Saturday, April 28, 2012

God's Kids


King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message TitleGod's Kids
Date: Saturday April 28, 2012Today's Chapters1 Chronicles 3-4

Hello My Friend,

While we are all capable of doing some wicked things, t
here are just some people who are plain wicked and no matter how much you try to find the good in them it will never happen. Why? God is the Creator of both the righteous and wicked, now, God Himself does not create the person to be wicked, He just allows their heart to be hardened and corrupted by Satan. It's kind of scary to think that a wicked person is brought into the world just to bring havoc on the righteous, but it's all done for one purpose and one purpose only. To bring God's children to Him.

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.” - Romans 9:21-26.

Since God created the world, He has been guiding His people, faithful men and women, to lead blessed, prosperous lives. Of all the families of Israel, none were so illustrious as David's mainly due to the fact that from this family, as concerning the flesh, Christ would descend from. Further account is given of the descendants of Judah, the most numerous and famous of all the tribes. “
Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess: The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith: The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife. These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.” - 1 Chronicles 3:1-4.

If you have learned anything about David's life he was the father of both righteous and wicked children, which all stemmed back to the to the women he married. Believe it or not, women play a big part in the influence of men, if a woman is wicked in her ways the child is more likely to be wicked as well. It is very important as Christian's that we marry a person who is not only a Christian, but a like minded Christian. It will save a lot of heartache for everyone. “
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - 2 Corinthians 6:14,17,18.

The most remarkable person in this chapter is Jabez, we are not told much about him, but what we are told is that he was more honorable than his brothers and that his mother had him under difficult circumstances, instead of letting the circumstances control his fate he let God. “
And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” - 1 Chronicles 4:9,10.

Jabez put all his faith and trust in God, pretty much saying, “Not my will, but thy will be done.” Without much wording here you can see that if God granted Jabez's request that Jabez probably had a good relationship with God, praying daily, following His commands. If we set ourselves to acknowledge God in all our ways we put ourselves under His divine blessing and protection and will prosper accordingly. “
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.

According to law the first born son would be rightful heir to the blessings passed down from their father, but due to circumstances Reuben, the first born son of Israel (Jacob) forfeited his birthright and the blessing was actually passed all the way down to his second to last son, Joseph. While Judah became ruler of the tribes, Joseph or rather his son Manasseh received the birthright. However, while the Reubenites did forfeit their birthright to receive his fathers blessings God chose His righteous from that tribe also to be a part of His family.

Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:)...And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.” - 1 Chronicles 5:1,2,25,26.

The tribe of Reuben preferred to live in the rich, fertile lands across the Jordan, outside the promised land. They chose what seemingly would bring them success. However, with the river separating them from their kindred, the Reubenites were among the first tribes to be conquered and taken to Assyria. Today, the only way to be one of God's people is knowing Jesus Christ as their Savior. And while some never do more than receive Him, they are all still God's people. “
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” - Titus 3:3-5. 

All who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ are one of God's people, many, many people will wait until they are on their death bed before accepting Him, but as long as they, with the bottom of their heart, asked Jesus to save them they do not forfeit their birthright into the Kingdom of God. “
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.

While we cannot avoid exposure to wicked people we can be at peace and know how to handle them through our relationship with Christ. Just in case you were wondering about those who are saved doing wicked things, they too are God's people. Those who receive Christ as their Savior are solely saved by the grace of God through Christ's death on the cross, not by any righteousness they have done. Just like biological a mother or father cannot technically deny their children for wrongs they have done, God does not deny His, they might have to face some chastening, but they will remain God's for eternity. “
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 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 8:36-39.
Today's Psalm: 107:8 - “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Today's Proverb: 20:11 - “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for Your mercy and grace, without it I would never amount to very much. It is amazing that with all the people in the world You chose me, not only to be one of Your kids, but to represent You as well. It's not easy, I mess up all the time, yet, You still use me, You love me, and You never deny me as one of Yours. Lord, lead me and guide me, help me to overcome hindrances that keep me from the many blessings You have waiting for me as I grow closer to Your Son, and learning how to live my life through Him. I love you and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Friday, April 27, 2012

