Saturday, December 24, 2011

Labor In Vain

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Labor In Vain
Date: Saturday December 24, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 3-5
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” - Psalm 127:1,2.

The word labor means to work, to exert or use one's powers of the body or mind, whether using our mind or body, we exert ourselves, to work the body we exert our muscles, to work the mind we exert our brain. There are many ways in which labor can be in vain, which means worthless exertion, or working for nothing. For example, someone hollering and throwing things out of anger is worthless exertion of the body. Someone devising a scheme to steal someone's identity is worthless exertion of the mind. Nothing gets accomplished when we labor in vain, but everything gets accomplished when we build it upon the foundation of the Lord. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 3:11.

As Jesus continues telling John what to write in His letters to the seven churches of Asia, He sternly rebukes them for their vain works. The Church in Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. They would boast that there were no false doctrines being taught, but something serious was going on, they were not teaching anything. “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” - Revelation 3:1-3.

There are churches that talk about Jesus, parade on good works, but they are dead, meaning they do not know Jesus and are laboring in vain, they are teaching people that they need to work their way to heaven. Very few people who are brought up in false religion will receive Christ, but there are a few that will escape and be saved. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” - Revelation 3:5.

The only church that did not receive any warnings of repentance was the Church in Philadelphia. The Church in Philadelphia was seated upon the borders of Mysia and Lydia, and would probably seem weak and insignificant as far as the world was concerned, their number was small and they had only a little strength within the church, but Jesus commended them for that little bit of strength and also gave them an assurance that their labor was not in vain. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name...Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” - Revelation 3:8,10.

All who serve Jesus, no matter what they face, and this includes times when all we have is the strength to say, "Help Me, Jesus", can find comfort and peace through Him as they patiently wait for their trials to come to pass. Jesus will come in the blink of an eye, only those who are saved will be a part of His Kingdom. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” - Revelation 3:11,12.

The Church of the Laodiceans was once a famous city near the river Lycus, had a wall of vast compass, and three marble theatres, and, like Rome, was built on seven hills. They prided themselves on their ability to compromise with the world. The majority of the church members probably congratulated themselves on being moderate and broad-minded, but Jesus saw nothing commendable about what they were doing, He gave nothing, but rebuke to this church and a stern warning too. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” - Revelation 3:15-19.

The quickest way to get God angry is to make compromises, I was watching a movie yesterday and a daughter was commending her parents on their relationship for not compromising, but respecting each other. I can tell you from experience that compromise causes a lot of pain and suffering and destroys relationships. Had I been truthful and honest about how I felt and did not do the things I knew were wrong for that sake of compromise I would have saved myself from a lot vain labor that only caused me pain and suffering. Can I tell you that if a person is or is trying to get you to do something you do not want to do, God will give you the strength and power to overcome it. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” - Matthew 11:28,29.

After John writes down everything that Jesus dictated to him to the seven churches he sees a second vision. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.” -Revelation 4:1-3.

The day is quickly approaching when God shall prepare to execute all His judgment upon the earth. Thundering black clouds shall gather, but even in the darkness of that day a bow in the cloud will be seen reflecting the glory of God in the storm and reminding the ones who received His Son that God has not forsaken them. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” - John 10:28.

Then John sees something even more amazing, a throne, with four beasts, a counsel of men, and in the center stood a Lamb that looked like it had been slaughtered. “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth..And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” -Revelation 5:6,9,10.

It will be none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, Who as the Lamb of God, was slain and rejected of men, Who will be the Judge of all mankind. He alone is the only One worthy and able to redeem a soul through His precious blood that was shed for all, but He will only redeem those who believe in and receive Him. Those who do are branded with His blood and sealed with God's promise of everlasting life. “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed...All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” - John 6:27,37. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, our hearts are warmed and encouraged when we remember that our labor for You is never in vain. You see our hearts and equip us to carry out the mission of serving You faithfully and wholeheartedly. You never fail to bless us as we are faithful to You and remain steadfast in our commitment to You. May we not rely on just the immediate results, but rather recognize that You are storing up treasures from our work here on earth, many that will only be revealed to us in heaven. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina

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Friday, December 23, 2011

Guarded In The Word

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Guarded In The Word
Date: Thursday December 22, 2011
Chapters: The Books of II John, II John, 7 Jude
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” - Matthew 24:4-8,14,44,46.

To be ready means to be quick; prompt; not hesitating; prepared; furnished with what is necessary. Jesus is coming, and although it seems as though we have a long way to go for His return, one day over is one day closer to His return. All the things we read about that will happen before Jesus returns could be a hundred or a thousand years from now, but it can also happen in the blink of an eye. While we may not know the hour in which Jesus will return we can be ready, prepared, and furnished with the things necessary for His return. In order to be ready we need to be guarded in the Word of God, it's our only escape from deception.

