Saturday, August 6, 2011

Get God's Attention

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Get God's Attention
Date: Saturday August 06, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 57-58, Proverb 6, Psalm 57
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-6
Details of Today's Chapters: The abominable idolatry of the Jewish nation, promised made to the humble and contrite, hypocrisy, false and true fasting for God, and keeping the sabbath holy.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” -Luke 18:9-14.

While we as Christians think that everyone that comes to church on a fairly regular basis is saved and living their lives for God, we have no idea what they are really doing. Sadly, I have learned over the years that some saved Christians live a more wicked life than some that never step foot in church. It is no wonder that the world frowns upon the the Christian life, if they are seeing the wicked behavior of someone that is supposed to be a Christian than what is the point of converting into one. Here is the point, the few, faithful, true Christians who do live their lives for Christ actually do make a difference. “If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” - I Corinthians 3:15.

While living right does not determine our salvation, remember, we are saved by grace, it is the living right that God does honor us with as we humble ourselves before Him, never forgetting that we are sinners saved by the grace of God. In fact, the more we live for God the more we realize just how sinful we are and do not deserve God's blessings and that is what gets God's attention. Through Isaiah, God gives us some assurance to those who are saved and living the right way and also gives a warning to those who have been pretending.

“I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee. When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain; And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” - Isaiah 57:12-15.

Those who claim to live the Christian life and are not are in constant turmoil, oh, they have their bit of fun to try and mask the guilt and shame, but it is all in vain, wasteful, and unprofitable. You can not accept Christ into your life and continue to live a wicked life, once Christ is in you, conviction never ceases, it can not be masked because God knows everything and let me tell you people see it too. No one has to live in guilt and shame, but sadly, they do and do not know what to do. All they have to do to find peace within themselves is to humble themselves before God and ask for forgiveness, it's that simple. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:8,9.

You have probably heard me mention this before, but if you ever wondered why there were so many different religions out there here is your answer. We all want God's blessings on our lives, everyone does, whether they admit it or not, the problem is not everyone wants to live by every Word of God, if they did that it means they would have to give up some of the things they do. Now, we all sin unintentionally every day, even by trying to live by every Word of God, but there is a big difference between those living by the Word of God and living by what they claim the Word of God to be, hence new religion to justify their intentional sins. Through Isaiah, God exposes those trying to seek His attention and blessings through fasting.

“Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.” - Isaiah 58:4-8.

Fasting is abstaining from food or particular kinds of food for a period of time in an attempt to get closer to God and see Him answer prayer. Fasting is the most unselfish act a person can do and one that does get God's attention. A fast is a day to afflict the soul, if it does not express true sorrow for sin and does not promote the putting away of sin, it is not a godly fast. A fast is also a day to think less of yourself and more of others, if we are fasting as a means to get others attention it is not a godly fast. “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.

Our good works get God's attention only when we serve Him with all our heart, soul, and might and when we get God's attention there is nothing that He will not do for us. “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might...Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee. And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,” - Deuteronomy 6:6,17,18.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I can not fathom the amazing grace that You gave me and still give me, to take a life that was a complete mess and turn it into one that has meaning and purpose to it is just a miracle that only You can produce. Thank You God, for seeing something in me that is of good use to you, thank you for your grace and mercy and never giving up on me. God, as I humble myself before You, be merciful to me, a sinner, lead me and guide me, help me to never cease from serving You with all my heart, soul, and might. I love You Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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The Power of God

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Power of God
Date: Friday August 05, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 55-56, Proverb 5, Psalm 56
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-5
Details of Today's Chapters: An invitation to freely receive the blessings of the Savior, His gracious offers of peace and pardon, and a charge against the careless and unfaithful.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” - II Timothy 1:7-10.

Sometimes it's not easy being a Christian, while we are set free from the chains of the devil, hell, and sin, it sure does not feel like it, no matter how strong our faith is. However, if there is one thing I have learned over the years of dedicating my life to Christ, it is this, what does not kill you makes you stronger. Stronger in the Lord, stronger in His Word, and stronger in His Power. Let's face it, without God's power we have no power to overcome any of the situations we get ourselves into. Praise God that His grace is enough to save us by offering His Son to us.

Can you imagine having immortality? The word immortality means to never cease to live or exist, it is the exemption from death and annihilation, it is the life of a soul destined to endure without an end. The soul of every believer is exempt from death and annihilation and one day when Christ returns the flesh will reunite with the soul, giving it immortality as well, in fact, a glorified body. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality...O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 15:51-53,55-57. Praise God!

