Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Friday July 09, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 81-87. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-9
Today's Message: A Relationship With Christ
As Christians it is important to develop a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, the second one calls on Jesus to save him the relationship begins. Just like any relationship, it takes time getting to know one another, but if they never make an effort the relationship will never develop into very much. In order to know Jesus one has to learn about Him and the only way to learn about Him is through the Word of God. Please do not pick up some book written by someone who thinks they know who Jesus is, of course, there are some great study guides out there, but one can not discern the truth simply by what someone else tells them, unless they are reading it from the Holy Bible. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” - II timothy 3:16,17. We can not do the work that God has called us to do if we do not what that is.
Developing a relationship with Christ enables us to learn the Word of God through the Holy Spirit, who then guides us to a loving and trusting relationship with God.
If we do not have a relationship with Christ we leave things up to our own reasoning to figure out God's likes and dislikes. When that happens we get ourselves into trouble because instead of living a life lead by God we live a life creating our own God. Why do you think there are so many different religions out there? It is people making up God to be who they want Him to be. People who do develop a relationship personally with Christ are in for a harsh awakening. “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them............Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” - Psalm 84:4,5,9-12. Sometimes the unbelieving world looks down on the Christian who turns his back on the pleasures of this world. But to be a servant of the Most High God is better than all the pleasure of a rich man's world. Praise God!
Our human nature wants guidance as far in advance as possible instead of being content to develop a relationship with Christ one step at a time. Some of our mistakes in guidance come from our wanting to see beyond the next turn in the road before we are willing to proceed, others from racing ahead on our own without praying or waiting on the Lord's leading. Though our actions may seem good and right in our own eyes, in God's eyes it disobedience. Reading God's Word helps us understand and listen to what the Holy Spirit is trying to say to us. “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.” - Psalm 85:8-13. Once we understand the loving care of God over each of His children, we need not allow fear to cause doubt and destroy our relationship with Him. This is the practical wisdom we should treasure in our hearts.
The Holy Spirit guided David to unite the only two weapons of our spiritual warfare, prayer and Word of God. Psalm 86 expresses the power we have when these two weapons become our shield for life. “Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.” - Psalm 86:1-7. David continued in worship to confess God's mercy and readiness to forgive. He expressed the utmost confidence that God listens to His people's prayers and delivers them from all harm regardless of their circumstances. The godly person does not depend upon previous learning to continue a day-by-day walk in the way of truth, but upon the continual daily guidance of God through His Word. Instruction is much more than just information; it is also the means to understand His will and to be obedient, for it carries the thought of correction. The child of God never graduates from God's school of instruction; that is why all of us need to read His Word each day.
We can all have a wonderful, prosperous relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, and when we do, the blessings just pour in. Of course, we are still going to go through some suffering, but enduring the suffering together makes the relationship even stronger. “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell....But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. ” - Psalm 86:11-13,15. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have an awesome weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
P.S. I apologize for the late posting of this message, all will resume to normal times tomorrow. God bless you.
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