Friday, April 29, 2016

1 Chronicles: The Living Word In You

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date
: Friday, April 29, 2016
Chapters: 1 Chronicles 11-13
Message: 1 Chronicles: The Living Word In You

Hello My Friend,

As you read through the Bible you will discover that there are basically five time periods that it covers in detail, the Israelites before there were kings, Israel during the reign of kings, the Jews after their captivity to Babylon, Jesus, and the Apostles after Jesus left. Why so much focus on these time periods? Simple, to prove that no matter when or who told their side of the story, they all line up with one conclusion, Jesus. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.” - John 1:1,14,15.

“for he was before me.” Without going into to much detail about John the Baptist right now, in human life, he was born six months before Jesus. John, without any knowledge except for the Bible and his belief in God, drew the conclusion that Jesus was already here before him. Jesus, was, is, and always will be who He is, and while the human brain cannot fathom such an amazing fact, it all comes down to one thing, believing. 1 Chronicles gives us a little more insight into David as he set up Israel, first regarding God’s house, and now with his army. After some time, the people eagerly wanted David to be king, this was the first and only time that Israel came together as one nation.

Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel. Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel. And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus; where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David. And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.” - 1 Chronicles 11:1-6.

according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.” Samuel did not get to see David become king because he died before it happened. However, Samuel, as well as those before and after him, had no problem believing that what God says, He will do. As Christians, we have to not only have the mentality to believe that God can do all things one time, but all the time. We must admit that we all have prayed for something, but deep down did not believe it would really happen. That is where hope and faith come, when we cannot see past our disbelief, hope and faith are there to keep us going. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” - 1 Peter 1:18-21.

Something amazing happens when we believe that all things are possible with God, we become blessed. Now, imagine if your whole family has that same belief? An entire nation will be blessed. Not only did one tribe have faith in David, they all did, and volunteered to join in with David. David had people working under him from every tribe, including Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, who were on the other side of the Jordan.

Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war. They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin. The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel, and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Berachah, and Jehu the Antothite, And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand. All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king. And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them. Moreover they that were nigh them, even unto Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on asses, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, and meat, meal, cakes of figs, and bunches of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep abundantly: for there was joy in Israel.” - 1 Chronicles 12:1-3,37-40.

came with a perfect heart to Hebron,” We cannot do anything for God or anyone without a perfect heart. What is a perfect heart? Perfect, To finish or complete so as to leave nothing wanting. Heart, The seat of the will; hence, secret purposes, intentions or designs within. A perfect heart is to be completely in the will of God. Let me tell you, when you are in the will of God it may not feel as though you are. David went through a lot persecution and suffering before he became king. We are going to go through a lot of things we do not want to go through being in the will of God, but will all be worth it when we see the final result. “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.” - Job 23:8-11.

Now, with all of Israel in one accord, with the things of God and military set in order, David longs to have the Ark in his city, all of Israel were eager to bring the Ark into the heart of Jerusalem. They gathered together, singing and praising God as they set the Ark set on a cart and began the parade that would bring the Ark into the city.

And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day. And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me? So David brought not the ark home to himself to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite. And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the LORD blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had.” - 1 Chronicles 13:8-14.

because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.” One thing we must understand here is that no one gets to God unless they follow His commands. The Ark is a picture of Jesus, all it contained was the two stone tablets with the first ten commandments God had given, written down with His own finger. Since Jesus is the Word made flesh, He is the only one holy enough to touch God. No amount of singing and praising God get us to touch Him unless we have the living Word living in us. The only way we can have the living Word in us is to believe on Him. Think about this, did you know that to those who have no idea what the Bible contains they are walking, talking Bibles? Fitting that the majority of the world has it all wrong because many who claim to have the living Word in them do not. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” - 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through David, the anointed king. Christ is the Anointed King of kings who will reign over all who believe in Him for eternity. “That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” - 1 Timothy 6:14,15.

