdom of Christ, Woes against proud oppressors, the Assyrian used as an instrument in the hand of God for the punishment of His people, and their deliverance.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” - Matthew 14:25-31.

The second a person calls on Jesus Christ to save them He is never out of their sight, always watching at a distance, and quick to catch them when they fall. We can all become afraid of the situations we are facing, many strong Christians have fallen so far out of the will of God that they forgot that Christ is still with them, watching afar, with His hand stretched out, just waiting for them to say, “Lord, save me.” This really isn't a person asking to be saved again, once saved always saved, this is a person, saying, “I'm scared, I need You, save me from what I am going through.”

To hear of God's judgment and what was to become of the people of Jerusalem is devastating, the warnings of the destruction of Jerusalem is the result of the endless rebellion of people, refusing to heed the warnings. The first thing that comes to mind to the average person is how could God allow people to be destroyed if He is such a loving God. The truth is, God is a very loving God, so loving that He was willing to give His only begotten Son as a sacrifice to save the human race. Through Isaiah God foretells of the coming of His Son and His Kingdom.

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” - Isaiah 9:2-7.

Those who do not know Christ personally walk in darkness, but when exposed to the Light become light themselves. The cleansing of the soul through Christ delivers believers from the power and pollution of sin, influenced by the Holy Spirit, as purifying fire. A Child is born, He was born for the benefit of all mankind, of us sinners, of all believers, from the beginning to the end of the world. He is the Wonderful Counselor, in fact He is the mighty God Himself in the flesh. All who come to the Prince of Peace see the great light and are saved from the judgment all face. “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” - Ephesians 5:6-8.

Speaking of vain words, God has something to say to the false prophets, teachers, and so called men of God who are literally sending millions of people to hell by teaching them the wrong doctrine. Through Isaiah God reveals the fate of those who caused others to fall due to their wrong teachings.

“For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke. Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.” - Isaiah 9:16-19.

God can get angry, He rather see a person refuse Him than see a liar send people to hell because they taught them lies, they will end up right there with Satan when he gets cast into the fire too. However, God's hand is right there , stretched out, ready to catch anyone willing to repent, even on their death bed. If God did not spare the angels He will not spare anyone who does not accept His Son. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;.. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - II Peter 2:4,5,9.

Believe it or not, God is already sending us warning signs as He did with Jerusalem, God's judgment is upon all of us and is quickly coming to pass. Just before the invasion and the were taking captive to Babylon, God foretold of the invasion and also gave some insight to His delivering them out of captivity.

“And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day; And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standardbearer fainteth. And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.” - Isaiah 10:17-21.

When God brings His judgment, it is to bring sin to their remembrance, and humble them, and to awaken them to a sense of their duty; this must be the fruit, even the taking away of sin. When these points are gained by the affliction, it shall be removed in mercy, but only to those who are His remnant, His small, but few who put their faith and trust in Him. His remnant are the ones who reached for the hand of Jesus as He stretched it down to them. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - I Peter 2:9,10. Praise God!

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Impossible Without Faith

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional

Message Title: Impossible Without Faith
Date: Tuesday July 12, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 7-8, Proverb 12, Psalm 32
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-12
Details of Today's Chapters: Ahaz threatened by Israel and Syria; and is assured their attack would be in vain, God gives the assurance of the long expected Messiah, the folly and sin of seeking relief from Assyria are reproved, Exhortations and warnings, Comfort for those who fear God, and the afflictions given to idolaters.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen...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... But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” - Hebrews 11:1,3,6,14-16.

Faith always has been the mark of God's servants, from the beginning of the world. The Bible gives the most true and exact account of the origin of all things, and we are to believe it, by faith. We cannot come to God, unless we believe that He is what He has revealed Himself to be from Scripture. All true believers desire the heavenly inheritance and the stronger the faith, the more those desires will be. God is not ashamed to be called the God of all true believers as he prepares a city just for them.

During the reign of the kings certain promises were attached to the family of David, a godly heir would come from the house of David to renew the hopes and covenant with God. For the most part the house of David remained godly, but now they too have rejected God. Ahaz has forsaken God and even set up the altar of a strange god in the Temple of God. God directs Isaiah to meet Ahaz and an amazing prophecy is revealed.

“Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.” - Isaiah 7:10-16.

Ahaz is like a lot of Christians who ignore the Word of God in an attempt to justify their sinful actions. They have the mentality that if they do not read it then they will not be judged for them. However, ignoring God's Word does not mean that the things to come will be avoided, regardless of whether or not we believe all of His Word, all of His Word still exists and all will come to pass as stated in His Word. The sign God gave was none other than Jesus Christ, also known as Immanuel, He came just as prophesied. Every Word of God is true and the only was a Christian sees the best of of their relationship with God is by learning every word. “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” - Proverbs 30:5.

If a nation insists on rejecting God’s Word, it is just with God to apply judgment, which is why all of Israel suffered and is still suffering. However in the midst of trouble that may come to a nation, God will keep the heads of His trusting people above the rapid waters. Through Isaiah God gives them and us this amazing assurance.

“The LORD spake also unto me again, saying, Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son; Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks: And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.” - Isaiah 8:5-8.

Siloah, or Siloam, is a fountain at the foot of Mount Sion, which does not send forth water continually, but only at certain times and days and comes through the hollow places of the earth, caves of a hard rock, and with a great noise. As our nations reject Christ the rushing waters are approaching rapidly and many people will be caught up in them, but Immanuel will pluck out every one of His people and bring them safely to Him. “But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.“ - John 10:26-30.

There is a proneness in the best of Christians to be frightened at the rapid waters especially when fears are epidemic. We are all too apt to walk in the way of the people we live among, although it may not be a good way for fear that we will be rejected or alone. Isaiah tells us how he was himself taught of God not to give way to such amazing fears nor to run with those who refuse to live by the truth.

“For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” - Isaiah 8:11-14.

The crucified Immanuel, who was and is a Stumbling-stone and Rock of offence to unbelieving Jews, is no less so to thousands who are called Christians. The preaching of the cross is foolishness in their esteem, His doctrines and precepts offend them so they reject them. However, to the believer God's Word is like music to their ears, they long for it, even the scary parts. They rejoice in the hope that only through their faith can be attained as they await their Savior and trust only in Him for eternal life. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:5-7.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Monday, July 11, 2011

Bearing Much Fruit

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional

Message Title: Bearing Much Fruit
Date: Monday July 11, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 5-6, Proverb 11, Psalm 31
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-11
Details of Today's Chapters: The state and conduct of the Jewish nation, the judgments which would come, the executioners of these judgments, the vision which Isaiah has seen in the Temple, and God declares blindness to come upon the Jewish nation, and the destruction that would follow.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” - John 15:5-11.

Jesus Christ is the Vine, the true Vine, He is the root that bears life to the branches. The branches of the vine are many, yet, meeting in the root, therefore, all are true Christians. Even true Christians, like the branches of the vine, are weak and unable to stand alone, their strength comes from the Vine. We must honor God, and do good, walking in the love of Christ, bearing much fruit. The unfruitful are taken away, but the fruitful remain on the Vine. However, even the fruitful branches need pruning once in a while so they can expect a trim from time to time.

The great things which God had done for the Jewish church and nation, they were His vineyard, His peculiar people, He acknowledged them as His own and set them apart for Himself. The soil they were planted in was extraordinary, bearing much fruit. Through Isaiah God explains this further.

“Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.” - Isaiah 5:1-6.

God will deny His grace to those who have long received it in vain. The curse of barrenness is the punishment of the sin of barrenness. God blesses us with so much, He gave us His own Son to take the blame for every sin we ever committed, Christ died for us for those sins. What more can anyone ask for? How much more can God show His people how much He loves them? Yet His people are content to live day to day in their sin, making a mockery of the gift that was given to them. Yes, we all sin, but those who do it well knowing it is wrong will suffer God's judgment. God does not leave nor forsake a saved person, but He will not sit on His throne and watch them living in sin nor help them, they are left to fend for themselves until they come to Him in repentance. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.“ - Revelation 3:19.

The sins which brought upon the judgment of Judah is a warning to all people, in all ages, to take heed of their sins, as destructive both to themselves and others who expose the godly to God's wrath and His righteous judgments. God speaks of the woeful condition of Judah, which is a warning to all nations heading in the same direction.

