Saturday, November 12, 2011

A Chosen Vessel

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Chosen Vessel
Date: Saturday November 12, 2011
Chapters: Acts 9-10
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-12

Hello My Friend,

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness...Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” - II Timothy 2:15,16,19-26.

Believe it or not, those who are not saved are held captive to Satan, they go about their days unknown to the fact that every step they take is at his will. Likewise, those who are saved are free from Satan, but many too go about their days unknown to the fact that every step they take is at His will, even the ungodly things. Every single thing we do in life has an impact on us in some way, it is up to us to decide how we handle the snares and strifes of the world without living in Satan's will. If you are saved, you are a chosen vessel, a body in which God dwells. Let's face it, we all have something in our lives that is a hindrance between us and God, something that is keeping us from reaching our full potential with God, it's time to study to shew thyself approved unto God to receive those blessings as we learn to avoid and eliminate the things that keep us still in bondage to Satan.

Saul grew up a devout Jew, so, when people began preaching Jesus he gladly accepted the task of persecuting these blasphemers. Little did Saul know that he would soon be the one being persecuted for preaching Jesus. As he was on his way to Damascus to capture people preaching Jesus for them to be tried in Jerusalem something miraculous happened, Jesus showed up.

“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.” - Acts 9:3-9.

The unsaved are blind to Jesus, they have no idea that Jesus is even near them, it usually takes a tragic situation before they search for the existence of God or seek His help. The phrase “kick against the pricks” means that Saul was resisting the authority of God. Every time he taunted and allowed one of Jesus' disciples to be killed he was persecuting or crucifying Jesus all over again. Every person that persecutes a follower of Christ is resisting to the authority of God and crucifies Jesus all over again. You cannot believe in God and not believe in Jesus Christ, doing so always goes against His authority and blinds them to the truth, at least until they open their hearts to the truth. “Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” - John 12:44-48.

When Saul arrived in Damascus, he was to be met by a man named Ananias, Ananias was a devout Christian, he heard about Saul's reputation and was quite nervous about helping this ruthless hater of anyone preaching Jesus. However, he did as Jesus commanded, he met up with Saul, preached the Gospel to him, and Saul was saved, baptized, and immediately began preaching the Gospel as well.

“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.” - Acts 9:13-20.

Saul, who we know as Paul, became one of the most successful evangelists of all time, Jesus chose one of the most ruthless people to be a witness of the Gospel. Why? To prove that everyone, even the most ruthless Jesus hater, can be saved and used as a vessel of honor. Paul never stopped preaching the Gospel to the lost and became a witness to all nations that even a murderer can be saved, turn his life around, and used of God as a testimony. While we are quick to count people out and cast them into hell, God never counts anyone out, He does not want to see anyone in hell. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” - II Peter 3:9.

Paul also faced a lot of persecution, probably more than anyone we know from the Bible besides Jesus, yes, he was forgiven, yes, he got saved, but he still had to deal with the repercussions of his past life. It wasn't a punishment from God, it was Satan trying to discourage him to quit, but Paul never gave up. Jesus was always with him and helped him endure every bit of it, he knew what Jesus had saved him from and no matter what he faced in life it did not compare to what he would have faced if he continued the life he was living. Paul asked Jesus to remove the thorn from his side, the hindrance that kept him from reaching his full potential with God. Guess what? He did not remove the thorn. “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” - II Corinthians 12:8-10.

Those thorns in our sides are not really hindrances, they are actually used by God to bring us closer to Him, in the weakness of our flesh we only become strong through the power of Christ, His grace gives us peace, comfort, and the ability to reach our full potential with God. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus...I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me...But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:7,13,19. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
It is comforting and eye opening to realize that the thing that I thought was hindering my relationship with You is actually used to bring me closer to You. While You are not removing the thorn in my side I know I can endure all things through Christ, who lives inside of me and is my strength. Lord, I am Your vessel, do to me as You feel necessary to make me a vessel of honor. Let me not be overwhelmed or overpowered by my infirmities, instead let me embrace them by the grace of Christ, who is sufficient enough to strengthen me though I am weak. I love You Lord, and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Standing By Your Faith

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Standing By Your Faith
Date: Friday November 11, 2011
Chapters: Acts 7-8
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-11

Hello My Friend,

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:..But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer...If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 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 4:1-3,7,11-13.