Today's Prayer: God, As Christians, we know that You have a place and purpose for everyone and everything that goes on in this earth, You will use any means to show the world that You are in charge and in control of all things. Lord, as one of Yours, lead us and guide us, teach us to be the walking, talking living Word that lives inside us. Give us Your power to stand by our faith and live in obedience to Your commands so that we can be a powerful testimony against the devil and all those who try to stop us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Wednesday, April 27, 2016

1 Chronicles: Training Of A Soldier

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date
: Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Chapters: 1 Chronicles 7-8
Message: 1 Chronicles: Training Of A Soldier

Hello My Friend,

Soldier, a brave warrior; a man of military experience and skill, or a man of distinguished valor. A soldier goes through extensive training in order to be able to fight battles. Just like any profession, not just one type of person is needed to be a soldier, people of all walks of life are called to be soldiers. Christians are called to be soldiers, our first step to enlistment is receiving Christ as our Saviour, but we can be sure that we are going to go through some extensive training to be able to fight this spiritual battle. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” - Ephesians 6:11,12.

While God enlists some soldiers just for the service of His ministry, the majority of the time, He enlists them outside of the church. Amazingly, all the wars throughout the years and even those today are organized by God, the world is just too blinded to see that God's hand is in all of this. Chapter 7 lists the tribes of Issachar and Asher who were trained for war from the time they were born.

Now the sons of Issachar were, Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four. And the sons of Tola; Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Jibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their father's house, to wit, of Tola: they were valiant men of might in their generations; whose number was in the days of David two and twenty thousand and six hundred. And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men. And with them, by their generations, after the house of their fathers, were bands of soldiers for war, six and thirty thousand men: for they had many wives and sons. The sons of Asher; Imnah, and Isuah, and Ishuai, and Beriah, and Serah their sister. All these were the children of Asher, heads of their father's house, choice and mighty men of valour, chief of the princes. And the number throughout the genealogy of them that were apt to the war and to battle was twenty and six thousand men.” - 1 Chronicles 7:1-4,30,40.

they were valiant men of might in their generations;” Valiant, Brave; courageous; intrepid in danger; heroic. It really does take a brave soul to handle not only the spiritual battles of the world, but of ourselves. We are our worst enemies sometimes as we wrestle with our own demons deep inside. Only by the power of Christ can we fight these battles, and let me tell you, He will not only give you the courage to fight, He will give you victory. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 15:57,58.

In order for any soldier to able to serve to the fullest, they must endure basic training first. Chapter 8 focuses in the Benjamites, who were trained as archers. Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third, These were heads of the fathers, by their generations, chief men. These dwelt in Jerusalem. And at Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon; whose wife's name was Maachah: And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab, And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zacher. And Mikloth begat Shimeah. And these also dwelt with their brethren in Jerusalem, over against them. And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal. And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin.” - 1 Chronicles 8:1,28-3,40.

And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers,” Valor, Strength of mind in regard to danger. It is the devil who messes with our minds and weakens our faith so we are powerless to fight even the smallest battle. It is the Holy Spirit in us that strengthens our mind as we read the word of God and pray. The more time we spend in prayer and the Bible the stronger our mind will become. I learned something this past week in Sunday school, when you mind is wandering and you cannot quite focus on God or anything else start reading the Psalms or listen to some uplifting Gospel music. I had forgotten how important it was to read those Psalms every day, they are the encouragement as well as discipline we need to keep us going. Let me tell you, you can read the Bible and pray all day long, but unless you are focused and into it you are wasting your time. God wants our complete attention when we start to talk to Him otherwise He will not hear us. It is times like this when prayer and fasting comes into play, we can more in touch with God, keep reading, praying, and singing until he gives us wisdom to know how to fight the battle and through the strength of Christ win any battle.

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” - James 5:13-16.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Christ is revealed through the soldiers, He became the first soldier to give His life to save all mankind. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” - Hebrews 5:8,9.

Today's Prayer: God, Since I dedicated my life to serving You wherever You take me, I understand that You have enlisted me in Your army to seek and find lost souls. I want to be a brave warrior, give me Your strength, wisdom and guidance to go out and be a good soldier. Cover me with Your armor, keep me safe and help me fight every battle with valor and bravery. With Your Son walking with me I know I can do all things. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Tuesday, April 26, 2016

1 Chronicles: Your Father In Heaven

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date
: Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Chapters: 1 Chronicles 5-6
Message: 1 Chronicles: Your Father In Heaven

Hello My Friend,

When reading through the Bible, and even from our own experience, we learn not every person comprehends or does the things they are taught from a child. Oh, a parent can teach their children the exact same things, but not every child responds the same way to their teaching. Some will understand and obey, some will not understand, and yet some will understand and not obey. The thing is, no two children can be taught the same way since we all learn at differently, each of us learn and either accept or reject the same doctrine at our own level. It comes down to this, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:” - Matthew 7:11-13.

