KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date:
Saturday,
April 09, 2016
Chapters:
1
Kings 4-6
Message:
1 Kings: How To Be Prosperous
Hello My Friend,
Prosperity, Advance
or gain in any thing good or desirable. Everyone of us has a desire
to be prosperous in the things we do, while a few people use wicked
means to become prosperous, most of us, saved or not, use hard work
and dedication to get there. When hard work and dedication are
getting you no where that is when we need to take a step back and
evaluate the situation. Is Jesus a part of the plan? Have you asked
God what should be done? Are you serving God while you are working?
The key to becoming prosperous is not in how much we know, it is who
we serve while we are working. “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.”
- Psalms 1:1-3.
Prosperity is more than just about money
and possessions, it is about gaining in anything that is good or
desired. Solomon had a lot of advances given to him when he became
king, he was promised peace in the land while he was king, inherited
all his fathers fotunes, was given great wisdom, and was to be the
first and only king to build a house for God. The one thing David
stressed more than anything for him to remain prosperous was to have
a strong relationship with God. We see how quickly Solomon prospered
under the hand of God.
“And
Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the
Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and
served Solomon all the days of his life. And Solomon's provision for
one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and threescore measures of
meal, Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an
hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted
fowl. For he had dominion over all the region on this side the river,
from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the
river: and he had peace on all sides round about him. And Judah and
Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree,
from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon. And Solomon had
forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand
horsemen. And those officers provided victual for king Solomon, and
for all that came unto king Solomon's table, every man in his month:
they lacked nothing.” - 1 Kings 4:21-27.
“they
lacked nothing.” When we serve God in what we do we lack
nothing, sometimes famines come and we do not have as much as we
would like, but God always provides. As much as we would like to be
comfortable and secure in our human capabilities things happen and we
are often left to turn to God for our provisions. Let me tell you,
you learn some amazing things when you have to depend on God for
everything, most of all you learn that you never lack anything. “But
my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by
Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19.
Jesus said,
and I am paraphrasing, put first the Kingdom of God and everything
else will be added. We can become prosperous as Christians, in fact,
faithful, God fearing, born again Christians, are some of the most
successful people around, including senators, governors, and past
presidents. Prosperity always begins at the source of all prosperity,
God, if we put Him first, everything else will be added. In the third
year of Solomon’s reign he began to put things in order for the
temple to be built, receiving help from people all over the world,
including a great craftsman in wood, Hiram.
“And
it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he
rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath
given unto David a wise son over this great people. And Hiram sent to
Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to
me for: and I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and
concerning timber of fir. My servants shall bring them down from
Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto
the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be
discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt
accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household. So Hiram gave
Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire. And
Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his
household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to
Hiram year by year. And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised
him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made
a league together.” - 1 Kings 5:7-12.
“and
they two made a league together.” Prosperity does not always
come in the form of doing things with me, myself, and I, it often
comes by others coming together to help us. Let me tell you from
experience that you cannot prosper trying to do everything yourself,
it takes an effort by many hands. No business is a success by one
person, it takes a team, sometimes we have to search out for the best
to be a part of the team, but once we do we will have success because
God will be with us in the midst of it all. “Again
I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching
any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father
which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in
my name, there am I in the midst of them.” - Matthew
18:19,20.
Now, once the plan is made and the necessary
people are on board the next thing to do is execute the plan. In the
fourth year of Solomon’s reign the building of the temple began,
first by laying the foundation. God gives Solomon a word of advice as
all the pieces come together.
“And
it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the
children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth
year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the
second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD. And the
word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying, Concerning this house which
thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute
my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will
I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: And
I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my
people Israel. So Solomon built the house, and finished it. In the
fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the
month Zif: And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the
eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts
thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven
years in building it.” - 1 Kings 6:1,11-14,37,38.
“then
will I perform my word with thee,” You see, God promises us
many things, but they are dependent upon our being faithful to Him.
As much as we want to prosper in all that we do we must first have a
strong foundation, and that is Christ, the second thing we must do is
seek God and the help of others, and last, we must be faithful to
God. Keep in mind that everything happens in God’s time, so, if you
are doing all these things along with your hard work and dedication
leave the rest is up to God, if He wants you to have it you will have
it. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which
is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold,
silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall
be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be
revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what
sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he
shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall
suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” - 1
Corinthians 3:11-15.
Jesus Christ
Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the wisdom which
God gave Solomon. We receive our wisdom through the Holy Spirit who
lives inside all believers. “Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with
grace in your hearts to the Lord.” - Colossians
3:16.
Today's Prayer:
God, It is Your joy that You see Your children prosperous in all that
they do, espeically when they are faithful to You. Lord, I do not
want to be prosperous in anything unless it is led and approved by
You. Lead me and guide me, give me wisdom and understanding, help me
know Your will for me. As I come to know Your will, give me the
skills, talents, and people I need to execute Your task for me, let
me not even start on my project unless I have Christ laid down first.
And let me never forget all that You have done for me, I have never
lacked when I put my faith and trust in You. You deserve praise and
glory for all that I am and have. I love and thank You God, and ask
these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.
God Bless You, I am
praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, April 9, 2016
Friday, April 8, 2016
1 Kings: By Appointment
KJB Daily
Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Friday, April 08, 2016
Chapters: 1 Kings 1-3
Message: 1 Kings: By Appointment
Hello My Friend,
The book of 1 Kings is the eleventh book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-two chapters. The author of the book is Jeremiah and it was written to the Israelites. The timeline for these events took place approximately 1015 BC to 897 BC. The purpose of the book was to record God's dealings with His people from King Solomon, through the division of Israel, and the reigns of Ahab and Jehoshaphat. What we are to learn from the book is that compromise always comes with a cost. “Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.” - 1 Kings 11:11.