Something amazing happens the second we receive Christ as our Savior, every sin ever committed is forgiven and forgotten, we start our newly Christian life on a clean slate as though we have never sinned. Those who allow Christ to continue to work in their lives begin to change, those worldly things we use to depend upon are replaced by godly things. As we grow in Christ the past often resurfaces, which is Satan's biggest ploy to get us to fall away from God. We do not have to let the past destroy everything we have worked so hard to accomplish nor do we have to let it take back control of us. Embrace the past, praise God for the changes He has made in you and the messes that He has gotten you out of. Seek the strength of Christ, who lives inside of you and keep living by faith and letting Christ change your life, be a testimony of the amazing, wonderful, freedom you have found in Christ. Yes, you will get persecuted at times, but you will always be blessed, if anything you will be resting in the bosom of your Savior in the Kingdom of God forever.

Stephen was a man of God, he was chosen along with six other godly men to head up the first Christian church in Antioch. Stephen was a great man of God, preaching the Gospel and leading multitudes to the Lord, because of this the council sought ways in which too discredit him. Since they could not accuse him of any wrong doing they falsely accused him, siting that he was blasphemous, speaking against the law of Moses. Now he stands before the council to plead his case and interestingly, Stephen began to give them a little history lesson and after that rebuked them as any true man of God will do.

“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” - Acts 7:51-60.

Stephen died that day, assured of where he was going, he did not let the fear of dying stop him from telling the truth. While we should have respect for our authorities it does not mean that they have the right to condemn us or restrain us from following our beliefs, yet they do every time a new law is passed that prohibits us from mentioning Jesus. Think about it. Currently, the Bible can not be read in public schools, they are not even allowed to say Merry Christmas, and no symbol even relating to Jesus is allowed on government property. They tell you that the reason they do this is so they do not offend anyone, but the real reason is, just like they stoned Stephen, they do not want to hear the truth because they are the worse sinners of all. “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,...Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” - Romans 12:22,29-32.

Philip watched Stephen get stoned, I am sure he was scared that day, wondering if they would come after him too for preaching the Gospel, he could have walked away, instead he continued preaching the Gospel, leading many to the Lord, including a sorcerer. “But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:..But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.” - Acts 8:9,12,13.

Philip was then led by the Holy Spirit to meet an Ethiopian official on his way home. “And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him...Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” - Acts 8:31,35-38.

These are examples proving that salvation in not a gift given to a specific race or religion, it is given by those who believe and receive Christ as their Savior. We often read in the Book of Acts of people immediately getting baptized, for this reason many religions state that you must accept Christ and get baptized to get saved. This is false, baptism is a symbol of the burial, and resurrection of Christ, as a saved person emerges in the water it symbolizes the burial of those sins, never to be remembered again. As we come up out of the water we are resurrected as a living soul. Baptism does not save us, it is only by asking Jesus to save us that we are saved, what baptism does is make it official. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” - Colossians 2:12

Don't let the past get you down, do not be ashamed of letting your family and friends know that you are a changed, born again soul who has Christ living in you. The more we do for Christ the more we will be persecuted by those who are in the world, but remember this, you shine, you are the light that gives hope to others as Christ shines through you. The more He shines through us, the more others see that they too need Christ. It's all about following the will of God and believing in His Son, after all, we have nothing to be worried about, we will be in heaven one day. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby... Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” - Hebrews 12:11,28.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I cannot ever forget the love and mercy that You showed me when You brought me up out of the pit I was in and gave me a new beginning and a new life. No suffering can compare to what I would receive had I not put my faith and trust in Your Son to save me. It is only by Your power that I am what I am today and even though I am going through some struggles I know You are with me and You will see me through them as I stand by my faith in You. Lead me and guide me in Your will and Your way, help me to be a blessing to others, and help me to serve You with all my heart, mind, and spirit. 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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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Boldly Speak Without Fear

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Boldly Speak Without Fear
Date: Thursday November 10, 2011
Chapters: Acts 4-6
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-10

Hello My Friend,

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” - Galatians 2:16-21.

Only by our faith in Christ are we saved, not by works, not by righteousness, only by the grace of God are we saved, justified, or redeemed as a sinner. Why? Our righteousness, which is holiness can never be measured, we just cannot be holy enough to earn our redemption. Our works, which are the things we would do for God, likewise, cannot be measured, we just cannot do enough for God to pay the sin debt we owe. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” - Romans 3:23. Since we all have sinned and cannot be justified or saved on our own, God decided that righteousness and redemption can no longer be obtained through the acts of the law, but by grace only, which is given freely to us through the Lord, Jesus Christ.