Enter ye in at the strait gate:” There are two paths to life, the narrow, which takes a little longer and keeps us on the path of the things we desire, and the wide, which is the quickest way possible to obtain them and the most destructive. According to law regarding inheritance, the first born son of the family would be the rightful heir to the blessings passed down from their father. However, Reuben, the first born son of Israel (Jacob) forfeited his birthright and all those blessings were passed down, not to another son, but his sons sons.

Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war. And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab. And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him. And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand. For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity. And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.” - 1 Chronicles 5:1,18-23.

his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel:” Reuben did the unthinkable, now, I am sure that his father taught him about right from wrong, perhaps his mother tried to also, but Leah herself deceived Jacob from the start of their marriage so maybe not. That one immoral act caused Reuben to not only lose his birthright, but his respect and honor from God too. Yes, God respects and honors us when we respect and honor our parents. There is really not much history given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, or Manasseh because they chose to stay away from Israel and God. These tribes were also the first to succumb to false god worship and get taken captive into Syria. You know, it is not God who moves and separates us from Him, it is the people. Lifestyles, circumstances, sin, these all play a part in distancing ourselves from God, and eventually forsaking Him all together. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” - Romans 1:20,21.

Now, we come to the Levites, God chose them for Himself to work in the tabernacle and eventual temple, He was their inheritance. There are more details given into the lineage of the Levites than all the others. David appointed the jobs they would do in the temple other than the sons of Aaron who were there specifically chosen by God to be the priests and high priests.

And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order. And these are they that waited with their children. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Shemuel, Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God. But Aaron and his sons offered upon the altar of the burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, and were appointed for all the work of the place most holy, and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. And these are the sons of Aaron; Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son,” - 1 Chronicles 6:31-33,48-50.

and were appointed for all the work of the place most holy,” While all the Levites played a part in the services of the tabernacle and later in the temple, only descents of Aaron were appointed to receive the sacrifices. Before they were even able to accept the sacrifices and offer them to God they had to be consecrated, cleansed of their sins and clean before God. Today, Jesus, the sinless and perfect sacrifice Himself, is the high priest, He alone is the only one able to receive your offering. What’s your offering? Admitting you have sinned, believing on Him as the only atonement sacrifice needed for permanent redemption, and confessing that you are only trusting in Him for your salvation. “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.

Israel was by far the model example that the world needed to see how different it can be with God in it, it is a model example of how merciful and graceful God is to all of us. If you have received Christ as your Saviour you receive an inheritance into the kingdom of God, and let me tell you, no one can take that birthright away. We are going to mess up, and God will chastise us when we do, He may even bring some people home before their time because they are behaving as Reuben did, but regardless we are God's, and He will never go back on His promise to save anyone who believes in and receives His Son. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” - Hebrews 13:5,6.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the cities of refuge given to the Levites as a place where criminals would be safe while awaiting trial. Jesus is our refuge, He saves all who believe in Him from hell. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” - Romans 5:8,9.

Today's Prayer: God, It truly is amazing to learn of some of the people in Your family, murderers, cheats, and cons, to say the least, but I am no one to judge because I am one of them too. I am so glad that You do not use my good works to make me a part of Your family, because if I did, I know I would be in hell. Only by believing the death, burial, and resurrection of Your Son and bringing Him in my life can I be Your child, and I thank You for that. Lord, I do not know when You are coming to get me, but while I am here I do want to make the most of my life by living my life for You, give me Your power to be the child You want me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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1 Chronicles: Your Father In Heaven

1 Chronicles: Your Father In Heaven

Monday, April 25, 2016

1 Chronicles: Making Our Name Count

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date
: Monday, April 25, 2016
Chapters: 1 Chronicles 3-4
Message: 1 Chronicles: Making Our Name Count

Hello My Friend,

Name, that by which a person is called. Each one of our names has a meaning, interestingly enough most of them are of Hebrew or Greek origin. Sometimes our names can truly define us by their meaning, for instance Jesus means, Jehovah is generous or Jehovah saves, Christ means anointed, Jesus Christ is the anointed Son of God who saves all who believe in His finished work on the cross. Other times people make a name for us, and let me tell you, the world is cruel and will give you names according to how they see or perceive you. Loser, fat, whore, slut, geek, stupid, any of those ring a bell? You know, the second we are conceived we have a purpose and are given abilities and characteristics like no one else, we are unique, one of a kind, and precious to God. While we cannot choose our birth names, we can make a name for ourselves, no matter what circumstances. “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.” - Ecclesiastes 7:1.

