Mercy, Grace, & Forgiveness

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Mercy, Grace, & Forgiveness
Date: Tuesday April 03, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Samuel 12-13

Hello My Friend,

As faithful Christians we are the godly example for others to follow, new converts, worldly people, even other Christians who just haven't grown in the Lord, learn how to not only be hears, but doers of God's Word through our example. However, what happens when the faithful Christian gets caught in sin? The same thing as everyone else, mercy, grace, and forgiveness to all who admit their sin to God. We are all sinners and capable of falling into the vilest of sin, even strong Christians can fall if their eyes are taken off God for a second. God allows all of us to go through things not only to seek repentance, but to be a testimony to others as well. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” - 1 Timothy 1:15,16.
According to the Law of Moses, “If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel...But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die.” - Deuteronomy 22:22,25. By law, David and Bathsheba's sin would have been proper cause for their death, but instead God allowed them to remain alive. Why? He was a child of God. Although God was displeased and both David and Bathsheba were chastised, they were not put to death. God sent Nathan the prophet to speak to David on this matter.

“Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife...For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.” - 2 Samuel 12:9,10,12-15.
Psalm 51 is the prayer that David said to God in regards to his sin with Bathsheba. “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest...Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” - Psalm 51:1-4,13. God has mercy and grace for all who fall and come to Him.

Although God did forgive David when he admitted his sin and asked for forgiveness, it did not stop the consequences that would abound from his sin. The amazing thing about God is that He truly does forgive a person, no matter how many times they sin and although they may suffer the consequences of that sin God will still use the situation to His advantage. The baby born of David and Bathsheba was very ill, David fasted and prayed, but the baby died seven days later as a result of their sin. God used this situation to bring David into deep repentance and remind him of who He was. David and Bathsheba were later blessed with Solomon, who would become one of the greatest and well known kings of all time.

“Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. And David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.” -2 Samuel 12:20-24.

Illness often brings one closer to God, especially if it is of a child or loved one, while we may not understand why God uses illness or even death as a way to draw us closer to Him it is important to remember that life does not end after death. Babies go straight to heaven as well as those who are saved, but those who are not saved end up in hell. Tragedies like these bring reminders to us that heaven and hell are real and gives others a chance to find mercy, grace, and forgiveness through Christ. “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.” - 2 Peter 3:9.

After his repentance, pardon, and the birth of Solomon it seemed that all was well with David. However, just as Nathan the prophet warned David that the sword shall never fall from his family, it begins with is first son, Absalom who had his half-brother killed over raping his sister. “Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant...But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years. And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.” - 2 Samuel 13:28,37-39.

Adultery and murder were David's sins, and those sins among his children were only the beginnings of the consequences he faced for them. Perhaps what made him even more grievous was that he feared that his bad example might have been what brought on all this wickedness. Remember, we are responsible for the actions of our own sins, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” - Hebrews 12:6,7. 
Now, although we may receive some chastisement for our sin, even after receiving forgiveness, we must not stop our communication with God, it is vital to the person and everyone else as well. When facing chastisement it is best to just accept it, do the time, and keep serving God, in doing so we not only show God that we respect His judgment, He also shows respect toward us. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God...For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” - 2 Corinthians 7:1,11.
Today's Psalm: 6:2 - “Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.”

Today's Proverb: 16:6 - “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”

Today's Prayer: God, Your mercy endures forever, no matter what we have done when we confess our sin You You are always faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of our unrighteousness, even if that means we have to face some chastisement for our sin. Everything You place before us is meant to teach, correct, and guide us out of walking in the flesh, and into the Spirit. God, have mercy and grace on us, give us peace and comfort through our trials as well as any grievances we face as we look to You for help and guidance in every matter of our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen,
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Prospering From J O Y

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Prospering From J O Y
Date: Monday April 02, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Samuel 8-11