You would think that it is easy to see someone bow their head and trust Christ as their Savior, not a chance. Most people think that it is impossible for us to just ask Christ to save us and that alone will redeem us and take us to heaven. Religions have distorted God's Word so much that the only way to reach anyone is by the power of God. In yesterday's reading we read about a lame man that got saved and immediately went into the temple yelling and screaming praises to God for being able to walk. Well, today Peter and John are under judgment for preaching this unknown doctrine.

“And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole...Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.” - Acts 4:4-10,13-18.

Satan cannot deny the power of God and that all who believe in and receive Christ are saved, but he can try to stop the saved from speaking the truth. However, the Holy Spirit in us gives us the power to boldly speak the truth without fear. Jesus tells all His own, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” - John 14:27.

If God wants you to preach the Gospel to someone He will stop at nothing to get you to that person. On their second attempt to arrest and silence Paul and John, the Sadducees thought they had finally stopped them when they placed them in jail under high security, little to their surprise they escaped and were right back on the streets preaching the Gospel in the temple.“But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought...And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” - Acts 5:19-21,27-29.

The words of life, which the Holy Spirit puts into the mouth of every person who speaks the Gospel is also put into the heart of every person who accepts and receives it gladly. There is no prison too dark, no bars too strong, no security so fierce, that God can not visit His people in it, and, if He pleases, fetch them out. Recoveries from sickness, releases out of trouble, are granted, not that we may enjoy the comforts of life, but that God may be honored with the services of our lives. Peter and John were honored to even be beaten for Jesus. “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” - Acts 5:41,42.

Because we believe in and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are going to face some trials in life, but it is important that we stand firm by our faith in and trust in Jesus Christ. If God gives you the opportunity to tell the Gospel to someone, do not cease from it, you may never see that person again. “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” - Philippians 4:9.

We have been given the wonderful gift of eternal life, it is something that will never compare to anything we will ever receive here on earth. Just imagine how much more wonderful the gifts will be that we will receive in heaven because we endured the suffering, pain, and humiliation that went long with holding on to our faith. “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. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, every good that I am comes from You as the Holy Spirit enables me to make the right decisions. I know I can lose sight of the purpose that You allow me to go through some things, but You are faithful and gracious to wait for me to come to my senses and just trust Your judgment. You really do have a reason for the things You do and allow to happen in my life and one day I will learn what they are as I keep my heart set on You. Help me to grow each day with You trusting in Your, mercy, grace, forgiveness, patience, and love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

The Power of The Holy Spirit

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Power of The Holy Spirit
Date: Wednesday November 09, 2011
Chapters: Acts 1-3
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-9

Hello My Friend,

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit...So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God...For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live...Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” -Romans 8:1-4,8,13,26,27.

The law of Moses was given by God as a temporary fix to redeem a sinner from condemnation until Jesus would become the permanent fix. Those who receive Christ instantly receive the Holy Spirit in them, the problem is very few people know this and as they go about their daily lives in the flesh they cannot understand why things keep getting worse. Oh, they may find a temporary fix, but it does not last because they are avoiding the one person inside them that they truly need to be free and feel alive. It is only when we let the power of the Holy Spirit, which is Christ Himself, work inside of us that He can do His work as the intercessor that would give us freedom, life, and a permanent fix to any situation we get ourselves into.

The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament, forty-fourth book of the Bible, and contains twenty-eight chapters. The author of the book is Luke and it was written to all believers, addressed specifically to Theophilus, which means, a lover of God. The timeline for these events took place approximately between 34AD and 65AD. The purpose of the book was to explain what Jesus continued to do and teach after His ascension through His spiritual Body, the Church, in the form of the Holy Spirit. What we are to learn from the book is that the true evidence of the Holy Spirit is directed by the power of God, which gives us the power to become witnesses for the purpose of teaching the Gospel throughout the entire world. “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Acts 2:21.

Before Jesus ascended up to heaven He had something to say to all His disciples, present and future, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” - Acts 1:1-9.