Since God created earth, He has been guiding His people, faithful men and women, to lead blessed and very prosperous lives through some very unusual circumstances. David’s name means friend of God. We are given great details of the lineage of David, mainly due to the fact that from this family, as concerning the flesh, Christ would descend. “Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess: The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith: The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife. These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years. And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon, four, of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel: Ibhar also, and Elishama, and Eliphelet, And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia, And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine. These were all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Tamar their sister.” - 1 Chronicles 3:1-9.

of Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel:” It is interesting that up until this point Bathsheba was always known as the wife of Uriah the Hittite. The amazing thing we learn about this is that we are not bound to our past, God chastens, forgives, forgets, and uses every situation to fulfill a purpose for something great. Bathsheba, godly wife and mother to Solomon, would later be used to help Solomon get the throne after Adonijah tried to take it while David was sick. We all have a past, some good, some bad, some down right ugly, so, we live, we learn, and we grow, we do not let it control us, we take control of it. It is Jesus Christ who can turn our ugly past into something amazing. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:26-28.

In chapter 4 we are given further account of Judah, the most remarkable person in this chapter is Jabez. We are not told upon what account Jabez was more honorable than his brethren, but he was a godly, praying man. “The sons of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal. And Reaiah the son of Shobal begat Jahath; and Jahath begat Ahumai, and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites. And these were of the father of Etam; Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash: and the name of their sister was Hazelelponi: And Coz begat Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum. And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” - 1 Chronicles 4:1-3,8-10.

Because I bare him with sorrow.” It was not uncommon for a person to have several names given to them over their lifetime due to whatever circumstances they endured. Jabez means sorrow, which meant his mother and perhaps even Jabez himself was going through some kind of affliction. Our names do not define who we are, we define who we are by how we deal with the circumstances we face. Jabez called on God to help him through that sorrow and He blessed him. We do not know how long Jabez asked God for His blessing, but we do know that God gave it to Him. We should all seek to be honorable, no matter what family or circumstance we are born into, it truly is the only way we can survive any situation that we are in. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.” - 2 Timothy 2:19-21.

Chapter 4 also contains the lineage of Simeon, not much of an account is given to them. Most of the territory allotted to them by Joshua was forfeited when they, out of fear, refused to remove the Philistines who resided there at the time. Centuries later David claimed the land for Judah, then years later Hezekiah came in and forced them out of yet another town because they were into Baal worship.

The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul: Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son. And at Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at Bethbirei, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David. And their villages were, Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities: And all their villages that were round about the same cities, unto Baal. These were their habitations, and their genealogy. These mentioned by their names were princes in their families: and the house of their fathers increased greatly. And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even unto the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. And they found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for they of Ham had dwelt there of old. And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because there was pasture there for their flocks. And some of them, even of the sons of Simeon, five hundred men, went to mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. And they smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and dwelt there unto this day.” - 1 Chronicles 4:24,24,31-33,38-43.

And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah,” The tribe of Simeon never got very far or remained blessed because they never did anything for God. Our lives are what we make them, and a big part of that comes from Christ. If we omit God from our lives there will be constant struggles, much more imagined. You will often see this quote that says, “If you don’t believe in miracles, perhaps you forgotten you are one”. Do you now how many people frown at that quote, they cannot value life as being something precious? Today, it is not uncommon for the doctor to give an ultrasound or test to see if the baby will be born with some kind of birth defect or genetic disorder, and sadly many are aborted because they do not see that life in them as something precious, a miracle from God. Let me tell you, all life is precious, it does not matter what kind of disorder we have, each one of us is perfect because God made us. And by the way, the biggest disorder of all is ignorance.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” - Psalms 139:14-18.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the genealogy of David. Jesus, who is the Son of God was also called the son of David. “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” - Matthew 1:1.

Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for giving me life and the life you have given me. Thank You also for eternal life and the great sacrifice You made that not only saves me from death and hell, but makes me one of Yours. It is amazing that with all the people born, You chose me, not only to be one of Your kids, but to represent You as well. It's not easy, I mess up all the time, yet, You still use me, You love me, and You never deny me as one of Yours. Lord, lead me and guide me, help me to overcome hindrances that keep me from the many blessings you have waiting for me as I grow closer to Jesus, and learning how to live my life through Him. I love you and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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