Saturday, July 16, 2016

The Influence Of A Woman

KJB Daily DevotionFollowing Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Saturday, July 16, 2016
Chapters: Proverbs 29-31
Message: The Influence Of A Woman

Hello My Friend,

Women, the often emotional, weaker vessel of man who was formed from the rib of a man. While all these things are true, do not let that fool you, women still have a lot of power. Just ask Adam, Abraham, David, Solomon, and even Ahab, one of the most wicked kings of all time, and they will tell you how much women have influenced them. In this world of wickedness, and a shortage of men who are afraid, corrupt, or too lazy to stand up and do what it right, it is imperative that we as Christian women step up and be the godly influence God needs us to be.

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” - Titus 2:3-5.

There are certain places in which women need to keep silent, meaning not to put themselves in authority over men, one being the church, while women can teach and preach the Gospel in various ministries, we are not to be in charge of a church. I know, women’s lib has told women that they can be anything they want to be, and while that is true to an extent, there are just some things that we ought not to be doing. As a woman who has had to be in authority over men I know how challenging it can be and why God only wants us to be in charge of certain things. However, do not underestimate what God can do with a woman who is His servant, He used many women to get men to step up and do what they are supposed to be doing. If first comes down to how they are brought up as children.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer. Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son at the length. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” - Proverbs 29:15-21,25.

but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” There have been so many instances where a mother will send their child to church or behavioral centers because they are unruly, and they get angry at them if things to do not change. The fault often lies with the mother because they left them to themselves before they got to that point. Women are the keepers of their children, God has given all women motherly instincts to be able to take care of them, like everything else they choose to engage in them or not. I understand there are some strong willed children who take a little more discipline, but that only makes you a stronger parent. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” - Proverbs 22:6,15.

People seem to reject or change God's Word in an attempt to keep God in their world somehow, but the truth is, as long as people keep changing God to suit them all they are doing is creating a bigger mess. Wonder why Christian kids have no respect for parents? It's because their parents are not following nor teaching their kids to follow God's Word. Often throughout the Bible you read about men fearing God, which sometimes is addressed to women as well, but once in a while something pops up to remind women that they to need to live by every Word of God too.

Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid. Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.” - Proverbs 30:17-9,8-23.

Such is the way of an adulterous woman;” Adultery is more than a woman cheating on her husband, it also means idolatrous, very wicked. A woman has a great deal of influence on a man, one who is wicked and has become the strength of a man destroys the man and their children. A godly woman is just the opposite, she is a blessing from God, and all who get around her will be blessed.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” - Proverbs 31:10-12,24-31.

Who can find a virtuous woman?” Virtuous, Morally good; acting in conformity to the moral law; practicing moral duties, and abstaining from corruption. A virtuous woman is in command of her own spirit, she walks with God daily, is a help meet to her husband or prepares herself to be a godly wife for her future husband. A virtuous woman is honored by God and is prosperous in all that she does, and a man that finds her will be truly blessed. Since women have great power and influence, it is time that put that to good use, by being the God fearing, virtuous, women they are called to be, and in doing so they will be greatly blessed with all they ever need and more.

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - II Peter 1:3-8.

Jesus Christ Magnified: “Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.” - Proverbs 29:26. We will all stand befoe Jesus one day, He is our judge. “Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.” - John 8:15,16.

Today's Prayer: God, I believe that everything in Your Word is true and that I will receive all the promises You made as I learn and grow in it. Lord, give me Your power, wisdom, and guidance, make me a hearer and a doer of Your Word. Give me Your mercy, grace, and strength to keep going and give me patience to wait for Your timing in seeing everything come to pass. Let me be the God fearing, virtuous, godly influence You need me to be to bring others to Your Son. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Thursday, July 14, 2016

Claim Your Riches

KJB Daily DevotionFollowing Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Thursday, July 14, 2016
Chapters: Proverbs 22-24
Message: Claim Your Riches

Hello My Friend,

Riches, Wealth; opulence; affluence; possessions of land, good or money in abundance. Riches do not consist in having more gold and silver, but in having more in proportion than our neighbors. Everyone has their own idea on what it means to be rich, while many think of having great wealth as being rich, others think of having the most expensive things as being rich. I was never one to get excited over diamonds and pearls, I wanted love and affection over things, if someone got me something out of the pureness and love of their heart, it was more valuable to me than anything. Christians, it is time to claim your riches, if Jesus Christ is your Saviour than you have more than enough, but God does want you to have more than that, He just wants you to get your priorities straight first.