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” - Isaiah 5:20-24.

Let not any expect to live easily who live wickedly, they will suffer. Ever see a flower that is losing it's blossom? Sin weakens the strength, the root of the believer, it defaces the beauty and blossoms of the branch. God frowns upon those who take advantage of His good graces. However, He willingly gives it to all who come to Him. God Himself is the strength of our hearts and our portion for ever, we will suffer from time to time, but it is through His allowing us to suffer that He brings us back to Him. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:..But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - I Peter 5:6,10.

Isaiah was given a vision by God of the glory and majesty of Christ,the mission and commission of that God had given him, and the destruction of the Jews that was about to take place very soon. A very awful vision which Isaiah saw of the glory of God, the terror it put him into, and the relief given him against that terror by an assurance of the pardon of his sins.

“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.” - Isaiah 6:1-7.

Isaiah saw Christ's glory and spake of Him, which is a full proof that our Savior is God. In Christ Jesus, God is seated on a throne of grace and through Him the way into the holiest is laid open. Above the throne stood the holy angels, called seraphim, which means “burners;” they burn in love to God, and zeal for his glory against sin. The seraphim showing their faces veiled, declares that they are ready to yield obedience to all God's commands. Although they do not understand the secret reasons of His counsels, government, or promises they do as He commands. We may not always understand God's reasons, but as we trust and obey Him we will remain fruitful. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28.

The taking away of sin is necessary if we want to remain fruitful, nothing can cleanse or comfort the soul except for Jesus Christ. He is our intercessor, the only one who can prune away all the sin and dead works. The only one who can give us the strength to remove those sins, the only one who can comfort us and give us peace. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” - Romans 8:31-34.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Sunday, July 10, 2011

The Poured Blood

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional

Message Title: The Poured Blood
Date: Sunday July 10, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 3-4, Proverb 10, Psalm 30
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-10
Details of Today's Chapters: The coming desolation of Jerusalem because of sin, the judgment of sinners, and the coming restoration of Jerusalem’s peace and purity.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death... And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.” - Revelation 21:6-8,27.

The joys which Christ imparts are like waters springing from a fountain, pure, refreshing, abundant, and eternal. It will be the perfect happiness of the believers when Christ returns to reign, His love fully manifested to them and His glory fully put upon them. Nothing sinful or unclean, idolatrous, or false and deceitful, can enter. All the inhabitants are made perfect in holiness through the blood of Christ which is poured upon all who believe in Him and presented to the Father without spot.

God was about to deprive Judah of every stay and support He had given them, the city and the land were to be made desolate, because their words and works had been rebellious against the Lord, even at His holy Temple. Through Isaiah God foretells His judgment upon Judah,

“For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water, The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient, The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator... For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.” - Isaiah 3:1-3,8.

Those who provoke God make Him their enemy and bring sure misery upon themselves. Why has He forsaken His people? Because they have learned the ways of the heathen. Judgment Day shall be upon all and all who do not have the blood of Christ poured upon them will join those that will be cast into the lake of fire. The greatest of men cannot secure themselves from the sentence of judgment day. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:12-15.

While God did declare judgment upon all He also gives us hope, giving us assurance of the kingdom of the Messiah, and the great redemption to be wrought out by Him. God gives us this assurance through Isaiah. “In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. And the LORD will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence.” - Isaiah 4:2-5.

The Gospel is the fruit of the Branch of the Lord, all the graces and comforts of the Gospel spring from Christ. Every affliction serves believers as a furnace to purify them from impurities, through the convincing, enlightening, and powerful influences of the Holy Spirit. God will protect his church, and all that belong to it, we may have to suffer from time to time, but once we leave the earth we will see no more sin, sorrow, or suffering. “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. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. “ - Revelation 21:3,4.

God has blessed us with His Written Word which guides us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, and teaches us how to experience the joy of forgiveness and deliverance from the guilt and condemnation of sin. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” - II Timothy 3:16,17.

There is everything in the character of God, in the ministry of Christ, and in the power of the Holy Spirit to inspire and confirm our confidence in His Word. God is willing to forgive and accept all who come to Him, who apply the blood of Christ upon themselves through their belief in Him. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” - John 6:37-40.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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