Saturday, May 21, 2016

The Price Of Freedom

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date
: Saturday, May 21, 2016
Chapters: Nehemiah 5-7
Message: The Price Of Freedom

Hello My Friend,

Communism, a system of social organization in which all economic and social activity is controlled by one political leader. The idea of the government taking care of our well being sounds ideal, but when you factor in the costs of our freedom by taking their free food, money, and healthcare, it comes with a great price. Think about it, a government that decides what you get to eat, wear, live, how much money you are allowed to have, and even who gets to live or die. This is how communism starts, they entice those who are vulnerable or lazy with the idea that they are getting something free, and once they get you they own you. “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” - 2 Peter 2:18,19.

I have never been a fan of receiving things from the government, especially if they tell me it is free. There are these people that stand outside shopping centers enticing people who are on welfare already to sign up for a free government cell phone. Free, nothing is free, someone has to pay for them to receive those free phones, and it is always the hard working people who do work that do. People are so eager to take whatever they can get for free, but have no idea that it will one day cost them their freedom. History proves that there are are always consequences when a corrupt government gets control of the people’s well being. When Nehemiah came into Jerusalem he was saddened by the state of the remnants there, they not only forgot God, they foolishly accepted loans and bribes for help and now they are in dire straights, having sold everything they had to pay them back. They came to Nehemiah for help, he upbraids them for selling off their inheritance, tells them to return what they bought back to the owners, and gives a testimony on why he never received anything free from the government.

Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God. Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work. Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us. Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people. Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.” - Nehemiah 5:14-19.

because the bondage was heavy upon this people.” The previous governors instilled such harsh penalties on the people that they were in bondage to them. Nothing Is Free! Freedom is not free, everything we have that is given to us was already bought by someone else. Sadly, we are in a society that people do not care about the well being of others, only themselves, what they can get without having to work, they will sell themselves out before doing a little hard work to get the things they need. God will take care of His people, but He will not take care of those who forsake Him. If they forsake Him for the things of the world, they have only themselves to blame for the consequences.

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” - Romans 1:28-32.

A corrupt government is great at trying to entice people to trust them for their well being so they can take control, but what do they do to those who seek their own provisions? They taunt and bribe them in an attempt to stop them from being independent from them. As Nehemiah and the people continued building the wall around Jerusalem they got all sorts of opposition from the government to try and stop them. First, they wanted to help, when that did not work they resorted to distractions,
and when that did not work, lying.

Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner. Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.” - Nehemiah 6:1-6,8,9.

There are no such things done as thou sayest,” Sanballat sent false prophets to try and get Nehemiah to stop, but he knew it was a lie. No matter who we are, corrupt leaders are always trying to entice us to stop doing what is right and follow them. God will never tell us to do something that goes against Scripture. That awesome job that includes wearing provocative clothes is not so awesome when it resorts in uncontrollable people that have no respect for others bodies. That awesome payout for gambling is not so awesome when it resorts in uncontrollable debt. That awesome one night stand is not so awesome when it resorts in unwanted pregnancy or an incurable disease. Corrupt leadership comes from a corrupt world electing them, the world likes to make us think that they have our best interests in mind, and that God even plays a part in it, but it is all lies. “For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.” - Luke 9:25-27.

Now that the walls surrounding Jerusalem were repaired, there was still much work to be done. The city was huge, but very few people lived in it because it needed much repair. Through God’s directions, Nehemiah came up with a plan to rebuild the city with fellow Jews. Armed guards stood at the only entrance into the city, the gates were open during the day, but once they were closed no one was allowed to go through unless their names were found written in the register book. The register book was the Israelites only documentation that they were true Israelites that came from Babylon, anyone not found written in the book was denied entrance.

Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded. And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein, These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city; The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.” - Nehemiah 7:4-6,66,67.

that they might be reckoned by genealogy.” Genealogy is more than just the family we came from through birth to God, it is those who are His. The same way in which a person can enter the gate in Jerusalem, is the same way a person can enter the Kingdom of God, and become part of His family. Our names must be written in the register, and that register is named the Book of life. Anyone’s name not written in the Book of life will be denied entry and cast into hell, and the lake of fire. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:12-15.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Nehemiah, who would not stop the will of God. Jesus, came here to do the will of His Father, and let nothing stop Him from going to the cross so we can be free. “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” - Luke 22:42b.

Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for setting those free from the bondage of their sin who are trusting in Your Son, who paid the price of His life on the cross to save us. I understand that there are some things that You allow me to go through so that I can learn from my mistakes and be an example to others, but I truly want to live my life the way You want me to. Lord, keep my eyes, ears, and heart on You, and help me to let go of hindrances that keep me from completing the work You have given me to do. Help me to be aware of the dangers and to listen for the truths You tell me. Let me be discerning, kind to others, yet not follow their understanding, but Yours. I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Remove The Poisonous Darts Of Discouragement

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date
: Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Chapters: Ezra 4-6
Message: Remove The Poisonous Darts Of Discouragement

Hello My Friend,

Discouragement, To extinguish the courage of; to dishearten; to depress the spirits; to deject; to deprive of confidence. I swear, they were not kidding when they came up with the definition of discouragement, my goodness, we certainly do lost our confidence. It seems like the second you set out to do something, those poisonous darts of discouragement are thrown at you to try and stop you. How many times do we give up on something cause we have gotten discouraged, even convincing yourself that it was some crazy idea God never intended? Discouragement is the biggest tactic of the devil to get us to quit, it is right up there with distorting our image of ourselves. We can overcome discouragement, and we can pick where we started, we just cannot do it without Christ. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:13.

“I can do all things through Christ!”, that is what the mind says, but with every dart of discouragement thrown at you the heart starts to say, “I cannot do this!”. We all get discouraged, the most confident person can be stopped in their tracks by one dart of discouragement. We can learn to overcome discouragement and get back to do what God intended for us to do through Ezra. When Ezra and the Jews left Babylon to help rebuild Jerusalem they got off to a great start, the foundation of the temple was laid, and they rejoiced that God made it all possible. When the leaders of the land got wind that they were rebuilding the temple they did everything to discourage them, including send a letter to king Darius to stop the work at once, and for a time it did.

The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me. And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them. Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me. Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.” - Ezra 4:18-24.

Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem.” The world, and honestly, many Christians can put a halt to anything we do, especially if God’s hand is in it. We can turn discouragement around and even regain that confidence to keep going by giving it all to Jesus. When your heart slows down, sing to Jesus, He will get it pumping again. When your spirit is lifeless, praise Jesus, He will liven it. When you give up, cry to Jesus, He will give you hope again. When your courage is gone, read the words of Jesus, He will encourage You. “Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” - Luke 6:21-23.

Now, after a while, and with some encouragement from the prophets, the people realized it was more important to follow what God says than them. They sent a letter to the new king, Cyrus, and got back to work in the mean time. When asked why they we continuing the work after being told to stop, they gave the answer we all need to give when being told to stop.

Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands. Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls? We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them. And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up. But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.” - Ezra 5:8-12,17.

We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth,” While we are subject to complying with the laws of man, we must remember, that if it goes against the word of God, we have a right to challenge the matter. God will fight for us, remember, it is His battle, not ours. When God calls us to do something, we must do it, of course, we are going to get obstacles, but we must not let them discourage us. Now, keep in mind that God will never tell us to do something that goes against His word. As someone who teaches the word of God and serves Him as a missionary, the devil is always trying to stop me, even using me to discourage me. We must realize that when we set out to do something for God, even if it is getting a new job or finding a godly spouse, the devil is going to try to discourage us. Remind him that we are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and get back to work. “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,” - Ephesians 1:18,19.

Now, we when get discouraged and drum up the little bit of strength we to keep going, that is when God shows up. The king not only returned a message saying they could continue rebuilding the temple, they told them not to hinder them, and give them everything they needed to get the work done. “Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place. Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail: That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.” - Ezra 6:7-12.

let it be given them day by day without fail:” You know, something amazing happens when we remove those poisonous darts, God blesses us. Just this morning God reminded me while I was reprimanding myself for what seemed like a wasted year (last year) that I was the one who hindered myself. You see, I am a natural born creator, I love to make things that people enjoy, but when a creation of my was broekn my heart broke. Instead of picking up the pieces, I left them there and started doing other things to try and compensate. While God always provides without fail, He never intended for me to just do anything, He wanted me to pick up those pieces and give them to Him, and do what He intended for me to do. Often, the devil does not have to go far to throw those poisonous darts, in fact, he can go right into our heart and pull them out, as that poison seeps through us. Discouragement can destroy us, and it does take valuable life away, but God has something for us to heal us, grace. In the midst of the broken heart, spirit, body, and soul, God’s grace is all we need to remove those poisonous darts. “Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” - James 4:5,6.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through the great stones used in building the temple (5:8). Jesus Christ is the lively Stone which the builders refused and He has become the Cornerstone of our faith. “If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,” - 1 Peter 2:3,4.