David was growing old and his health was failing quickly. Adonijah, David's eldest son, took it upon himself to try and make himself king fully knowing that Solomon was appointed to be the son who would reign. Adonijah persuaded the two most influential men in Israel to join him and become traitors to David, Abiathar, the high priest, through whom Adonijah would have religious approval by the people, and Joab, commander-in-chief of David's army. However, Nathan the prophet sought out Bathsheba and together they went to David about the matter. It was while Adonijah was out celebrating his becoming king that David had Solomon anointed as king.
“The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon: And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah. And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too. As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David. And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed. And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.” - 1 Kings 1:33-37,47,50.
“and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule,” The humbling act of a king riding on a mule or donkey was a symbol of royalty and authority. As David gave Solomon his mule to ride this was full assurance that he had appointed him to be his successor and the people gladly accepted him. David was the only living king to pass the reign over to his son. When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem He rode on a donkey proving not only that He was royalty in the human sense as he descended in the flesh through the seed of David, but that He is one of great authority. Jesus is King of all kings. “And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.” - Luke 19:37,38.
While Adonijah would have been the rightful son to become king as he was the next eldest in line to the throne, God had already appointed Solomon to be king, which is why David did what he did before he died. David knew that his success as king was not because of who he was, but who his God was, which is why after Solomon was anointed king, David gave him some words to live by.
“I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.” - 1 Kings 2:2-6.
“Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me,” People think that they can live a secret life and that their wicked ways in how they became great goes unnoticed, but someone is always watching. Joab's past caught up to him, he and all the men that conspired to make Adonijah king, except for the priest were executed. God has made each and every one of us for a purpose, and when He appoints, chooses us, for something, there is no one who can stand in His way. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:16.
In the beginning of his reign Solomon truly loved God, he regularly gave sacrifices, prayed, spoke highly of God, and did all that David instructed him to do,but since the temple had not been built yet he allowed sacrifices to be made in high places. Now, after seeing this, making an alliance with the Pharaoh of Egypt, and marrying his daughter, God thought He better speak to him. While in Gibeon to offer sacrifices, God spoke to him in a dream and asked him a simple question, “Ask what I shall give thee?” It was then that God reveals to Solomon that if he simply asked for wisdom to take care of His people than everything else, wealth, prosperity, and provisions will be given to him.
“And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.” - 1 Kings 3:11-15.
“then I will lengthen thy days.” No matter what we do in life, or how many accomplishments we make, true success and prosperity comes through our relationship with Christ. An understanding heart, this is something tall Christians need to ask God for. Let me tell you, we are all human, and since we all have this sin nature, we can be lured into temptation, therefore, we need understanding to discern the right judgment toward others. Yes, we all must stand before God to be judged, but we are not free to live our lives the way we please and not expect judgment to come before Jesus does. While we will not face damnation, we will have to make the right judgment, and are rightfully appointed to do so. “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:9,10,14,15.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the oil used to anoint Solomon as king (1:39). Oil, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, was poured out upon those chosen for special service. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” - Acts 10:38.
Today's Prayer: God, You have appointed all of us for some purpose, may we be used to be a testimony of the life You have given us through Your Son, and not an example of what happens if we are not. You are my life, I am nothing apart from You, I do not want riches or fame, all I want is to know Your will for my life and how I am to obtain that. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power to walk with You everywhere I go, give me wisdom and understanding on how to make the right decisions and judgment of people, and give me the strength I need to do what You have appointed me to do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Friday, April 08, 2016
Chapters: 1 Kings 1-3
Message: 1 Kings: By Appointment
Hello My Friend,
The book of 1 Kings is the eleventh book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-two chapters. The author of the book is Jeremiah and it was written to the Israelites. The timeline for these events took place approximately 1015 BC to 897 BC. The purpose of the book was to record God's dealings with His people from King Solomon, through the division of Israel, and the reigns of Ahab and Jehoshaphat. What we are to learn from the book is that compromise always comes with a cost. “Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.” - 1 Kings 11:11.
David was growing old and his health was failing quickly. Adonijah, David's eldest son, took it upon himself to try and make himself king fully knowing that Solomon was appointed to be the son who would reign. Adonijah persuaded the two most influential men in Israel to join him and become traitors to David, Abiathar, the high priest, through whom Adonijah would have religious approval by the people, and Joab, commander-in-chief of David's army. However, Nathan the prophet sought out Bathsheba and together they went to David about the matter. It was while Adonijah was out celebrating his becoming king that David had Solomon anointed as king.
“The king also said unto them, Take with you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule, and bring him down to Gihon: And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon. Then ye shall come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my throne; for he shall be king in my stead: and I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah. And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too. As the LORD hath been with my lord the king, even so be he with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord king David. And moreover the king's servants came to bless our lord king David, saying, God make the name of Solomon better than thy name, and make his throne greater than thy throne. And the king bowed himself upon the bed. And Adonijah feared because of Solomon, and arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.” - 1 Kings 1:33-37,47,50.
“and cause Solomon my son to ride upon mine own mule,” The humbling act of a king riding on a mule or donkey was a symbol of royalty and authority. As David gave Solomon his mule to ride this was full assurance that he had appointed him to be his successor and the people gladly accepted him. David was the only living king to pass the reign over to his son. When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem He rode on a donkey proving not only that He was royalty in the human sense as he descended in the flesh through the seed of David, but that He is one of great authority. Jesus is King of all kings. “And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.” - Luke 19:37,38.