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” - I Timothy 6:17-19.

that they be rich in good works,” Some of the most wealthiest people are the ones who give the most, and I am not talking about giving money to charities to make them feel good about themselves, I am talking about giving their time. Handing money to some beggar on the streets is not helping them, giving them food, including spiritual food, like telling them about Jesus is helping, giving them clothes, including clothing them with the love of Jesus is helping them. When we are rich in good works, no matter what we possess, we obtain the riches of God. The riches of God, His fullness of wisdom, power, mercy, grace and glory, or the abundance supplied by His works. Rich or poor, we are all the same in God’s eyes, and that means we treat everyone the same as well

The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.” - Proverbs 22:2-4,18-23.

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches,” Humility, freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth. Humility does not mean we are to make fools out of ourselves in public, it means we are to be modest, not boastful of all that we have, not think of ourselves as better than anyone else, but to think of others just as ourselves. Love God, have some honor, get saved, and the financial blessings will come. I know siblings who compete to see who can give the most expensive gifts to their parents, and have family competing on who can get the better things. God does not care about what we possess, He cares about what we do through His Son, He blesses us with possessions when we humble ourselves before Him, and do His work.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:8,9,19.

if there be any virtue,” Virtue, Moral goodness. Here is the key to claiming our riches from God, virtue. None of us are perfect, we all want things, and we have done some crazy things to get them, but to receive the best from God we need to live moral lives. We cannot change our past, but we can change today by being the person God wants us to be. Another meaning for the word riches is an abundance of spiritual blessings. Now, when God says humility and fearing Him are riches, honor, and life, He means it, which is why He tells us not to work to be rich, but be good.

Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” - Proverbs 23:4-8,17,18.

for riches certainly make themselves wings;” Let me tell you, earthly possessions do not last, in an instant we can lose everything we have. Envying what others have gets you no where, and selling your soul for riches will get you somewhere, but not where you want to be. There are times when I look at someone and wonder why I do not have what they have, then when I realize what they did to get what they got I become ashamed of myself. I have been in the world and got caught up in the money that can be made in it, but then God showed up and gave me a glimpse of where I would be if I continued where I was. I do not know about you, but I do not want to gain any kind of fortune by doing things that are not morally good. I want to claim the riches of God by the honest, hard work that got me where I am, knowing that God is the one who did it all. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” - James 1:17.

The riches of Christ, His abundant fullness of spiritual and eternal blessings for man. The riches of Christ are what we are to claim, and when we do we have more than we could ever possess. “Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked; For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.” - Proverbs 24:15-20.

For a just man falleth seven times,” No matter how much virtue we have, we are human, we mess up, we fall, but the difference between us and the world, Jesus Christ. He is the one who picks us up when we fall, He is the one who gets is to rise again. Those who claim earthly riches over Christ’s will fall, and they will fall hard, and while we may want to boast about their falling we cannot no more than they boast about our misfortunes. Faithful Christians are going to fall on hard times, even if they are wealthy, but they have God to help them get back up. Stop worrying about the things that you do not have, take care of what you do have, the more God trusts You with the little things you have right now the more He can trust you with the much bigger things He has waiting for you.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” - Matthew 6:30-34.

Jesus Christ Magnified: “For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.” - Proverbs 23:11. Jesus is our Redeemer, and He is might. When we stand before God, He stands there next to us and pleads for us. “For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.” - Isaiah 54:5.