The former treatise, or agreement that God gave His people to be saved was replaced by a new treatise, one that would be more easier to be obtained and permanent, that treatise is none other than the gift of eternal life by grace. Per Jesus' conversation with the disciples prior to His death, burial, and resurrection, He explained that He would not always be there in the flesh, but would send someone in His place once He ascended up to heaven who will always be with them. Now, Jesus is reassuring them that shortly after He goes up, the Holy Spirit will come down upon them, giving them the power to be witnesses. Witnesses of what? The Gospel, which is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The disciples, now apostles, were witnesses, they had the proof that Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and three days later arose and while seeing is believing their testimonies would pave the way for future generations to be saved all the way down to us today. It is not by believing in what we see that we are saved, but by believing in what we have not seen that we are saved and blessed. “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 5:13.

Just as Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit came down and entered every believer, what an amazing sight, little flames of fire falling down from heaven onto the apostles. It was on the day of Pentecost, people came from all over the world, and as they were filled with the Holy Spirit they immediately began speaking the Gospel in their own language. Miraculously, through the power of the Holy Spirit every person understood what was being preached in their very own language. Of course, this came as a bit of a shock to all, I imaging to the apostles as well.

“And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Acts 2:12-21.

3000 people were saved and baptized that day and the apostles continued preaching the Gospel to everyone they saw, wherever they were. “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.” - Acts 3:1-8.

Never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit, He will enable all who allow Him to work in their lives the power to do anything. The key reason, that someone would be saved. While the Holy Spirit gives us comfort, peace, and direction in our lives, He never passes up the opportunity for us to witness to someone, when we allow Him to work in our lives. “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope...Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost...That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” - Romans 15:2-4,13,16.

We who are saved and allow Christ to live in us through the Holy Spirit have the same power as the apostles did, we are witnesses, ministers of the Gospel to all who are in need of Christ. Don't let that power be wasted, use it for good and let me tell you, you will be blessed for it. “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory...And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful...Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:4,15,24.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, no other power in the world can compare to Your Power, only You can give me the power to overcome my afflictions, trials, and difficulties. I try and try to handle things on my own, but it never works, You are my hope, my peace, my comfort, and my sanity. Lord, I need Your power, give me Your power and work in me so much that others see You through me and receive you too. Let me be a witness to Your power and rule my heart. Thank You for loving me and not giving up on me and for always being there when I need You, even when I try to do things on my own. I love You, Lord and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

It Is Finished

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: It Is Finished
Date: Tuesday November 08, 2011
Chapters: John 19-21
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-8

Hello My Friend,

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” -James 2:14-20.

Without faith it is impossible to get God to do anything for you, but it is not enough to have faith, we must take the steps needed to help that faith along. For example, say you are in need of a job, by faith you are trusting God to give you a job, but if you never fill out an application or let anyone know you are interested in the job then you will not get the job. Likewise, it is only by faith that we obtain salvation, but if you do not ask Him to save you than you will not be saved. Satan himself knows and believes that there is only One God and that Christ is the only way to salvation. How is it that Christ is the only way to salvation? He is the only one to lay down His life to save mankind. Besides that, He is the only one who can save mankind. Why? Because He became the sinless sacrifice, the sacrificial lamb that was needed by law for a person to be redeemed from the consequences of sin.

Satan tried his best to put a stop to the One Man who had the power to cast him into hell, he did this by trying to alter the prophecies concerning His death, burial, and resurrection. Yes, Satan knows Scripture and had any part of the prophecy been altered it would have discredited God and His Word, making our need for a Savior null and void. However, His death, burial, and resurrection came to pass just as it was foretold through the Scriptures. Pilate, the governor, did not want to crucify Jesus, in fact, he was a bit scared to even give the order once he heard that people were calling Him the Son of God, but he reluctantly gave into their demands.

“And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!..And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS...Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.” - John 19:12-14,19,23,24.

Many things done by the Roman soldiers fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament, knowing they were written in the Bible. All things written in the Bible were, are, and will be fulfilled in the years to come. People have the assumption that God is done fulfilling the promises that He foretold long ago, this is false, every prophecy written in the Old and New Testaments will come to pass. God and His Word is just as alive today and is just as powerful as it was two thousand years ago. While it is not feasible to quote Scripture every time you talk to someone, it will put someone in their place. And I mean Scripture straight from the Bible, not some book telling you what the Bible says. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.