While Adonijah would have been the rightful son to become king as he was the next eldest in line to the throne, God had already appointed Solomon to be king, which is why David did what he did before he died. David knew that his success as king was not because of who he was, but who his God was, which is why after Solomon was anointed king, David gave him some words to live by.
“I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel. Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet. Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.” - 1 Kings 2:2-6.
“Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me,” People think that they can live a secret life and that their wicked ways in how they became great goes unnoticed, but someone is always watching. Joab's past caught up to him, he and all the men that conspired to make Adonijah king, except for the priest were executed. God has made each and every one of us for a purpose, and when He appoints, chooses us, for something, there is no one who can stand in His way. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:16.
In the beginning of his reign Solomon truly loved God, he regularly gave sacrifices, prayed, spoke highly of God, and did all that David instructed him to do,but since the temple had not been built yet he allowed sacrifices to be made in high places. Now, after seeing this, making an alliance with the Pharaoh of Egypt, and marrying his daughter, God thought He better speak to him. While in Gibeon to offer sacrifices, God spoke to him in a dream and asked him a simple question, “Ask what I shall give thee?” It was then that God reveals to Solomon that if he simply asked for wisdom to take care of His people than everything else, wealth, prosperity, and provisions will be given to him.
“And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. And Solomon awoke; and, behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all his servants.” - 1 Kings 3:11-15.
“then I will lengthen thy days.” No matter what we do in life, or how many accomplishments we make, true success and prosperity comes through our relationship with Christ. An understanding heart, this is something tall Christians need to ask God for. Let me tell you, we are all human, and since we all have this sin nature, we can be lured into temptation, therefore, we need understanding to discern the right judgment toward others. Yes, we all must stand before God to be judged, but we are not free to live our lives the way we please and not expect judgment to come before Jesus does. While we will not face damnation, we will have to make the right judgment, and are rightfully appointed to do so. “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:9,10,14,15.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the oil used to anoint Solomon as king (1:39). Oil, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, was poured out upon those chosen for special service. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” - Acts 10:38.
Today's Prayer: God, You have appointed all of us for some purpose, may we be used to be a testimony of the life You have given us through Your Son, and not an example of what happens if we are not. You are my life, I am nothing apart from You, I do not want riches or fame, all I want is to know Your will for my life and how I am to obtain that. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power to walk with You everywhere I go, give me wisdom and understanding on how to make the right decisions and judgment of people, and give me the strength I need to do what You have appointed me to do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Thursday, April 7, 2016
2 Samuel: He Makes My Way Perfect
KJB Daily
Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Thursday, April 07, 2016
Chapters: 2 Samuel 22-24
Message: 2 Samuel: He Makes My Way Perfect
Hello My Friend,
The life of a Christian is not based on being perfect, it is based on being in the clutches of the perfect one, Jesus Christ who gave His life to save us from our imperfections. No one is perfect, we make mistakes all the time, God is not looking for perfection, He is looking for faithfulness, trustworthiness, and a complete dependence upon Him. When we look to the perfect one, God will give us enough grace to overcome all our imperfections. “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.” - 1 Peter 5:10.
No one goes without suffering affliction, sometimes we suffer for the wrongs we have made, sometimes what others have done, and sometimes for no reason at all. All suffering is designed to bring one to or closer to God.
Date: Thursday, April 07, 2016
Chapters: 2 Samuel 22-24
Message: 2 Samuel: He Makes My Way Perfect
Hello My Friend,
The life of a Christian is not based on being perfect, it is based on being in the clutches of the perfect one, Jesus Christ who gave His life to save us from our imperfections. No one is perfect, we make mistakes all the time, God is not looking for perfection, He is looking for faithfulness, trustworthiness, and a complete dependence upon Him. When we look to the perfect one, God will give us enough grace to overcome all our imperfections. “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.” - 1 Peter 5:10.
No one goes without suffering affliction, sometimes we suffer for the wrongs we have made, sometimes what others have done, and sometimes for no reason at all. All suffering is designed to bring one to or closer to God.
David knew he was by far a perfect man,
but he also knew He had a perfect God on his side, and while he had
to face some suffering with or without sin, he readily acknowledged
that God's hand was in all of it. All of chapter 22 is a song, called
David's song, which is almost identical to Psalm 18, and in it there
is not one complaint, only praises. David teaches us that we are to
sing praises to God no matter what we are going through.
“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me. Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me. Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places. The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.” - 2 Samuel 22:31-33,44-47.
“and he maketh my way perfect.” When we allow Christ it live in and through us He makes our way perfect. He is our Rock, the only one who is our salvation. No, we will never be perfect until we are in heaven, but we can walk in the ways of Christ and let His perfection work in us. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:20,21.
Regardless of the circumstances we face, whether self afflicted or not, God's hand is in everything. David was one of the inspired men used by God to put pen to paper His words, most of the Psalms were written by him, through the inspiration of God. David had no clue as to why God chose him after all the things he had done, but He did know that God had made a covenant with him and would not go back on that promise.
“The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands: But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.” - 2 Samuel 23:2-7.
“yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant,” David had hope of the everlasting covenant that God had made with him. What was the covenant? The promised Saviour that would come through his seed. The Rock of Israel is none other than Jesus, the promised seed. One day He will rule, not only in Israel, but in every nation. Those who have made the everlasting covenant with Jesus will be saved and join Him in His earthly Kingdom. “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 3:12.
There are those who think they never do wrong, they even use their salvation as a pass that allows them to live as they please and think God will not judge them for it. Let me tell you, while we are saved by God's grace through Christ, He will not be mocked, He will judge us if we abuse our salvation. Perhaps God did not get over the fact that most of Israel forsook David, first in siding with Absalom and then Sheba, both getting themselves killed by trying to overthrow God's anointed king. Now, it was time for them to be judged for what they had done, God used David to make that happen, but not in a conventional way.