Today's Prayer: God, I may not be the wisest person on earth, but I know nothing I posses on earth will last, in fact, without You nothing lasts. No matter how much I learn, unless You are there with me, it is vain, and I will never be satisfied. I tried to do things my way and all I did was make a mess of things, I am trusting You to guide me as I learn Your truths and apply them to my life. I am claiming Your riches, humility, fearing You, virtue, and the spiritual riches that only come from walking with Christ. Lord, Give me Your power to live in and through Your Son, who makes everything possible, and supplies me with all I need for Your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Mending Your Broken Spirit

KJB Daily DevotionFollowing Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Chapters: Proverbs 16-18
Message: Mending Your Broken Spirit

Hello My Friend,

Our spirit is the inner part of our being, it is what gives us life, literally, it is the breath of us, but it is also what drives us to do things. Our spirit is reflective upon our mood, if we are happy, our spirit is up and we can conquer anything. If we are sad, it takes everything to get up and we feel defeated. Our spirit is not dependent upon our circumstances, some terminally ill people have turned things around because of their high spirits. Likewise, some recovering people have died because it was no longer in their spirit to live. Our spirit is dependent upon our attitude through whatever we are going through, and it does not have to be bad things. Let me tell you, I have lost out on things because I had a doubting spirit. We mend our spirits, no matter what we are going through and see a good outcome, but that takes the power of God.

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.” - Psalm 31:1-5.

therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.” When we are led by God and know He is walking along with us there is nothing that we cannot overcome. Quite often our spirit gets broken because we want something so bad, but we never seem to get it. When we try to do things on our own, that is when we set ourselves up for failure, but when we do things with God, it is true to be a success, in one way or another.

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.” - Proverbs 16:25-33.

and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Just because our spirit is broken it does not mean we are to behave in a way that is hateful, demeaning, or spiteful, we get up, we do what we are supposed to be doing, we seek God’s help, we remind ourselves of how blessed we are and we move forward. We are going to make some bad decisions sometimes because we think our way seems right, but we do not let them define us, we get up, dust ourselves off, and see how God wants us to handle things. He really does lift us up when we come to Him. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:8-10.

The second we begin to feel that our spirit has some kind of hatred, strife, envy, or pride, that is when we need to get to God because if we do not get a handle on things before our emotions kick in that is when we fall. “Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” - Proverbs 17:12-18,27,28.

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water:” Years ago, and perhaps in some places today, a hole was made at the end of a body of water so that water could run down into crops, the water would gush out and if there was no barrier it would take over and flood the area. This is what happens to our spirit if we let just a little bit of strife get in there, and if we do not get a handle on it, worse things happen. Contention, a violent effort to obtain something. Contention comes from just one little word or act done in strife, we do not have to try to take things by force, in fact, it does more harm than good. We do have to think about what we are doing, trust God, His timing, and perhaps even make sure that what we are seeking is in God’s will for us. When we give it all over to God, He will give us understanding and renew our spirit.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:1-3.

When we humble ourselves before God, and let His Spirit work in us that is when we begin to see our spirits lift and a new hope, but until we get our spirit up, we going to keep sinking deeper in the pit we dig ourselves into. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.” - Proverbs 18:10-15.

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity;” It is time to stop dwelling on the things we do not have, and start being grateful for what we do have. I know things get tough and it is hard to keep our spirits up when things never seem to be changing, but we have a God that is stronger than our circumstances, and He dwells in us if we are saved through Christ. In fact, only God can mend a broken spirit, so instead of feeling sad about your situation, feel happy, knowing that there is an expected end. “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.” - Jeremiah 29:11.

Jesus Christ Magnified: “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” - Proverbs 18:34. Jesus us a friend that sticks closer than a brother, no one can pluck Him out of their hands.

Today's Prayer: (Excerpts from Psalm 143)God, Spirits all over the world are broken, Lord, open their hearts and help them humble themselves before You, comfort them, mend them, and give them hope for a better tomorrow. Lift my spirit, Lord. Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. Help me to let go of burdens from past afflictions, keep me humble, patient, give me Your grace to be forgiving, and let me lean not on my own understanding, but Yours. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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