Today's Prayer: God, It is so easy to allow the poisonous darts of discouragement take hold of us and take the life out of us. Lord, You are our hope, You are our ointment that heals the broken heart, mind, soul, spirit, and body. I will not let people or circumstances discourage me from doing what You call me to do, I am going to walk by faith with hope knowing that You are with me and that Your grace is enough for me. Lord, give me Your power of grace, fill me and mend all the broken pieces. When the devil starts to throw those darts or rips into my heart and tries to pull them out, stengthen me and pull me away from his grip. I can do all things through Christ for He us my strength. In the name of Jesus, I ask these things, Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Living The Christian Lifestyle

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date
: Tuesday, May 16, 2016
Chapters: Ezra 1-3
Message: Living The Christian Lifestyle

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Ezra is the fifteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains ten chapters. The author of the book is Ezra, and it was written to the Jews in Babylon. The purpose of the book was to record their return from captivity after spending seventy years in Babylon and their rebuilding of the temple. The timeline for these events are approximately 536 BC to 457 BC. What we are to learn from the book is repentance and restoration are the keys to returning to God. “And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God,” - Ezra 9:5.

There is not one saved person on earth who does not think about walking out of the Christian lifestyle, and many have. Our strength is in Christ, anytime we try to do things in our own strength we will fall. The great thing is that we can have those crazy thoughts, and even if we do fall, Jesus is there to catch us. One thing I have learned over the past few years is, God will let you go to the edge, He may even let you dangle there for a while, but He will never let you go. “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 10:28-30.

We are living in a day and age where less Christians are bringing their children up in a Godly home. Many children do not even know Jesus, let alone the lengths He went through so that they could escape the second death and hell. It may seem strange to us that they do not know about Jesus, but it really is not, perhaps God has chosen to keep Him from them because the parents do not know any better themselves. When God removed the Jews from Israel, many did know Him personally. Now, after seventy years in Babylon, God is ready for them to know Him, and for them to return to Jerusalem to rebuild it, and the temple. With the help of king Darius in Babylon, God encourages the exiles to leave Babylon and head back to Jerusalem. “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.” - Ezra 1:1-3.

and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem,” How many times does God use the world to set His people straight? All the time. You think these terrorist attacks all over the world are just psychos? While that may be true, God is using them to warn people that judgment is coming. Right now, God is giving us these warnings, and He can found, but there will be a time when He will remove Himself just like He did in Jerusalem, and the only ones who will escape that judgment are those who know Christ as their Saviour. “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” - Isaiah 55:6,7.

An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity, out of the hundreds of thousands taken and born since, only 42,360 were willing to head back to Jerusalem. The new generation of Judah had never been in Jerusalem, they did not know God nor had a reason to leave their comforts in Babylon to go to the old, ruined city, about nine hundred miles away. Some of the Jews were not recognized by their heritage, they had no idea where they came from, they were not allowed to do work in the temple. “And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name: These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood. And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim. The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore, Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.” - Ezra 2:61-65.

These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy,” This is an illustration of who will be able to enter the Kingdom of God. Many will be called by Jesus, but not answer, many will even do work for God, but because they are not saved they are polluted, unclean and unable to get into heaven. There is only one way to be clean and holy to stand before God and get into His Kingdom, Jesus Christ. “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.” - Mark 9:1.

Two years after the Jews returned to Jerusalem the foundation was laid, it was a big celebration, and although it was only the foundation, they went right to work and built an altar. “And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.” - Ezra 3:1,10-13.

wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:” The ones who saw the first temple were so overwhelmed by what they saw they could not help, but cry. The new generation rejoiced over what they had done together. Everyone came together as one and everything they did was as it was written in God's word. This would be the first time that many of the Jews even knew of the feast of the Lord, but they followed everything as it was written in the law of Moses as they learned it. Living a Christian lifestyle is not giving up on life, it is giving us a new life, one that will, in fact, be prosperous, one that is eternal. All who accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour become dead to their sins and are reborn into a new life, one that honors God as we let go of the things we thought gave us joy and hold on to the things that truly give us joy. “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.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through By Sheshbazzar (Zerubbabel), the prince of Judah (1:8). Christ is both the Prince of Peace, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6. And the Lion of the tribe of Judah, “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” - Revelation 5:5.

Today's Prayer: God, What a blessing it is to be one of Your children, not because of any good that I have done, but because of my belief in what Your Son has done for me. I am saved, redeemed, and one of Yours because I am only trusting in Him for my salvation. Thank You Jesus. While I can do anything to get into Your Kingdom, except believe in You, I can do something to reach others by living the lifestyle that You would have me to live. Lord, Lead me and guide me, let me behave in a way that others see You through me, when I get discouraged remind me that You never leave me. When I am dangling off the edge, pull me up so I will not fall. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Monday, May 16, 2016

Get Back To Work!

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date
: Monday, May 16, 2016
Chapters: 2 Chronicles 34-36
Message: Get Back To Work!