“And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men. And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite. And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house. And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite. And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded.” - 2 Samuel 24:1,10,15-19.
“and he moved David against them to say,” For years I have misunderstood what was written here, it is as if I completely missed the first verse. God was angry with Israel and allowed the devil to tempt David to sin by ordering a census of Israel, the result, seventy thousand men died. Notice that God had the death angel stop when he got to Jerusalem? See who was there? The angel of the LORD, this is none other than Jesus. While God will allow the devil to tempt us, Jesus will not allow anyone, the death angel or the devil to destroy us. “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” - John 3:15.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Rock of Israel (23:3), the the angle of the LORD (24:16), and through David as the shepherd, who bought the threshing floor (24:24) for his sheep. Jesus is the Rock that gives us strength and power, He is our Shepherd, and also purchased the souls of those who believe in Him. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” - 1 Corinthians 6:20.
Today's Prayer: God, Every day I am amazed that no matter how many mistakes I make, You still love me, You have not forsaken me, and I still have a place with You for eternity. Lord, let me never lose hope of the day that Your Son comes and gets me, not for the good that I have done, but because I bought by His precious blood. Thank You God, for everything You do for me, whether times are good or bad, happy or sad, You are always there guiding me in the right direction, and while I will never be perfect I can be perfected as I walk with Him. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me. Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me. Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places. The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.” - 2 Samuel 22:31-33,44-47.
“and he maketh my way perfect.” When we allow Christ it live in and through us He makes our way perfect. He is our Rock, the only one who is our salvation. No, we will never be perfect until we are in heaven, but we can walk in the ways of Christ and let His perfection work in us. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:20,21.
Regardless of the circumstances we face, whether self afflicted or not, God's hand is in everything. David was one of the inspired men used by God to put pen to paper His words, most of the Psalms were written by him, through the inspiration of God. David had no clue as to why God chose him after all the things he had done, but He did know that God had made a covenant with him and would not go back on that promise.
“The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands: But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.” - 2 Samuel 23:2-7.
“yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant,” David had hope of the everlasting covenant that God had made with him. What was the covenant? The promised Saviour that would come through his seed. The Rock of Israel is none other than Jesus, the promised seed. One day He will rule, not only in Israel, but in every nation. Those who have made the everlasting covenant with Jesus will be saved and join Him in His earthly Kingdom. “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 3:12.
There are those who think they never do wrong, they even use their salvation as a pass that allows them to live as they please and think God will not judge them for it. Let me tell you, while we are saved by God's grace through Christ, He will not be mocked, He will judge us if we abuse our salvation. Perhaps God did not get over the fact that most of Israel forsook David, first in siding with Absalom and then Sheba, both getting themselves killed by trying to overthrow God's anointed king. Now, it was time for them to be judged for what they had done, God used David to make that happen, but not in a conventional way.
“And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah. And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. So the LORD sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed: and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men. And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite. And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house. And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite. And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the LORD commanded.” - 2 Samuel 24:1,10,15-19.
“and he moved David against them to say,” For years I have misunderstood what was written here, it is as if I completely missed the first verse. God was angry with Israel and allowed the devil to tempt David to sin by ordering a census of Israel, the result, seventy thousand men died. Notice that God had the death angel stop when he got to Jerusalem? See who was there? The angel of the LORD, this is none other than Jesus. While God will allow the devil to tempt us, Jesus will not allow anyone, the death angel or the devil to destroy us. “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” - John 3:15.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the Rock of Israel (23:3), the the angle of the LORD (24:16), and through David as the shepherd, who bought the threshing floor (24:24) for his sheep. Jesus is the Rock that gives us strength and power, He is our Shepherd, and also purchased the souls of those who believe in Him. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” - 1 Corinthians 6:20.
Today's Prayer: God, Every day I am amazed that no matter how many mistakes I make, You still love me, You have not forsaken me, and I still have a place with You for eternity. Lord, let me never lose hope of the day that Your Son comes and gets me, not for the good that I have done, but because I bought by His precious blood. Thank You God, for everything You do for me, whether times are good or bad, happy or sad, You are always there guiding me in the right direction, and while I will never be perfect I can be perfected as I walk with Him. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Missed A Message: http://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
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Wednesday, April 6, 2016
2 Samuel: God Is Always Faithful
KJB Daily
Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Wednesday, April 05, 2016
Chapters: 2 Samuel 19-21
Message: 2 Samuel: God Is Always Faithful
Hello My Friend,
Do you know what the most amazing thing about God is? No matter how many times we mess up, or how many times we question His methods, or how many times we do things against His will, He is always faithful. It seems like the past two weeks I barely spoke to God, and let me tell you, the longer you go without talking to God the more crazy thoughts you get in your head. As I was praying the other day I noticed something, the tree in my yard that had been blowing off dead leaves now has new leaves all over it, immediately I was reminded that God removes the dead things from our lives, but always replaces them with something new. At times, it seems as though we are very distant from God, but He is always faithful and He is always near, all we have to do is come to Him. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:11-13.
When David committed sin with Bathsheba he did not have that communication with God that he always had, in fact, it was the prophet Nathan who came and told him what was going to happen. David like many of God's faithful can lose communication with God, even though they confess their sin and are forgiven. I imagine this is because they know they sinned against God and still have guilt and shame over what they have done. But God is faithful, and once we humble ourselves to Him He is right there. We can learn a bit about God's faithfulness through David and Shimei, who was the one cursing David when he was hiding from Absalom. After David mourned over the death of his son and he got a wakeup call from Joab, David headed back to his palace, only to be stopped by Shimei on his way back.