From Creation To Child



King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message TitleFrom Creation To Child 
Date: Friday April 27, 2012Today's Chapters1 Chronicles 1-2

Hello My Friend,
It is amazing to see all of God's creation, all one really has to do is stop and look at what is around them to see what a great and mighty living God we have. While all people are a creation of God they are not all children of God, creation is the formation of something made from nothing, children are descendents, offspring of the father. The only way a person can go from being a creation of God to a child of God is through Jesus Christ. “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” - Galatians 4:3-7.

The Book of I Chronicles is the thirteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-nine chapters. The author of the book is Ezra, the prophet. The purpose of the book was to record the religious history of Judah. Except for the genealogies, the time line for these events took place approximately 1056 BC to 1015 BC. What we are to learn from the book is that God blesses those who exalt Him. The Chronicles focus on Judah, temple worship and the prophetic promises of the Messiah centered on them. “
And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.” - 1 Chronicles 17:11.

1 Chronicles opens with the longest genealogical record in the Bible, it lists the genealogy from Adam to the Jews captivity into Babylon. It may first appear to be an unimportant list of names, but every name was important as it not only shows how the Israelites came about, it also explains the division of tribes all the way back to Noah, including their enemies the Canaanites and Philistines. This ancient genealogy reveals the exact plan of our Creator in selecting the people whom He had chosen to be His people and where Jesus would ascend. “
Adam, Sheth, Enosh,.. Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.” - 1 Chronicles 1:1,4-8.

We are all descendents of Noah, Jews are descendents of Shem, Gentiles (Europeans and Asians) are descendents of Japheth, and the Egyptians, Philistines, and Babylonians, are decedents of Ham. Interestingly, Africans and other severely poverty stricken nations in that area are also descendents of Ham, whom Noah cursed. “
These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread... And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.” - Genesis 9:19,25-27.

The second chapter is devoted to the descendants of Judah, this is because the promised Messiah would descend from this tribe. First, we learn of all twelve tribes that would descend from Jacob also known as Israel, which is how God's people came to be know as the Israelite's. “
These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah: which three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD; and he slew him. And Tamar his daughter in law bare him Pharez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five.” - 1 Chronicles 2:1-4.

Jesus Christ is known to many as the seed of David, this does not mean that Jesus was actually an heir to David, it means that Jesus would descend from this tribe through the seed of David. David himself acknowledged that the Messiah was not his own seed, but God's. “
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” - Psalm 110:1-4.

This was confirmed when the Pharisees tried to say that Jesus was the son of David. “
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.” - Matthew 22:41-46.

God decides who will be one of His children, His decision is based on each individuals faith and acceptance of His Son, Jesus Christ. God is involved in everyone's life, but He is personally involved in His children's lives, desiring to guide them through every detail. God has a purpose for every one of us, whether we are His child or a creation, but He is very particular about His own. No matter how long it takes He gets us to see that we are His and we have a job to do for Him. How does He do it? He sends His Shepherd to find His lost sheep. “
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. “ - John 10:14-16.
Today's Psalm: 34:11 - “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Today's Proverb: 14:26 - “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
Today's Prayer: God, While I do not completely understand and probably mispronounce the names of the people You have mentioned in Your Word I do understand that I am apart of one of these families and most of all I am apart of Your family. I am one of Yours not because You created me, but because I accepted Your Son, who is my Shepherd and the only one who could have brought me to You. Thank You for accepting me and making me one of Yours. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Thursday, April 26, 2012

A Safety Net


King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message TitleA Safety Net
Date: Thursday April 26, 2012Today's Chapters2 Kings 24-25

Hello My Friend,

The older a person gets the more they see just how much the world has changed over the years, things that we thought were unacceptable are considered normal these days. Those normal things are what is bringing God's judgment upon our nations, not just one nation, but every nation is struggling right now and we have to face it, things are going to get worse, a lot worse. 
While God does place judgment upon our nations, He also provides a safety net to those who have put their faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” - 2 Corinthians 5:8,10,17,18,20,21. 
After King Josiah died, Jerusalem went right back to their wicked ways, just as God warned them of the destruction that would take place at the result of Manasseh's sins it is now coming to pass. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took control of Israel making king Jehoikim serve him. “In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets. Surely at the commandment of the LORD came this upon Judah, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did; And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.” - 2 Kings 24:1-4.