Hello My Friend,

I had an incident yesterday that still angers me, and I found myself wanting to say, “You can’t judge me!” As I thought about it and figured out that the person was technically doing the thing I was being accused of, I realized why Jesus says, “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?” - Matthew 7:3,4. As Christians, we probably get our sins (if there are any) pointed out more than anyone. While none of us are sinless, it would be wise to remove the sin from our own lives before we condemn someone for doing something that is not even sin. But the message today is not about judging people, it is about standing your ground when you are being wrongfully judged. God is our Judge, no one else, He is the one who determines what we do is sin, and no one has the right to bully us into believing otherwise. “Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?” - James 4:11,12.

For decades Judah had gone through two wicked kings, while Manasseh later repented and turned to God, Amon, never did, he only reigned for two years before being assassinated. Because of the wickedness that Manasseh had brought into Judah, God was about to judge them, they did not know when or how, but they were warned. Josiah was eight when he was made king, when he turned sixteen he chose God and by the age of twenty he began to purge Jerusalem and Judah from the things that caused them to sin. He removed all the groves, idols, abominations from the land, and eight years later began to rebuilt and repair the temple. While cleaning out the temple the priests discovered some, the word of God. They brought it to Josiah, read it out loud to him only to discover that God was about to judge the nation for the sins of their fathers. Josiah searched the land for someone who could help interpret more, and God sent a prophetess to explain further.

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched. And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.” - 2 Chronicles 34:24-28.

and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace,” People think that death is something bad, but if you are a saved, born again Christian it can be a good thing. Do not get me wrong, no one wants or expects to die at this moment, unless they have serious mental issues or seriously ill and ready for God to bring them home. We will never understand death from our human reasoning, but God will bring many home so they do not have to suffer His wrath. A child dying in the hands of a cruel person is unfathomable, and they will have to deal with God’s wrath, but that child will be at peace with Jesus and never have to suffer something that what would have been much worse if they survived. By the way, God does not allow abuse, man does, but Jesus is the judge. “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” - 2 Corinthians 5:6-8,10.

Once Josiah and all the people found out that judgment was about to come a huge revival took place. Josiah, knowing that he would not have faced any of it could have just left things alone, but he chose to follow the word of God. Josiah went through all of Israel and purged it from everything that encouraged idol worship. He even gathered the remnants of Israel (the northern kingdom had already been taken over and the Jews scattered or taken to Syria) for a true passover.

Moreover Josiah kept a passover unto the LORD in Jerusalem: and they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD, And said unto the Levites that taught all Israel, which were holy unto the LORD, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel did build; it shall not be a burden upon your shoulders: serve now the LORD your God, and his people Israel, And prepare yourselves by the houses of your fathers, after your courses, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and according to the writing of Solomon his son. And stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the families of the fathers of your brethren the people, and after the division of the families of the Levites. So kill the passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.” - 2 Chronicles 35:1-6.

and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,” You know, those who are faithfully serving God ought to be encouraging others who are saved to be doing the same thing, not tearing each other down. I swear, those who call themselves Christians are more judgmental than those in the world. Instead of fighting with each other, fight for Jesus! Stand up for Him! People are dying and going to hell because Christians are not doing the LORDS work! Get to work! Stand your ground, do not be intimidated by those who try to discourage you. Purge the things from your life that are sinful, including your, I know more than God attitude, stop worrying about what others are doing, and start doing the LORDS work. “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. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:9-13.

Once Josiah died it did not take long for Jerusalem and all of Judah to return to its wicked ways, judgment was coming and it was coming now. God used Nebuchadnezzar to judge Judah, he carried most of the Jews into Babylon, only left the really poor behind, and completely destroyed the nation that God put His name on. “And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof. And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia: To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years. Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.” - 2 Chronicles 36:19-23.

Who is there among you of all his people?” God is calling on you, He is depending on you. Are you going to stand up and help Him build His house? God needs willing vessels, people who are not double minded, not trying to be God, who are strong in their faith. We need to stand true to Jesus, not fight with each other, love one another as Jesus loves us. Stop letting the devil hinder you from doing what you ought to be doing, leading the lost to Christ. “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:15-24.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through the passover lamb (35:1). Christ, our passover lamb, gave Himself to give permanent redemption to all who believe in Him. “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” - Hebrews 9:12.

Today's Prayer: God, I admit that I can get wrapped up in life that I lose sight of what is more important, doing what You call me to do. I know as long as I do Your work I will be prosperous, not only in furthering Your ministry, but in all that I do. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power to do Your work, let me not be intimidated by those who try to stop me, purge me of anything that brings sin into my life, let me not be judgmental of others, only give good judgment and encouragement to those who cross my path. My greatest work will be to lead others to Your Son, let me be the example Your need me to be, humble, lowly, meek, and mild. And let me not get angry at those who wrongfully judge me, only use it for good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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