Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Saturday May 08, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 18-20. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-8
Title: Bible Study: Prove Me
We truly serve an amazing God, one can take a look at their lives and see just how much they have grown not only spiritually, but mentally and physically as well. When God is in our lives, it shows and even the world sees the change that He has made in it. From the things we do, to the people we hang around, to even the clothes we wear, God is at work in our lives and everyone notices it. Of course, the worldly people do not like the change and that is when you come to know who your true friends are. The great thing is that God is responsible for these changes and even if we lost every friend we ever had God is still with us and will bless us for remaining faithful to Him. God wants to bless His children with an abundance of things, in fact, he says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” - Jeremiah 33:3. He has many blessings waiting for us, that we do not even know. Many of us are hindering ourselves from receiving these blessings. How are we doing that? It could be a hidden sin, ignoring some of God's commands, lack of praying, lack of trust, lack of faith, not believing that He is able to do some things. God is able to do above and beyond anything we can do ourselves, but we must first put our trust in Him and obey Him in every way. When we prove to God that we love Him, He will say, “Prove me and I will show you great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”
After the mess that King Ahaz left Jerusalem in, his son Hezekiah was left to pick up the pieces, fortunately he was a man that followed God in the ways that David did. “Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses. And the LORD was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth: and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not. ” - II Kings 18:1-7. Hezekiah trusted God to help him lead Jerusalem, he even removed everything that contributed to the Israelites worshiping false gods. He followed all his commandments and because of that Jerusalem prospered. Hezekiah's spiritual reformation was followed by a radical reorganization of the entire administration of both the secular and religious affairs of the kingdom. We learn from Hezekiah that people will be blessed, and prayers will be answered, when the Word of God is obeyed. It is important that we take God with us in all that we do, even our work.
When we let God lead us we will always prosper, but when we take our eyes off Him, we will suffer some, and usually cause others to suffer as well. Hezekiah trusted in God with every thing, but he was put to the test when he was confronted by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. “Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them. And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house. At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria.” - II Kings 18:13-16. Instead of seeking God for guidance Hezekiah gave all the treasures in the House of the Lord to Sennacherib to keep him from attacking Jerusalem. What happened was, Hezekiah always tried to do that which was right in the sight of the Lord, even to his enemies. There was an agreement that was made by his father, king Ahaz to pay all this silver and gold, in exchange for their freedom. Hezekiah refused to buy his freedom and now Sennacherib is ready to attack, to keep him from attacking, Hezekiah gave into his demands and gave him all the treasures that had been storing up in the House of the Lord since he reigned. The problem here is that Hezekiah feared Sennacherib instead of God and fell into the same trap as his father. The second we take our eyes off God we give room for Satan to pull his tricks into leaving things to human reasoning. This is a warning to all of us, we need to be careful where we are putting our tithes, we need to make sure they are going to help the church and the people, not to prosper themselves.
Now, once Hezekiah came to his senses he went into the House of the Lord and prayed, like he was known for doing and because of that Jerusalem was spared. Shortly after he became very ill and was on the verge of death, the prophet Isaiah came to meet with him and told him to be prepared to die. Hezekiah was not ready to die, so he turned to God in prayer. “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.” - II Kings 20:1-5. Hezekiah does not speak to God as if He needed to be reminded of the things that he had done, but he asks Him to remember him. Prayer is one of the best preparations for death, because by it we get the strength and grace we need from God, to enable us to finish well. It is in the nature of man to dread the separation of soul and body, but if we put our trust in God, He will take us where we would better serve Him, whether that is to remain on earth a little longer or come home to Him.
As we serve God, we prove to Him that we trust Him and depend on Him to take care of our needs, whether it is with our health, finances, or our Salvation. “Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth....Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men: In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” - Psalm 26:1-3,9-11. While our works do not get us to heaven, they do make a great difference in the blessings we receive here on earth and especially in heaven. If you have fully trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, your life will change and you will grow and be blessed for your faithfulness. When God proves us faithful, He will prove to is that He is faithful. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” - Hebrews 10:35,36.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
You Can Be: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Bible Study: Nations Rejecting God 05.07.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Friday May 07, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 16-17. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-7
Title: Bible Study: Nations Rejecting God
As Christians we can rejoice in the fact that we know that God is a loving and forgiving God and forgives all who come to Jesus Christ in repentance. As long as we are doing the best we can to live our lives for Christ and remove sin from our lives He is always faithful and just to forgive all our unrighteousness. People who live in the world will never understand God's love for His people, claiming He is cruel for allowing war and suffering in the world. They fail to realize that they are the ones causing these things to happen, not God. What is worse is Christians claiming they are Christians, yet reject Him, mock Him, and call Him a liar every time they step out of a church and back into their worldly lives. What they and the world fail to understand is that God will not be mocked, He may be a loving and forgiving God, and Israel may be the apple of His eye, but regardless of who we are, He will not stand for people making a mockery out of Him, including His own people. How do Christians make a mockery out of God? They follow false religions, continue to live in sin, yet come to church pretending there is no sin in their lives, they combine religions, they compromise with the world for financial or other personal gain, this list is endless. People wonder why the world is in chaos, full of war, and full of man made, and natural disasters. The reason, they have rejected God. People are rejecting God, which are creating nations that are rejecting God, even God nations are trying to take God out of their countries and what we are seeing today is only a glimpse of God's wrath because of it.