“And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David. And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king. And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan; And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart. Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.” - 2 Samuel 19:16-19,23.
“that the king should take it to his heart.” If God took everything to heart that we said out of anger or grief none of us would be saved today. When we yell and complain to Him He knows it is because of the circumstances we are facing, He knows what we are going through and that we will find our way back to Him. Now, there are some people who do get angry and walk away from God completely, they in fact, get down right rebellious and hateful toward God. It is much easier to forsake God and turn to a life of shame than deal with the issues straight on, so they seem to think so. Let me tell you, anger and bitterness will destroy your life, unless you get a handle on it it will be the death of you. “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.” - Psalms 37:8,9.
As soon as we get things right with God and start moving forward in the right direction, here comes the devil placing trials before us in an attempt to drag us back into sin. No sooner than David gets back to his palace, a man named Sheba starts another civil war.
“And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel. So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem. And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us. And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down. Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee. Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.” - 2 Samuel 20:1,2,6,15,16,22.
“but the men of Judah clave unto their king,” The world will always walk away from Christ, but those who are of His inheritance will cleave to Him. When we receive Christ and allow Him to live in and through us, even in our darkest hour we can see the Light. Circumstances try and often do separate us from Him, and at times, we can become distant with Him, but He knows who are His, He knows what we are going through, and He is always there for us. Christ promises to never leave nor forsakes us, all we need to do to find Him is listen for His voice.
“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 10:15,16.
Sometimes God's distance has nothing to do with what we have done, but what others have done. No sooner than God delivered Israel out of the hands of Sheba a famine comes, it lasted three years, David seeks answers from God and finally is able to communicate with Him to find out what the problem was.
“Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.) Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD? And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them. But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.” - 2 Samuel 21:1-3,5-7.
“because of the LORD'S oath that was between them,” You know, once we receive Christ we are His forever, and no one can take us away from Him. Once we belong to Christ we belong to God, and nothing we do can change that. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.” - John 10:27-30.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through David, who wished to be invited back as king (19:11). The only way Jesus will save us is if we invite Him in. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10.
Today's Prayer: God, Although I do not understand everything that You afflict me with, I do understand that You have a reason and a purpose for it and that You are faithful to me. Lord, give me Your strength to endure my trials, give me wisdom to handle these trials before me, and help me remove anything from my life that has no life in it . Give me Your power to trust, wait, and grow closer to You through these trials and keep me to looking to You for guidance in all my steps so that I can know how to handle them. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Missed A Message: http://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
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Date: Wednesday, April 05, 2016
Chapters: 2 Samuel 19-21
Message: 2 Samuel: God Is Always Faithful
Hello My Friend,
Do you know what the most amazing thing about God is? No matter how many times we mess up, or how many times we question His methods, or how many times we do things against His will, He is always faithful. It seems like the past two weeks I barely spoke to God, and let me tell you, the longer you go without talking to God the more crazy thoughts you get in your head. As I was praying the other day I noticed something, the tree in my yard that had been blowing off dead leaves now has new leaves all over it, immediately I was reminded that God removes the dead things from our lives, but always replaces them with something new. At times, it seems as though we are very distant from God, but He is always faithful and He is always near, all we have to do is come to Him. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:11-13.
When David committed sin with Bathsheba he did not have that communication with God that he always had, in fact, it was the prophet Nathan who came and told him what was going to happen. David like many of God's faithful can lose communication with God, even though they confess their sin and are forgiven. I imagine this is because they know they sinned against God and still have guilt and shame over what they have done. But God is faithful, and once we humble ourselves to Him He is right there. We can learn a bit about God's faithfulness through David and Shimei, who was the one cursing David when he was hiding from Absalom. After David mourned over the death of his son and he got a wakeup call from Joab, David headed back to his palace, only to be stopped by Shimei on his way back.
“And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David. And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king. And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan; And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart. Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.” - 2 Samuel 19:16-19,23.
“that the king should take it to his heart.” If God took everything to heart that we said out of anger or grief none of us would be saved today. When we yell and complain to Him He knows it is because of the circumstances we are facing, He knows what we are going through and that we will find our way back to Him. Now, there are some people who do get angry and walk away from God completely, they in fact, get down right rebellious and hateful toward God. It is much easier to forsake God and turn to a life of shame than deal with the issues straight on, so they seem to think so. Let me tell you, anger and bitterness will destroy your life, unless you get a handle on it it will be the death of you. “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.” - Psalms 37:8,9.
As soon as we get things right with God and start moving forward in the right direction, here comes the devil placing trials before us in an attempt to drag us back into sin. No sooner than David gets back to his palace, a man named Sheba starts another civil war.
“And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel. So every man of Israel went up from after David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri: but the men of Judah clave unto their king, from Jordan even to Jerusalem. And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us. And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down. Then cried a wise woman out of the city, Hear, hear; say, I pray you, unto Joab, Come near hither, that I may speak with thee. Then the woman went unto all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri, and cast it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem unto the king.” - 2 Samuel 20:1,2,6,15,16,22.
“but the men of Judah clave unto their king,” The world will always walk away from Christ, but those who are of His inheritance will cleave to Him. When we receive Christ and allow Him to live in and through us, even in our darkest hour we can see the Light. Circumstances try and often do separate us from Him, and at times, we can become distant with Him, but He knows who are His, He knows what we are going through, and He is always there for us. Christ promises to never leave nor forsakes us, all we need to do to find Him is listen for His voice.