You think all the wars between nations, religions, and races are just a coincidence? They are all commanded by God. Why? He has had it with false gods, religion, and innocent blood shed. God did not cause all this to happen, wicked, selfish, immoral, religious people, cause this to happen, but God is finishing it. “
And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” - Mark 13:7,8,12,20,27.

While the Babylonians were taking control of Jerusalem all the Jews were taken captive and were sent to Babylon, all that were left in Jerusalem was a few remnants too poor to be of value to them. Along with the people, Nebuchadnezzar's servants took all the possessions remaining in the Temple. “
And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign. And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said. And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.” - 2 Kings 24:12-14.

Now, I do not know which people were more scared, the one's being taken to Babylon or the one's left behind, but I imagine both parties were actually praying to God for their lives during all of this. It's usually when placed in the scariest situations that we truly repent and seek help from God. Of course, these are the times we learn that there really is a God, we really need Him, and how much He does love us. Why? It is not until we have lost all of the strength to handle it on our own that God proves Himself to be the power to carry us through. “
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:8-10. 
The temple, the palace, and all the wealthy homes were burned and completely destroyed. All of the glory in Jerusalem, the city of David, the Temple, and everything David and Solomon built to please the Lord was nothing, but ashes and broken down walls. “And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem: And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire. And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about. Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away. But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.” -2 Kings 25:8-12.
The destruction of the once glorious kingdom of Judah is a grim reminder that all the revivals and reformation in the world will not bring lasting change to a nation, every individual needs repentance and a revival within themselves. While we cannot stop God's judgment upon our nations we can stop His judgment upon ourselves simply by calling on and receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior. Jesus will return to judge the world and claim His own, the elect, the only ones who have received Him as their Savior will be saved from His judgment.

To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 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 ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” - Jude 1:15,16,20,21.
Today's Psalm: 4:8 - “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Today's Proverb: 1:33 - “But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Today's Prayer(taken from Psalm 119) God, Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. In Jesus name. Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Perception of God


King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message TitlePerception of God
DateWednesday April 25, 2012
Today's Chapters2 Kings 22-23

Hello My Friend,

Most people when asked about their faith in God will tell you they believe in Him and try to do good, some will down right tell you they do not want God in their lives because they like the life they are living. Every person that lives in the world, whether they are saved or not, has their own perception of God, what they see as acceptable and not acceptable to Him. They base that perception of God by what they were taught by others, not by personally knowing God themselves. It is upon that perception that they live their lives with or without God in it. The sad thing is, those who truly want God in their lives are living according to that perception rather than finding out whether or not it is acceptable.

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” - Acts 17:23,24,30,31.

After two wicked kings ruled over Judah, we learn of one godly man, named Josiah who walked in the ways of David and did not give into other kings trying to threaten him. He began to reign at the age of eight, when he was eighteen he had all all the idols and groves removed out of the Temple and began restoring it. Upon cleaning the temple, the priest discovered something he had never seen before, the Bible.

And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying, Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.” - 2 Kings 22:10-13.

For two generations the Bible had completely disappeared as it had been forbidden to be read even by the priests.
This was the first time that Josiah heard the Word of God from the actual book, upon hearing it, Josiah repented of all the sins he was not aware of then eagerly seeks help from prophets concerning the judgments that were written in His Word. An amazing thing happens to a person who accepts Christ and begins reading His Word, it convicts them, which just means it makes them aware of sin that they were unaware of. This happens as the Holy Spirit grows inside them, which is why many run when they hear truth. Jesus describes the Word of God as a seed.