Now, anyone can receive immortality, it is given freely to all who ask for it, so, why don't more people have it? Perhaps it's rebellion, pride, fear, or shame. Through Isaiah God tells all, Jew and Gentile, not to fear the things of the world, just trust in the Savior.

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” - Isaiah 55:1-6.

In the blink of an eye we are here and gone, in the blink of an eye Jesus will be here and all will be gone, a few will remain, a few will return, the few are the Jews and Gentiles that accepted the Holy One of Israel, the few who harkened to His voice and were saved by their belief in Him. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:12,13.

While salvation is not granted upon our works as we get closer to God the more work He expects us to do for Him. I tell my Sunday school class that God prepares all His people to do something amazing for Him, He might want you to do many things, but only one thing, but no matter what it is it is very important to God and it means a lot to Him that you do it. Through Isaiah God reveals the importance of every person that He calls for His purpose.

“Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;” - Isaiah 56:1-6.

God tells us what His expectations are from us, be honest and just, and observe the sabbath day. Blessed are those who keep their hands from all things displeasing to God and hurtful to his own soul. Blessed are those who, no matter what circumstances they face, remain faithful to God, blessed are those who do not give up the fight despite the devils attempts to make them think that they are not free. Blessed are those who wait patiently for God to reveal the amazing blessings coming to them. That is the Power of God!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” - I Peter 1:3-7. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I m going to be short and simple today, all I ask is for Your Power, give me Your Power God. Give me Your power. It is only through Your power that I can even get up in the morning. Give me Your power in every area of my life. I love You, Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Thursday, August 4, 2011

The War

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The War
Date: Thursday August 04, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 53-54, Proverb 4, Psalm 55
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-4
Details of Today's Chapters: The judgment and humiliation placed upon Jesus Christ, the servant of God, who satisfied God, and the conversion and deliverance of both believing Jews and Gentiles.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat...And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel..In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” - Genesis 3:6,13-15,19.

War has been declared between God and man, by one man's sin His judgment was issued upon all mankind, the sentence, death and hell. However, a Savior, a seed from the woman, would be sent by God to put an end to the war. This Savior would suffer and die, symbolized by Satan bruising His heel, that is, His human flesh, He would defeat Satan's temptations, rescue souls out of his hands and by His death give a fatal blow to the devil's kingdom, a wound to the head of this wicked serpent that cannot be healed as he faces eternal death himself.

While we can not get an exact description of Jesus Christ, as only those whom have seen Him in the flesh know of His true appearance, throughout the Bible we are given details here and there of what He looks like and will see when we see Him face to face. Through Isaiah we get a bit of a description of the coming Messiah and a reminder that He did not go back on His promise to send someone who would end the war between God and man.

“Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” - Isaiah 53:1-6.

The whole race of mankind lies under the stain of sin, all have gone astray from God, but God, in love sent His only begotten Son into the world, who voluntarily made Himself an offering for sin. He submitted Himself to the disgraces and afflictions due to the worst of men, that those who should believe on Him, might have the joy and glory due to Him as the one perfect man. The world can not see the beauty of Christ, they reject and despise Him as some homeless man, but those who believe see His beauty, they receive Him and are not only cleansed of all their sins they are also reconciled with God and the war between God and that person has ended. “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:” - Ephesians 2:13-16.

The Messiah that was promised to the Jews would not only be for the Jews, but Gentiles as well, through Isaiah we get even more assurance that God in not only the God of the Jews, but of all mankind. We also get a glimpse at the bride of Christ.

“For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.” - Isaiah 54:3-7.

The Maker, the husband of the Jewish church is God, likewise the husband of the Christian church is Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Him and accept Him become brides of Christ, members of His church. Christ is also the Holy One of Israel, the Mediator of the covenant made with the Old Testament church. Long He had been called the God of Israel, but now He shall be called the God of the whole earth. And He will cleanse from sin, and cause every true believer to rejoice in this sacred union. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” - Ephesians 5:23-27.

The war is not over, as long as Satan is alive, there will be war between God and man, sin and the penalty for it will never end until the day Jesus Christ returns. No one has to end up where Satan ends up, no one has to live their lives held down by that wicked serpent. Christ can and will set anyone free as long as they believe in Him, but we must do more than believe in the Gospel, we must tell Him that we believe and ask Jesus to save us. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:9-13.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
You make is so simple, yet millions of people let Satan deceive them and are held down by his chains. We do not have to be held down by Satan, we are saved, born again, believers of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God, my heart is full of burdens, Satan is holding them down and I can't seem to let go. Give me Your power God, grab me from his clutch, give me peace and comfort as I trust You to bring all these things to pass. Only through You am I completely free from them. In You, I hope for something great to come out of all my pain and sorrow. I Love You, Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Wednesday, August 3, 2011

God's Grace Is Enough

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: God's Grace Is Enough
Date: Wednesday August 03, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 51-52, Proverb 3, Psalm 54
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-3
Details of Today's Chapters: The final final plea to trust in the Savior, the power of God, the weakness of man, Christ defends His people, the afflictions and deliverance of His people, and the Kingdom of Christ.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” - Titus 2:11-14.