“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 10:15,16.
Sometimes God's distance has nothing to do with what we have done, but what others have done. No sooner than God delivered Israel out of the hands of Sheba a famine comes, it lasted three years, David seeks answers from God and finally is able to communicate with Him to find out what the problem was.
“Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. And the king called the Gibeonites, and said unto them; (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn unto them: and Saul sought to slay them in his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.) Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD? And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them. But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.” - 2 Samuel 21:1-3,5-7.
“because of the LORD'S oath that was between them,” You know, once we receive Christ we are His forever, and no one can take us away from Him. Once we belong to Christ we belong to God, and nothing we do can change that. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.” - John 10:27-30.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through David, who wished to be invited back as king (19:11). The only way Jesus will save us is if we invite Him in. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10.
Today's Prayer: God, Although I do not understand everything that You afflict me with, I do understand that You have a reason and a purpose for it and that You are faithful to me. Lord, give me Your strength to endure my trials, give me wisdom to handle these trials before me, and help me remove anything from my life that has no life in it . Give me Your power to trust, wait, and grow closer to You through these trials and keep me to looking to You for guidance in all my steps so that I can know how to handle them. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Tuesday, April 5, 2016
2 Samuel: By The Power Of God
KJB Daily
Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Tuesday, April 05, 2016
Chapters: 2 Samuel 16-18
Message: 2 Samuel: By The Power Of God
Hello My Friend,
If you read through the Old Testament you will come across things that people have done and the first thing you think of is how did they not know that what they were doing was wrong. All you have to do is look around today and you will get your answer. Our human mind cannot comprehend right from wrong because we are only doing what we think is right in our own eyes. If you ever wondered why evolutionists are so set on trying to convince us that we evolved over time from animals, this is the reason, they do not want to be accountable for their actions. The truth is this for everyone, we will be accountable, we all have boundaries, the only way we can stay within those boundaries is by the power of God. “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.” - 1 Corinthians 6:12-14.
If you read through the Old Testament you will come across things that people have done and the first thing you think of is how did they not know that what they were doing was wrong. I am not talking about David's sin with Bathsheba, he knew what he did was wrong. I am talking about the incest, fornication, and backstabbing that went on within their own family. Here is Absalom trying to take the throne from his father, thinking he has done so with the majority of Israel siding with him, laying a tent on top of the roof of his fathers house and sleeping with all the women there. All the while David is in the woods somewhere trying to figure out how to keep things from getting any worse. As David and his group pass over a hill he comes across one of Mephibosheth's servants only to be cursed and stoned by a man named Shimei. David did not fight the man, he just let him talk.
“And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.” - 2 Samuel 16:7-12.
“It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction,” You see, for the first time since all this happened, David acknowledges God. When we know we have done something wrong it can be hard to come to God, even if we confessed our sins, it is as if we know we deserve the punishment. Do you know how many times I replayed things I have done and beg God to forgive me for something I did well before I got saved? We must understand that we are forgiven, God has already forgotten what we confessed, it is up to us to let it go and move forward. It is actually a sin to keep hanging on to the guilt of past sin. It is only by the power of God that we can remove the guilt and shame of sin that haunts us. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;” - Psalms 103:2-4.
Tender mercies, God may get angry with us, but He mercy always endures, and when we turn our eyes back on Him He will show those tender mercies and His grace. For a while it looked as though Absalom had everything going his way, he even won the favor of David's advisers. Everything was about to change when Absalom asked for advice from Ahithophel, his trusted advisor, who had his own wicked plan for making Absalom king and David's advisor Hushai, who was there in secret. Hushai suggested that all the forces of Israel be gathered and that Absalom, the commander-in-chief himself, be at the head of his great army. Absalom gladly takes the advise of Hushai, meanwhile, David and his army found refuge in Mahanaim to prepare for battle, where they received provisions from the Ammonites.
“Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.” - 2 Samuel 17:24,27-29.
“The people is hungry,” No Christian goes hungry when they turn to God, He feeds us with more than food for our physical bodies, when we turn to Him, through His power we get fed spiritually, mentally, and physically. “Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” - Psalms 107:17-20.
The wicked are often successful for a season, and it may even appear that all their plans have been fulfilled and they are getting what they want. Ahithophel, upon finding out that Absalom did not follow his advice hung himself. Absalom got himself tangled up in a tree and was killed.
“For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured. And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away. And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him. And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people. And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.” - 2 Samuel 18:8-10,14-17.
“and all Israel fled every one to his tent.” People act down right foolish when they think they can get away with it, but once their leader is gone they scour faster than you can blink your eyes. The truth is, the world has more to worry about than we do, think about it, a drug dealer must live every step they take under the shadows out of fear that someone will come after them. All sin comes with consequences, even when we think that what we are doing is not sin. It is only by the power of God that we can escape those consequences, and it is only through Christ that we can obtain the power of God to overcome any sin. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” - 1 John 1:7-10.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Mahanaim, the city of refuge where David went, (17:27). Jesus Christ is our refuge. “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” - Psalm 91:2.
Today's Prayer: God, Just as the seasons of the year come and go so do the seasons of life, we laugh, we cry, we find joy, we find pain, but through it all You are right there with us, leading us and guiding us. Lord, help me to endure the seasons of life, give me Your power to endure them all, keep me under Your wings, and help me let go of any guilt or shame I have from past sins so I can move forward with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Tuesday, April 05, 2016
Chapters: 2 Samuel 16-18
Message: 2 Samuel: By The Power Of God
Hello My Friend,
If you read through the Old Testament you will come across things that people have done and the first thing you think of is how did they not know that what they were doing was wrong. All you have to do is look around today and you will get your answer. Our human mind cannot comprehend right from wrong because we are only doing what we think is right in our own eyes. If you ever wondered why evolutionists are so set on trying to convince us that we evolved over time from animals, this is the reason, they do not want to be accountable for their actions. The truth is this for everyone, we will be accountable, we all have boundaries, the only way we can stay within those boundaries is by the power of God. “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.” - 1 Corinthians 6:12-14.