Hello My Friend,

There is no denying that those who put God first live a prosperous life, I have seen myself and people blessed with so many things in the seven years that I have been studying God's Word and writing these devotions. Of course, those blessings were not always enjoyable, some were down right scary, but we cannot just thank Him for the good things in life, we need to thank Him for the bad and ugly things too for they are all needed to grow us and help us prosper. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” - Matthew 6:31-34.
God had given David rest from all his enemies that opposed him, but now it was time to get back to work, David sees victory after victory in their battle to not only avenge his enemies, but also claim the land that still had to be possessed since they arrived in Canaan. “And after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them: and David took Methegammah out of the hand of the Philistines. And he smote Moab, and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground; even with two lines measured he to put to death, and with one full line to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David's servants, and brought gifts. David smote also Hadadezer, the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his border at the river Euphrates...Which also king David did dedicate unto the LORD, with the silver and gold that he had dedicated of all nations which he subdued;” - 2 Samuel 8:1-3,8.

David dedicated everything to God, the wars with his enemies, and his victories over them, all of the spoils he took from them, and the presents given to him by others were blessings from God because David first sought the Kingdom of God. We are wise to first seek God in all that we do, from our battles to our successes, we must not forget that God gave them and allowed them all to make us who we are today. “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” - 1 Peter 3:17,18.

Putting others first also helps us prosper, while it is enjoyable to receive things, most people find much more joy in being able to give than receive. David never forgot about the covenant he made with Jonathan, Saul's son, he inquired whether there was any one left of the house of Saul to whom he could show favor for Jonathan's sake. David not only restored to him his father's possessions, he also made him a part of the royal table for the rest of his life. “Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come unto David, he fell on his face, and did reverence. And David said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold thy servant! And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually. And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy servant, that thou shouldest look upon such a dead dog as I am?..So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for he did eat continually at the king's table; and was lame on both his feet.” -2 Samuel 9:6-8,13.
Mephibosheth thanked David, humbling himself and comparing himself to a dead dog, which meant that he did not feel worthy to accept all the that David blessed him with. This is a great illustration of the grace of God and how we, who can never do enough good to earn our way to heaven, receive His gift of eternal life through our king, Jesus Christ. Just like Mephibosheth, we too will have a permanent place setting with our King when we seek Him first. “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 3:23,24.

Christians prosper through God when they put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last, but what do they get if they get a little selfish or lazy and seek their own needs above others, especially above God's needs? A big mess, that's what they get. The strongest man or woman in faith can fall into a load of sin and corruption when they get selfish or lazy. David had everything going for him, he was one of the most godliest men of all time, he was the apple of God's eye. However, everything was about to change when David made one decision that he would regret for the rest of his life. “And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house.” - 2 Samuel 11:1-4.

This one night of adultery resulted in a huge mess of more sin and corruption by David trying to get out of the mess. There were three mistakes that he made that caused him to fall into the first sin, 1. He was not walking with God, 2. He stayed home when he should have been working, and 3. He lusted over Bathsheba by keeping his eyes on the temptation. No Christian is exempt from temptation, but God will never suffer us to be tempted above anything we cannot get out of. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13.

That one day of ecstasy turned into a nightmare for David, Bathsheba ended up getting pregnant. He tried everything he could to cover up his sin, but the more he tried the worse things got. David arranged for her husband to be placed in the middle of a heated battle and he was killed. A little later he married Bathsheba, God was very displeased with the apple of His eye. However, even though God was displeased with David He was still forgiving, sin goes without punishment, we all get chastised for sin, but it does not stop God from loving us and forgiving us when we come to Him. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9.

Prosperity comes from JOY, we might get side tracked from time to time and lose some things, but we also gain much more than possessions, we gain God's favor and honor by first, admitting our sin, and two repenting of the sin. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” - 1 Peter 1:7.
Today's Psalm: 30:6 - “And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.”

Today's Proverb: 28:13 - “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

Today's Prayer: God, It is no surprise that You will give peace and prosperity to all who love You and want You in their lives. Prosperity can be dangerous when we are not walking with You at all times with it. So, God, while I do want to prosper, I do not want to lose sight of the fact that everything good and bad comes from You. Everything You do helps me grow, stay faithful to You, and keeps me from falling into temptation from boredom or laziness when things seem to be a little bit easy for me. Lord, lead me and guide me and help me to prosper Your way. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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In Due Season

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: In Due Season
Date: Sunday April 01, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Samuel 4-7

Hello My Friend,

As born again Christians, the cross which connects us with God separates us from the world, having died with Christ, we should be done with the world, having risen with Christ, we are connected with God in a new life. A new life in Christ is not simply one of being good, but of doing good. It manifests itself, not by taking a “more holy than thou” attitude, but by bearing the burdens of others and seizing every opportunity to help the saints and save the sinners. “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:6-10.