The word grace means a state of reconciliation with God, a favorable influence of God, good will, and kindness. God's grace not only brings us salvation, it teaches us to look to God in Christ as the object of our hope. It teaches us redemption, sanctification, and to forsake sin, it teaches us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in a world that is corrupt and immoral. It is by God's grace that His peculiar people accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and are saved, not by works of righteousness, but by faith in the Son of God, He and He alone is our Redeemer and motivation to do good and live the godly way.

Although God’s people have to deal with some suffering while here on earth, they have an eternal cause to rejoice, all who trust in His salvation have the Son of the living God in them and His protection with them always. Through Isaiah we learn that even the Jews and Gentiles had the same protection given to them as long as they looked to the Savior, whom is known to Israel as the Messiah.

“Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged...For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people. My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.” - Isaiah 51:1,3-6.

Those who believe and trust in the Savior, whether they know Him as Messiah that was yet to come or Jesus Christ that is yet to return, are protected by Him. Only through Jesus can we find true peace, happiness, and rest from His judgment. Only through Jesus can we ever see salvation and while our works can not save us nor take away our salvation our works do count when we live righteously until the day Jesus comes to take us home. “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.” - Revelation 20:12.

The Gospel proclaims liberty to those bound with fears, those weary and heavy laden under the burden of sin, only find relief in Christ. The price paid by the Redeemer for our salvation, was not silver or gold, or corruptible things, but His own precious blood, which He offers freely to all who ask Him for it. Through Isaiah the Jews get a glimpse of the wonderful journey waiting for them as they wait patiently for the Savior.

“For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money...Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward.” - Isaiah 52:3,9-12.

Salvation can not be bought with anything that we have in our possession, there is absolutely no way to escape Judgment Day nor hell on our own. Why? In order for a person to be saved a sacrifice had to be made, not just any sacrifice, a blood sacrifice, one that was pure and undefiled. Since every person is born impure that means they had to use animal flesh. However, God made a way for a sacrifice to be made once and for all. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, Christ did not come into the world like everyone else, as in conception, but was placed in the womb of a virgin woman, which means that He was not born impure. This allowed Christ to pay the price of our salvation when He died on the cross.

“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. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.” - Romans 5:8-14.

Now, the only sacrifice needed is for one to become a living sacrifice, not a dead, but living. Only by God's grace can we be saved and live the way He intended for us to live. Only by grace can we receive the power to overcome every temptation and trial of our faith. Only by the grace of God can we present ourselves acceptable to God as we allow Christ to live in and through us. “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.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
It amazes me just how much your grace has done for me, not only have I been reconciled with You through Your Son I also have Your favor. What joy and peace to know that Your grace is enough to help me through every trial, temptation, and affliction. What comfort to know that You are always with me and right there to protect me from immediate danger. I know I will suffer some, but by Your grace I know I will get through it. God, I need Your grace, I can't function without it. Lead me and guide me and fill me full of Your grace. I love You and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

In Due Time

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: In Due Time
Date: Tuesday August 02, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 49-50, Proverb 2, Psalm 53
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-2
Details of Today's Chapters: Israel’s coming Redeemer, the preservation and restoration of the remnant of Israel, a light to the Gentiles, a glimpse into the prophecy concerning rejection and humiliation places before Jesus upon His crucifixion.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” - I Peter 5:6-11.

It's not always easy being a Christian, especially when you see other people who do not live godly prospering while you are struggling to keep your head above water. Satan loves to make God's faithful doubt in Him, in fact, the more faith you have in God the more Satan creates havoc in your life. However, by the grace of God, as we humble ourselves before Him in faith, He will exalt us in due time.

No one has suffered more humiliation than Jesus Christ, amazingly, the King of kings, the Redeemer the Jews all knew about was rejected and despised. Through Isaiah, Jesus Himself foretells the rejection He would receive by the Jews and God foretells the light of the Gentiles.

“And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength. And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;” - Isaiah 49:5-8.