If you read through the Old Testament you will come across things that people have done and the first thing you think of is how did they not know that what they were doing was wrong. I am not talking about David's sin with Bathsheba, he knew what he did was wrong. I am talking about the incest, fornication, and backstabbing that went on within their own family. Here is Absalom trying to take the throne from his father, thinking he has done so with the majority of Israel siding with him, laying a tent on top of the roof of his fathers house and sleeping with all the women there. All the while David is in the woods somewhere trying to figure out how to keep things from getting any worse. As David and his group pass over a hill he comes across one of Mephibosheth's servants only to be cursed and stoned by a man named Shimei. David did not fight the man, he just let him talk.
“And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.” - 2 Samuel 16:7-12.
“It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction,” You see, for the first time since all this happened, David acknowledges God. When we know we have done something wrong it can be hard to come to God, even if we confessed our sins, it is as if we know we deserve the punishment. Do you know how many times I replayed things I have done and beg God to forgive me for something I did well before I got saved? We must understand that we are forgiven, God has already forgotten what we confessed, it is up to us to let it go and move forward. It is actually a sin to keep hanging on to the guilt of past sin. It is only by the power of God that we can remove the guilt and shame of sin that haunts us. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;” - Psalms 103:2-4.
Tender mercies, God may get angry with us, but He mercy always endures, and when we turn our eyes back on Him He will show those tender mercies and His grace. For a while it looked as though Absalom had everything going his way, he even won the favor of David's advisers. Everything was about to change when Absalom asked for advice from Ahithophel, his trusted advisor, who had his own wicked plan for making Absalom king and David's advisor Hushai, who was there in secret. Hushai suggested that all the forces of Israel be gathered and that Absalom, the commander-in-chief himself, be at the head of his great army. Absalom gladly takes the advise of Hushai, meanwhile, David and his army found refuge in Mahanaim to prepare for battle, where they received provisions from the Ammonites.
“Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim, Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse, And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.” - 2 Samuel 17:24,27-29.
“The people is hungry,” No Christian goes hungry when they turn to God, He feeds us with more than food for our physical bodies, when we turn to Him, through His power we get fed spiritually, mentally, and physically. “Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” - Psalms 107:17-20.
The wicked are often successful for a season, and it may even appear that all their plans have been fulfilled and they are getting what they want. Ahithophel, upon finding out that Absalom did not follow his advice hung himself. Absalom got himself tangled up in a tree and was killed.
“For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured. And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away. And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak. Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him. And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people. And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.” - 2 Samuel 18:8-10,14-17.
“and all Israel fled every one to his tent.” People act down right foolish when they think they can get away with it, but once their leader is gone they scour faster than you can blink your eyes. The truth is, the world has more to worry about than we do, think about it, a drug dealer must live every step they take under the shadows out of fear that someone will come after them. All sin comes with consequences, even when we think that what we are doing is not sin. It is only by the power of God that we can escape those consequences, and it is only through Christ that we can obtain the power of God to overcome any sin. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” - 1 John 1:7-10.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Mahanaim, the city of refuge where David went, (17:27). Jesus Christ is our refuge. “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” - Psalm 91:2.
Today's Prayer: God, Just as the seasons of the year come and go so do the seasons of life, we laugh, we cry, we find joy, we find pain, but through it all You are right there with us, leading us and guiding us. Lord, help me to endure the seasons of life, give me Your power to endure them all, keep me under Your wings, and help me let go of any guilt or shame I have from past sins so I can move forward with You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Monday, April 4, 2016
2 Samuel: When The Faithful Fall
KJB Daily
Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Sunday, April 03, 2016
Chapters: 2 Samuel 10-12
Message: 2 Samuel: When The Faithful Fall
Hello My Friend,
Faithful Christians are the godly example that others follow. New converts, worldly people, and other Christians who have not grown in the Lord become hearers and doers of the word of God through faithful Christians. So, what happens when a faithful Christian falls? Since we are all sinners we are all capable of falling into the vilest of sin. Sin can destroy a faithful Christian even faster than those who are in the world. How? The flesh. We must admit that our flesh is weak, it is Christ who is our strength and it is the word of God that keeps us accountable, all we have to do is take our eyes off Him for a second and we will resort to our flesh all over again. “”
David had everything going for him, he was one of the most godliest kings of all time, the apple of God's eye. He became king, not only to all of Israel, but ruled over the United Kingdom as well. They won battle after battle because of one thing, David walked with God daily. While under the reign of David the Ammonites were allies, but when the king of Ammon died and his son took over he did something foolish. Out of fear of David they hired the Syrians to help them go to war with Israel. Ammon and Syria, soon found out that Israel was too powerful.
“And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men. And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men. And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field. And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him. And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there. And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.” - 2 Samuel 10:6-8,17-19.
“they made peace with Israel, and served them.” Israel has one of the strongest military forces around still today, no matter how messed up it is as a nation, it is still God's, and He will protect it. That is why every nation is either a friend or foe, and you do not want to be a foe with Israel. Messing with God's people always brings a battle, but if we are faithful to Him He will protect us one way or another. “For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” - Deuteronomy 20:4.
Now, everything was about to change for David when he made one decision that he would regret for the rest of his life. Instead of heading up his army, he sent Joab and remain in his palace. “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. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.” - 2 Samuel 11:1-5.