More prophecies are fulfilled concerning Christ' death on the cross, “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.” - John 19:28-37.

Perhaps the most powerful words ever spoken by Jesus were the last words He spoke before He died, “It is finished.” His sufferings were now finished, both those of His soul, and those of His body. Jesus came for one reason and one reason only, to give His life as the ransom needed to be set free from death and hell. “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” - Timothy 2:3-6.

Satan thought he won, but even death cannot stop the power of God, three days later, just as it was foretold, Jesus arose from the dead. Later that night Jesus showed up in a room where the disciples were hiding from the Jews, “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained...And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” - John 20:19-23,30,31.

How interesting is it to first, learn that the disciples no longer thought of themselves as Jews or Gentiles, they were Christians, followers of Christ. His promise, everlasting life to all who believe in Him, no matter how many sins they commit after they receive the Holy Spirit in them. The same is true for all who believe in Jesus and took that step to ask Him to save them. The Holy Spirit only comes to us after we are saved and no matter how many sins we commit after the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we are still saved. That is God's promise for all who believe that, “it is finished”. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” - Hebrews 13:5,6. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
There is nothing more powerful that Your Word, no matter how many people try to alter You Word or alter our perception of Your Word it always remains as it is written. It is comforting to know that when You have a plan You stop at nothing for it to come to pass, including Your plan for me. Thank You for loving me and not giving up on me, for waiting patiently for me to learn the truth and receive Your Son by simply asking Him to come into my life. Thank You Jesus, for dying for me, for redeeming me, and for making me one of Your very own. I love You Lord, and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Monday, November 7, 2011

The Called

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Called
Date: Monday November 07, 2011
Chapters: John 17-18
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-7

Hello My Friend,

“And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose...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. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?.. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:27,28,31-35,38,39.

The word intercession means the act of interceding, meditating, or pleading, it is someone praying in favor of another. Before a person even asks Christ to save them, amazingly, He is already praying for them, literally pleading with God to tender their heart to receive Him. The second a person says I believe and asks Jesus to come into their heart and save them He is with them forever, and nothing, I mean nothing, can separate us from Him. We are God's elect, the called, and even though we cannot escape trials and tribulations Christ is right there with us, not only praying for us, but making a way for them to come to pass even stronger in our faith.

Just before Jesus was taken and would be crucified He was praying to God. “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” - John 17:1-5.

Eternal life is everlasting life, while the flesh cannot last forever, the soul can and does, whether it is in heaven or hell, which is eternal damnation, the soul is forever. Believe in Christ and what He has done for you and you are given eternal life, it's that simple, you do not have to serve God, go to church, or even be good. Eternal life is given freely to all who believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Why? Since we carry around this flesh with us we will always have sin in our lives, that means we will never be sin free or measure up to God's standards, but we can be one of His elect simply by believing in the one who gave His life for all. “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.

Jesus says a special prayer for those who are, the called, “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” - John 8-17.

Trials and tribulations are going to come our way because we believe in Christ and follow Him, but Jesus is always with us. He is ours and we are His, since we are His and He is ours, God is ours too, He is the God to all who believe in His Son. “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...He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” - Revelation 21:3,4,17.

Christ, being made a sin-offering for us, to free us from the bonds of sin, submitted Himself to be bound for us. To His bonds we owe our liberty, believing in the Son sets us free, but before He could set us free He had to be captured. After Jesus prayed He came down from the mountain and was captured, submitting Himself solely to the will of God.

“And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,” -John 18:2-12.

Christ set an example for us to follow, not in becoming a human sacrifice, no one can die themselves to get to God, but in becoming a living sacrifice, meaning humbling ourselves in submission to God's will, even when we are suffering. It is but a cup, a small matter, sufferings are gifts from God, our Father, He does not place suffering in our lives to condemn us, but to correct, strengthen, and get us to depend solely upon Him. From the example of our Savior we should learn how to receive trials and afflictions with joy, knowing that we are His elect, the called, according to His purpose. “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...For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” - I Peter 2:9,10,19-21.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I want to thank You for sending Your Son to save me, I am trusting fully in Him for eternal life with You. While I endure my cup, help me to submit solely unto You, with all the joy, peace, and comfort that only comes from Christ who is mine. Lord, just as You are the example that I need to follow let me be the example for someone else to follow in hopes that they too can find peace in the Savior. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.


God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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