The Books of II John, III John, and Jude are the twenty-fourth, fifth, and sixth books of the New Testament and sixty-third, fourth, and fifth books of the Bible. The Book of II John was written by the Apostle John, about 90AD to the elect lady and her children. The purpose of this letter was to caution believers to be faithful to sound doctrine and to warn them against false teachers. What we are to learn from the letter is that believers must guard themselves against false teachers who cause them to lose their Christlike qualities and who make them partakers of their evil. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” - II John 10,11.

In this brief letter the Apostle John reminds the elect lady, which is the true Church of Christ and her children, who are His believers, that they are the select few chosen by God Himself to represent the church as it should be. “The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love...For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” - II John 1:1-3,7-9.

The Church is always addressed as a female because she is called the bride of Christ. Her children are the men, women, and children who make up the body of the Church. While anyone can get saved, God chooses specific people to represent Him in the Church. Why? Because not all confess that Christ is God in the flesh or that He has risen. Some religions severely distort the Gospel and if we are not careful, if we are not abiding in the true doctrine, we too can fall into the same deception just like Jesus warns. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” -Matthew 24:24.

The Book of III John was also written by the Apostle John, around 90AD and it was written to a man named Gaius as well his church. The purpose of the letter was to commend him for teaching the truth and to warn him against fellowship with those who teach the wrong doctrine. What we are to learn from the letter is that our lives are examples of what others follow, whether it be good or evil, we as Christians need to set the right example. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” - III John 1:4.

“The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth...I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.” - III John 1:1-3,9-12.

I went to a store yesterday with my nephew, we were outside of it waiting for my mother when a lady noticed my nephew's t-shirt as she was walking out of the store. She commented on his t-shirt and I said to my nephew, “You see, people are always watching us.” It does not matter where we are or who we are with people are always watching us and whether we are Christians or not we set an example for others. If we are Christians then we need to present ourselves as such, if we are doing things that are immoral or malicious than it does not just reflect us, it reflects God. It is important that we as the elect children of God remain moral and set a good example for others to follow. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” - I Peter 2:11,12.

The Book of Jude was written by Jude around 66AD (the brother of James and another earthly brother of Jesus by Mary and Joseph) and this letter was written to all Christians, although the specific audience at the time were members of churches in Palestine and/or Asia. The purpose of the letter was to warn them against false teachers trying to corrupt them. What we are to learn from the letter is that we must always be on alert for false teachers who divert believers from the truth of God's Word. “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” - Jude 21.

In Jude's letter he expresses the importance of holding on to the truths of God's Word and being careful not to let people get around them who will corrupt their way of thinking. Jude also addresses the issue of bringing false doctrine into the Church. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ...These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.” -Jude 1:4,16-18.

True Christians must be on constant guard of those who seem godly, but are out to deceive them and get them away from God. You know, even if that happens God will give you the power, guidance, and strength to escape any situation. I will tell you that I was one who was deceived by someone I thought really wanted God in their lives as much as I do. God showed me the truth, separated me from the person, and even gave me the power and strength to say good-bye for good. Sometimes we let our hearts make decisions even though God warns us, but His armor will guard, protect, and strengthen us.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:12,13.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I want to be ready as I battle the spiritual forces of evil that are constantly trying to deceive me. Though I wage war in this present and evil generation I have a body guard in the presence of the Holy Spirit Who gives me power over the enemy of my soul. Today, I stand against the devil’s schemes because I take on the full armor of God; the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. As I prayerfully take on this spiritual armor I am fully equipped with the necessary provisions to overcome discouragement and defeat, I am a conqueror who stands triumphant by Your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Because He First Loved Us

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Because He First Loved Us
Date: Wednesday December 21, 2011
Chapters: I John 4-5
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10.

Every saved, born again, believer of Christ who lives in the Word of God has some verse that they hold on to that reminds them of their salvation. Mine is Romans 5:8 - “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God loves us so much that He gave His own life, through His Son, to save us from wrath, which is eternal death, hell, and the lake of fire. Christ came here on a mission, to save sinners. You can say that you are not a sinner, but until you realize that you have done wrong in your lifetime Christ cannot save you from wrath. Christ saves sinners. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” -Luke 5:32.

The Bible says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” - Psalm 51:10. When we call on Jesus Christ to save us the Spirit of God moves in us and gives us a clean heart, He is our mediator that gives life to our body and soul and lets us know that He is always with us. When the cares and hustle and bustle of life get us down it can be easy to start doubting God, even His existence. The truth is, if we are saved, God is always with us, but in order to find Him sometimes we need to check our spirit, are we living in the Spirit of God, our own, or the devils. Yes, there other spirits that linger about, which are what gives us doubts in the first place and they all lead to the devil. John reminds us that not every spirit we hear is God's.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” - I John 4:1-6.

God is much stronger and greater in power than the devil ever will be, in fact, even the devil has to answer to God, and he knows that, that is why he tries to put so much doubt in our heads. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” -James 2:19. When you have the Spirit of God in you He will remind you of just how much God does exist, how much He loves you, and how He shows His love for you. John reminds us that His love is shown through Christ and not only that through every believe that loves Him.