David was just a teen when Samuel arrived at his father's house and anointed him to be the next king of Israel, chosen by God Himself. When that would be he had no idea, but he believed God and was patient to receive that honor the way God would have him and not by force. However, others, looking to find personal gain in seeing David become king of all of Israel had no problem using force to get him on the throne. Once again we learn of two men who took it upon themselves to kill Ishbosheth in hopes that it would give them recognition from David.
“And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the LORD hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed. And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth? And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.” - 2 Samuel 4:8-12.

David made the right judgment in having these men executed, they shed innocent blood to benefit themselves, David knew the throne would be his, but did not want to get it by unlawful practices. He knew God got him through many circumstances and would get him through many more as well. When we put our faith and trust in Christ He will guide us to where He wants us to be, He promises to always do what He says He will do, but we must be willing to wait for His timing. God will not give us anything by unlawful practices, those who think they got something by being deceitful will face the consequences for their actions. “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” - Romans 16:18.

Now, that Ishbosheth was dead and Israel had no king they decided it was best to make David king, about twelve years after Samuel anointed him as king of all Israel, David finally becomes king. “Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.” - 2 Samuel 5:1-4.

This marked one of the greatest days in Israel's history, all of Israel reigned under one king. David's first act was to become head of his army and lead the war against the stronghold of the Jebusites. The Israelites defeated them and Jerusalem became the capital of the United Kingdom. One day there will come a time when all of God's people will reign under one King, that King, is Jesus Christ, and it will be the greatest day in all heaven and earth. “And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” - Revelation 11:15.

David began a new life as king of Israel, he owed all his success to God and did not hesitate to acknowledge that and tell others as well. He lacked one thing though, he did not have the Word of God with him so he was unaware of some of the laws and commands of God. To his surprise he saw first hand just how God's judgment even through ignorance. David, along with thirty thousand men, went up to get the Ark of God. Here they are, just dancing and singing in the streets and all of a sudden, trying to keep the Ark from falling off the cart Uzzah touched it and died instantly. “And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God. And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzzah: and he called the name of the place Perezuzzah to this day. And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me?” - 2 Samuel 6:6-9.

David was humiliated, offended, and afraid of God that day, but he then humbly prayed to God and asked Him what they needed to do to get the Ark to Jerusalem. It's important to know all of God's Word so we know the dangers that are before us, it's like a person who accidentally touches a live wire and gets shocked to death because he did not check to see if it was live. Ignorance does not save us from death, only awareness does, God does not want us to die and end up in hell, but He will not save anyone through ignorance. Sadly, it often takes the death of someone to make people aware that hell is real and the only way to avoid it is through Jesus Christ. “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 5:10.

After all the trials and circumstances David faced and endured God gave him a time of rest and peace. David sat before God in awe of how far he had come and how blessed he was. “Then went king David in, and sat before the LORD, and he said, Who am I, O Lord GOD? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?..For thy word's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all these great things, to make thy servant know them. Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears...And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said...And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant: Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.” - 2 Samuel 7:18,21,22,25,28,29.

The true Christian, who lets Christ be Lord of their lives, never understands how God still uses them after all the things they have done and still do. However, they know that it is an honor to serve God and be used of Him in whatever calling He gives them. We can all side with David in saying, “Thou art great, O LORD God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee. Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.” 
Today's Psalm: 145:15 - “The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.”

Today's Proverb: 15:23 - “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!”

Today's Prayer: God, In any given day we should be able to stop, look at the life we have now and see how far we have come since we came to know Your Son. It's not so easy to see those blessings if we are facing trials or haven't had a chance to get to get to known You like we should. Lord, my heart is often willing, but my circumstances often hinder me from going any further in my walk with You. Lead me and guide me, help me to see beyond the circumstances I face and look to You, who will see me through and bless me for enduring it all by my faith and trust in You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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