Jesus, the Son of God, had the power to do anything He wanted, yet He became a servant, He humbled Himself, to serve not only God as a man, but serve man as well. All who believe in Him, whether Jew or Gentile, are preserved, acceptable to God and a part of His family. “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. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,” - Hebrews 2:9-11.

The Lord Jesus, our Redeemer, was to be wise above all men, able to speak the word of comfort to every heart willing or unwilling. He was to have the ear of the learned, to receive instruction in all things from His Father and to be a light to all who seek Him. In spite of this, He was to be smitten and insulted by men, suffering all patiently and voluntarily for the salvation of the world. Through Isaiah, we learn a little bit about the suffering Jesus would go through, which all came to pass.

“The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed... Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.” - Isaiah 50:4-7,10.

As Jesus was God and man in one person, we sometimes find Him speaking or spoken of as the Lord God and at other times as a mere man and servant of God. Why did Jesus do this? God, the Son, brought Himself down to man's level, giving all power to God the Father, thus becoming the payment for sin Himself when He died on the cross. The Father justified the Son when he accepted the payment He made for the sin of man.

“This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” - I John 5:6-11.

Those who truly fear God, obey the voice of Christ, become a sincere servant of God, even though it may a long time without views of eternal happiness, but let them trust in the name of the Lord and build their hopes upon Him. It is not in vain to serve Christ, through our faithfulness He grows us, settles us, perfects us, and in due time we will be exalted. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - I peter 4:12,13.

Today's Prayer:
Jesus,
No words can express the thanks You deserve for loving me so much that You brought Yourself down to earth as a mere servant man. A mere servant man who would suffer so many things for my sins and pay the price for those sins by dying for me. The only way I can show my thanks is by serving You faithfully, while I may not always see the blessings for my faith, I know they are there and coming abundantly. Lead me and guide me in Your will for my life. I love You and ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Monday, August 1, 2011

The Fate of Believer's

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Fate of Believer's
Date: Monday August 01, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 47-48, Proverb 2, Psalm 52
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-1
Details of Today's Chapters: God's judgment foretold upon Babylon, the fate of the wicked, the dullness of Israel, their restoration under the Servant of God, and Israel is reminded of the promises God made them.

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 he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,..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 21:6-8,10,27.

What perfect joy and happiness will be to those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, those whom have asked Jesus Christ to save them. When Christ returns all who put their faith and trust in Him to save them from hell will see no more death, pain, or sorrow. However, those who do not believe, along with Satan and all the other wicked people in the world, face a second death, the death of the soul, which is being cast into the lake of fire. Unless a person believes in and accepts the Gospel their fate will be hell. Through Isaiah, God foretells the fate of those playing God, the astrologers, wizards, and fortune tellers, as well as those who follow them.

“Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know. Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail. Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee.” - Isaiah 47:11-15.

While God often makes use of evil men for the correction of His people, He always breaks the rod of His wrath because of their boastfulness and cruelty. If we believe the Word of God, we may know how it will be with the righteous and the wicked to all eternity. We may learn how to escape the wrath to come, to glorify God, to have peace through life, to hope beyond death, and to have everlasting happiness. “For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” - Hebrews 2:2,3.

God will not share Himself with any other god. If you are going to choose God He expects you to commit only to Him. He will not take anyone away from their choice, but He will welcome all who come to Him, even if they followed other gods for a while. Through Isaiah, God reminds Israel that they are His and even though they may fall away from His grace they are still His.

“For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last...Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me. Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:” - Isaiah 48:9-12,16-18.

God places affliction on our lives for two reasons, to get us right with Him and to get us away from the sin. Whom God redeems He teaches to profit by the affliction, and then makes them partakers of His holiness. Also, by His grace He leads them in the way of duty and deliverance. Jesus Christ, our Redeemer always leads us in the way we should go when we keep our eyes on Him. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1,2.

Jesus Said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:13-16.

The only life to live is one with Jesus in it, He is the only way to be redeemed and saved. Jesus laid His life down for all mankind, that means He gave His life for you, He assures all who believe in Him and call on Him that they are not servants, but His friends. In fact, Jesus chose you personally to do great things for Him, what better friend to have then our Lord, Savior, and friend, Jesus Christ. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Jesus,
Lord, thank You for solving my debt problem by dying on the cross for me. I owed a debt I couldn't pay but, because of Your great love for me, You paid the price for me. You made me alive together with You, having forgiven me all my transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against me. Your love is so amazing and so divine that it demands my soul, my life, and my all. In view of Your mercy, I offer my body as a living sacrifice to You. I love You Lord, Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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