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us...Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.” - I John 4:9-12,17-19.

God loves us so much that He came down here as a man, through Christ, dwelt among us, sinless and perfect, yet took every persons sin to the cross when He became the ultimate sacrifice that would save all who believe in Him. If that is not love, we truly have no idea what love is and will never overcome the devils control. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16.

Jesus in His death had a double purpose, not only to save us, but to cleanse us, we were once defiled by the pollutants of sin until we asked the Savior to come in. He cleanses us, reconciles us with God, and renews our spirit to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. John reminds us that keeping God's commands is what renews our heart and shows our love of God in return.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 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.” -I John 5:3-8.

A lot of people believe that Christ existed, but when you tell them that He is God in the flesh, they cannot believe it. Let me tell you,Christ didn't just exist then, He existed before He came here in the flesh, and exists now in the form of the Holy Spirit. I tell my kids in my Sunday school class that since God is omnipresent, meaning He can be everywhere at the same time, He can be God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit at the same time. Then I ask them this question, “If God came up to you in a ghost form and told you to believe in Him what would you do? Most of them said they would scream and run. That is what most of us would do as well and why it was important for Him to come to earth as a man would. Had He come any other way and not been our perfect sacrifice, our spotless lamb, then we would still be placing animals upon an altar, hoping that God is still with us. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” - I Peter 1:18,19.

While God would love to save everyone, He will not save anyone who does not want to be saved. There is only one way to be saved and that is by personally receiving Christ as you Savior. Only those who have asked Him to save them will be saved, receive heaven, and eternal life. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 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. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” - I John 5:11-15.

We ask Him to save us and He does it instantly, likewise, He will give us everything we ask Him for, in His time. I always say to my kids if they asked God for a car to drive would He give it to them now or wait until they are older and can drive. “These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.” - Psalm 104:27.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, it is just amazing and so incredible to think that You loved me so much that You willingly came here through Your Son Jesus to die for me. Not only am I forgiven, I am cleansed, reconciled with You, and am even one of Your very own children. Thank You, for saving this sinner and making me a part of Your family. As a child of God never let me lose sight of You, when things seem to be falling apart, keep my eyes, ears, and heart on You, who enables me to endure all things. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina

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Sunday, December 18, 2011

Seasoned To Perfection

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Seasoned To Perfection
Date: Sunday December 18, 2011
Chapters: I Peter 3-5
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.

Hello My Friend,

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalm 1:1-3.

The word season means a time to prepare, mature, or discipline, everything has a season, for instance, we have four seasons, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Every season is important because it allows certain vegetation to grow so that we as humans or animals are able to survive through the different types of weather. To meditate means to dwell in God's Word day and night, this does not mean that you have to sit and read the Bible 24/7, but it does mean that you keep God's Word with you throughout the day and night. God's Word is the seasoning we need, it prepares us, matures us, and perfects us to live in His will, the result will be prosperity. Peter encourages Christians to study the Word to be ready to handle every situation they face.

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” - I Peter 3:8-17.

God blesses us the more we live in His will, little by little we are being seasoned to His perfection as we study His Word and put it into practice. Even when living in the will of God we are going to face some trials and persecution, but it is better to suffer for doing right than for living in sin. We prosper when we suffer in God's will, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10.

God sees and knows all that we do, He sees beyond the surface into the heart, He knows who are truly His and who are just going through the motions of being His. The motions do not save us, believing in and asking Christ to save us is what saves us. Peter reminds us that it is the suffering we face in that brings upon salvation.

“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: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” - I Peter 4:1-6.

Christ suffered the cross, the humiliation, the pain, the lashings, the mocking, and death although He was a sinless man. You can be sure that if a person simply got saved in vain God, meaning they did not really receive Christ that they will not be in heaven. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” -Mark 16:16.

No one is perfect, we all sin, sometimes even when trying to do God's will, but when we humble ourselves before God He will bless us for our effort. We will face some trials, we will face some affliction, we will even face some chastisement, but God's grace is sufficient enough to season us to perfection. “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.” - I Peter 5:6-10.

All of life has seasons, the Bible says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

Everything that we go through in life, from the joys, to the sorrows, to the pains, to the healing, to the peace, to the prosperity, is used to season us to God's perfection. The more we endure through our faith in Him the more we are prepared to handle the next season, the more we are prepared to handle the next season the more blessed we become simply by living in His will. The greatest reward of all is eternal life, Jesus said, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed...And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day...No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day...Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” - John 6:27,39,40,44,47. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, as I draw near to You in reading Your Word and in lifting my voice to You this day there is a renewal in my spirit. I recognize that my joy and satisfaction will not be determined by the events of this day, but by the state of my heart. When human love is fleeting and disappointments arise help me to look to You beyond my present circumstance and for ongoing fulfillment to meet my every longing. Thank you that Your joy does not last for a season, but for a lifetime on earth and an eternity in heaven. Despite my affliction, help me to press forward in victory with You leading the way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina

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