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” - Matthew 13:19,22,23.
As Josiah learned the truth he gathered everyone together and the Word of God was read to the congregation. After reading it a huge spiritual revival took place, everyone in the congregation began helping remove all the abominations to the Lord out of Judah and they did not stop there, they went throughout all of Israel to remove everything that caused the people to live in sin.
And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.” - 2 Kings 23:1-3,24.

Even though a great revival took place and God was very pleased with Josiah and all that followed him, God did not withdraw His judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. God would spare Josiah the pain of seeing his kingdom destroyed, but judgment was coming. The same holds true for us today, Jesus is coming and He will judge everyone, people who have already died will be resurrected into either eternal life or eternal death, those who have received Christ as their Savior before that first death will be saved from that second death and live in His Kingdom. “
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.” - John 5:28-30,34.
Today's Psalm: 56:4 - “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Today's Proverb: 30:5 - “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Today's Prayer: God, I know that the Holy Bible is not some ordinary book, it is Your Word, it contains life and gives life to all who want You in their lives. Reading Your Word, studying it, and following it will never return void as we allow the Holy Spirit in us to guide us to what truly is and is not acceptable to You. Help me to follow Your commands with all might heart and soul, lead me to others who need You so they too can learn the truth and be saved before Jesus comes to claim us. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Good And Bad Fruit


King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message TitleGood And Bad Fruit
Date: Tuesday April 24, 2012Today's Chapters2 Kings 20-21

Hello My Friend,

The last few days or so I keep playing over what Jesus said about corrupt fruit being born corrupt and good fruit being born good (see Luke 6) and there is no changing them. While those who have truthfully accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and allow Him to be Lord of their lives are capable of doing bad things, they can only go so far and it's usually because they were exposed to someone who was corrupt in the first place. While those who are corrupt are capable to doing good, it is usually because they are up to no go in the first place. While we may not always be able to distinguish good fruit from bad Jesus can and they will pay for causing His people to sin.

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” - Matthew 25:31-34,41.

Everyone of us will be a leader or a follower, when we are leaders we have the task of setting the example for our followers. If the leader is corrupt the follower will fall into corruption and pass it onto others, likewise, if the leader is good the follower will do good and pass it onto others. 
Shortly after their victory over Assyria, Hezekiah became very ill and was on the verge of death, the prophet Isaiah came to meet with him and told him to be prepared to die. Hezekiah was not ready to die, so he turned to God in prayer. 
In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.” - 2 Kings 20:1-3,5,6.
Hezekiah does not speak to God as if He needed to be reminded of the things that he had done, but he asks Him to remember that he was a faithful servant and lead the people away from sin. Hezekiah humbly, cried before God and because of that prayer God decided to add fifteen more years to his life. Those who receive Jesus Christ as their Savior get more than 15 years, they get eternity, not because of any good that they have done, but for God's sake. He defends and delivers all who believe in His Son out of the hands of Satan. “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” - Galatians 1:4.

A
fter Hezekiah died, his son Manasseh reigned and he did more evil than any other king in the four hundred and fifty years that Israel had kings, he even did worse than the heathen nations that were cast out of Canaan, in which he built groves and worshiped heathen gods inside the House of the Lord.

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.” - 2 Kings 21:2-6. 
While 
God creates every person He does not force Himself upon anyone, we are all free to worship whoever we choose to worship. However, mess with His people or get others to fall into the same corruption and there will be a price to pay. “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. “ - Revelation 21:6-8.

There was a price to pay, God gathered up all the faithful prophets He could find left in Jerusalem and told them the fate of Jerusalem and all Judah. “Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down. And I will forsake the remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies;” - 2 Kings 21:12-14.