“And David sent and enquired after the woman.” This one night of lust resulted in a huge mess of more sin and corruption by David trying to hide his sin. 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 leading the battle, 3. He lusted over Bathsheba by keeping his eyes on her. No Christian is exempt from temptation, but God will never suffer us to be tempted with anything we cannot get out of. We fall into sin when we get too comfortable and bored with what we are doing, we fight sin when we keep our mind on God and our flesh from giving into lust. “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.
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 a death sentence for them both, but God's mercy endured, and while He did not have them put to death, they did face the consequences for their sin. “Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. 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.” - 2 Samuel 12:11-14.
“the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.” Sin is like a disease, it starts out as a tiny spot and spreads quickly, and if not caught quickly the result is death. Sin does not go down lightly, before it does it gets exposed to the world. The amazing thing about God is that He forgives us of our sins, no matter how many times we mess up, and although we will be accountable for that sin here on earth, we are forgiven. I have seen so many strong men and women of God fall because of sin, and yes, they suffer, but God's mercy endures. After David admitted his sin he prayed to God, Psalm 51 is the prayer that David said to God in regards to his sin with Bathsheba. God's mercy and grace is endless toward His people, and all we have to do to make peace with God is admit our sin.
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” - 1 John 1:6-10.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Nathan, giving Solomon the name Jedidiah, which means beloved of the Lord (12:24-25). When Jesus came up out of the water after being baptized by John the Baptist God spoke through a cloud. “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” - Matthew 17:5.
Today's Prayer: God, Your mercy endures forever, no matter what we have done when we confess our sin to 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. Everything You place before us is meant to teach, correct, and guide us out of walking in the flesh, and into Your Spirit. God, have mercy and grace on us, give us peace and comfort through our trials as well as any grievances we face, and as we look to You for help and guidance in every matter of our lives, lead us not into temptation, and keep us faithful to You when we are tempted. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Sunday, April 03, 2016
Chapters: 2 Samuel 10-12
Message: 2 Samuel: When The Faithful Fall
Hello My Friend,
Faithful Christians are the godly example that others follow. New converts, worldly people, and other Christians who have not grown in the Lord become hearers and doers of the word of God through faithful Christians. So, what happens when a faithful Christian falls? Since we are all sinners we are all capable of falling into the vilest of sin. Sin can destroy a faithful Christian even faster than those who are in the world. How? The flesh. We must admit that our flesh is weak, it is Christ who is our strength and it is the word of God that keeps us accountable, all we have to do is take our eyes off Him for a second and we will resort to our flesh all over again. “”
David had everything going for him, he was one of the most godliest kings of all time, the apple of God's eye. He became king, not only to all of Israel, but ruled over the United Kingdom as well. They won battle after battle because of one thing, David walked with God daily. While under the reign of David the Ammonites were allies, but when the king of Ammon died and his son took over he did something foolish. Out of fear of David they hired the Syrians to help them go to war with Israel. Ammon and Syria, soon found out that Israel was too powerful.
“And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob, and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men. And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty men. And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ishtob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field. And when it was told David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him. And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there. And when all the kings that were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.” - 2 Samuel 10:6-8,17-19.
“they made peace with Israel, and served them.” Israel has one of the strongest military forces around still today, no matter how messed up it is as a nation, it is still God's, and He will protect it. That is why every nation is either a friend or foe, and you do not want to be a foe with Israel. Messing with God's people always brings a battle, but if we are faithful to Him He will protect us one way or another. “For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” - Deuteronomy 20:4.
Now, everything was about to change for David when he made one decision that he would regret for the rest of his life. Instead of heading up his army, he sent Joab and remain in his palace. “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. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.” - 2 Samuel 11:1-5.
“And David sent and enquired after the woman.” This one night of lust resulted in a huge mess of more sin and corruption by David trying to hide his sin. 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 leading the battle, 3. He lusted over Bathsheba by keeping his eyes on her. No Christian is exempt from temptation, but God will never suffer us to be tempted with anything we cannot get out of. We fall into sin when we get too comfortable and bored with what we are doing, we fight sin when we keep our mind on God and our flesh from giving into lust. “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.
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 a death sentence for them both, but God's mercy endured, and while He did not have them put to death, they did face the consequences for their sin. “Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. 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.” - 2 Samuel 12:11-14.
“the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.” Sin is like a disease, it starts out as a tiny spot and spreads quickly, and if not caught quickly the result is death. Sin does not go down lightly, before it does it gets exposed to the world. The amazing thing about God is that He forgives us of our sins, no matter how many times we mess up, and although we will be accountable for that sin here on earth, we are forgiven. I have seen so many strong men and women of God fall because of sin, and yes, they suffer, but God's mercy endures. After David admitted his sin he prayed to God, Psalm 51 is the prayer that David said to God in regards to his sin with Bathsheba. God's mercy and grace is endless toward His people, and all we have to do to make peace with God is admit our sin.
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” - 1 John 1:6-10.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Nathan, giving Solomon the name Jedidiah, which means beloved of the Lord (12:24-25). When Jesus came up out of the water after being baptized by John the Baptist God spoke through a cloud. “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” - Matthew 17:5.
Today's Prayer: God, Your mercy endures forever, no matter what we have done when we confess our sin to 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. Everything You place before us is meant to teach, correct, and guide us out of walking in the flesh, and into Your Spirit. God, have mercy and grace on us, give us peace and comfort through our trials as well as any grievances we face, and as we look to You for help and guidance in every matter of our lives, lead us not into temptation, and keep us faithful to You when we are tempted. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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