While God in all His wrath allowed the enemy to bring evil upon Israel He did not forsake all of them, He knew there would be a few that would remain faithful wherever they went. God knows the heart of every person He created and whether or not they were born corrupt or good. Those who are born good may be surrounded by those who are corrupt and get lead into a situation they have a hard time getting out of, but God will deliver them out of it as long as they go to Him. WE do not have to suffer, God will heal the wounds, He will mend the cuts and bruises, and He will give us peace and a new meaning to life. Just go to Jesus and He will take care of 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30.
Today's Psalm: 1:3 - “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.
Today's Proverb: 27:18 - “Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.
Today's Prayer: God, While I do not know the heart of every person I can learn to avoid those who are corrupt as I draw near to You and keep You close by my side. I still struggle with the past and the things I have done and allowed because I did not want to hurt or offend people, but the only person who got truly hurt was me. God, forgive me for holding onto the past, I know You have already forgiven me and even forgot the things I cannot seem to forget. Thank You for that, but I need Your help to move forward, help me find peace, forgiveness, and an end to this battle in my mind and heart. I give it all over to You, give me rest to my soul, mind, and spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Monday, April 23, 2012

Enduring With God


King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message TitleEnduring With God
Date: Monday April 23, 2012Today's Chapters2 Kings 18-19

Hello My Friend,

As Christians you are going to face a lot of temptation to go against or compromise your beliefs in order to keep the peace, but those who endure and remain true to God will not only see peace, they will see people saved as well. “
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” - James 5:7,8,11,15,20.

F
or the first time since King David passed we learn of Hezekiah, the one and only king after David that walked in all the ways of the Lord as David did. Hezekiah destroyed all the images that people were bowing down to and worshiping, he even destroyed the statute Moses made because they turned it into an idol and were worshiping it. “Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.” - 2 Kings 18:2-6.

Still today, there are many, many images and statues meant to remind us of God's power and miracles, but people are worshiping them and not God. These too need to be broken down and destroyed, I love the statute of Mary, but every time I see it I know it is used as an idol and how many people actually bow down to her as if she were a god. Mary was just like you and I, she was not without sin, she just found God's favor through her faithfulness and obedience to Him. “
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:” - Luke 1:30-32.

Hezekiah trusted in God with every thing, but was put to the test and failed when he was confronted by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. There was an agreement that was made by his father, king Ahaz, to pay him silver and gold, in exchange for their freedom. Hezekiah refused to submit to this, but after Sennacherib threatened Hezekiah he gave in to his demands and 
gave all the treasures in the House of the Lord to Sennacherib to keep him from attacking Jerusalem. And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house. At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria.” - 2 Kings 18:14-16.

Hezekiah's mistake, no communication with God, he did not seek Him for advice on how to handle the situation. Unless we communicate with God and seek His advice on how to handle the situation we are in we leave ourselves to our own reasoning, which quite often is filled with fear and emotions that keep us from making the right decisions. Hezekiah let his fear of Sennacherib give into his demands, we need to be in constant communication with God to avoid situations like these. “
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” - Proverbs 3:3-7. 

We soon learn that giving into demands to keep the peace brings more problems, once Hezekiah came to his senses he went into the House of the Lord and prayed. While he was in the temple praying the people of Assyria were conspiring against him to get the people of Judah to go against the king. “
Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand? Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand? But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.” - 2 Kings 18:33-36.
Rabshakeh did not realize that all those nations that were destroyed upon putting their faith in their false gods were destroyed because they were trusting in a dead god. There is only one God, one living God and only He can deliver a country out of the hands of the enemy. Our nations better wise up and seek counsel from the living God because if they keep serving false gods we are all going to be in the middle of a huge battle. Praise God for those who are saved and only have to mend some surface wounds. “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,” - 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7. 

God did answer Hezekiah's prayer and spared Jerusalem at least during the rest of Hezekiah's reign. “
And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it.By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.” - 2 Kings 19:15,20,32-34.
They can mock you, ignore, deny, or curse God, but none of that will ever change the fact that you are one of God's, you are His very own and because you are His own there is nothing He will not do for you. We might have to ensure some wrongful persecution at times, but everything will work out in the end. God will never leave nor forsake us. “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 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 8:36-39.
Today's Psalm: 138:8 - “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Today's Proverb: 14:12 - “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Today's Prayer: (taken from Psalm 23) God, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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