God's people have always, since the world began, been rejecting God for what they think are bigger and better things, the result, He turns His back on them and lets them fall. All through the Old Testament we hear of wars and all through the books of Kings and Chronicles we hear of civil wars. The Northern and Southern Kingdoms were always coming against each other. Why? God vs Satan. God had most of the Southern Kingdom on His side, while Satan had most of the Northern Kingdom. This time though, both kingdoms were ruled by wicked men, which resulted in Assyria getting control and removing all of the Jews out of the Northern Kingdom. Ahaz was the king of Judah and walked not in the ways of his godly fathers, but in the evil ways of the kings of Israel. Fearing the growing power of Assyria, Pekah,made an alliance with Rezin, king of Syria (Aram) (II Kings 15:37) to attempt to force Ahaz to join forces with them in defeating Assyria, but Ahaz resued and that resulted in a civil war between the North and South. “In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father. But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel. And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.” - II Kings 16:1-5. Although they were attacked, God by His grace protected Jerusalem, had they joined forces with Pekah they would have been is the control of Assyria as well, but God intervened and kept Jerusalem safe. God will always protect His people.
Now, in retaliation, Ahaz made an alliance with Tiglathpileser, the king of Assyria, to attack Syria and Israel. Ahaz paid Tiglathpileser, with treasures from the House of the Lord, to help them defeat Syria and Israel. “So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me. And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria. And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.” - II Kings 16:7-9. This was the beginning to the end of the Northern Kingdom, Tiglathpileser defeated Syria, Rezin, and also the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the eastern side of the Jordan. He then took control of the northern part of the Jordan Valley, making Galilee and Gilead into Assyrian provinces. All that was left of the ten-tribe northern kingdom of Israel was the capital city of Samaria and the surrounding hill country of Ephraim. Ahaz tried to cover up his sin by creating more sin, those whose hearts condemn them, will go any where in a day of distress, rather than to God. The sin was its own punishment. It is common for those who bring themselves into straits by one sin, to try to help themselves out by another, but all they do is keep making things worse and getting more people hurt and involved in the process.
A little over 30 years after Jeroboam's death, the words of the prophets were fulfilled as the Northern Kingdom of Israel was dismantled for good. Hoshea was the last king of the Northern Kingdom, he too thought he could align himself up Assyria by paying him, but he was not so honest, he conspired against the king of Assyria and the result, deportation. “Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents. And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison. Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods, And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made. And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.” - II Kings 17:3-9. God had enough, He was done watching the people mocking Him, seeking false gods, and ignoring His constant warnings. Those that bring sin into a country or family, bring a plague into it, and will have to answer for all the mischief that follows. Without turning from every evil way, and keeping God's statutes, there can be no true godliness, but this must spring from belief of his testimony, as to wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness, and his mercy in Christ Jesus.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and enjoy your weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Today is Friday May 07, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 16-17. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-7
Title: Bible Study: Nations Rejecting God
As Christians we can rejoice in the fact that we know that God is a loving and forgiving God and forgives all who come to Jesus Christ in repentance. As long as we are doing the best we can to live our lives for Christ and remove sin from our lives He is always faithful and just to forgive all our unrighteousness. People who live in the world will never understand God's love for His people, claiming He is cruel for allowing war and suffering in the world. They fail to realize that they are the ones causing these things to happen, not God. What is worse is Christians claiming they are Christians, yet reject Him, mock Him, and call Him a liar every time they step out of a church and back into their worldly lives. What they and the world fail to understand is that God will not be mocked, He may be a loving and forgiving God, and Israel may be the apple of His eye, but regardless of who we are, He will not stand for people making a mockery out of Him, including His own people. How do Christians make a mockery out of God? They follow false religions, continue to live in sin, yet come to church pretending there is no sin in their lives, they combine religions, they compromise with the world for financial or other personal gain, this list is endless. People wonder why the world is in chaos, full of war, and full of man made, and natural disasters. The reason, they have rejected God. People are rejecting God, which are creating nations that are rejecting God, even God nations are trying to take God out of their countries and what we are seeing today is only a glimpse of God's wrath because of it.
God's people have always, since the world began, been rejecting God for what they think are bigger and better things, the result, He turns His back on them and lets them fall. All through the Old Testament we hear of wars and all through the books of Kings and Chronicles we hear of civil wars. The Northern and Southern Kingdoms were always coming against each other. Why? God vs Satan. God had most of the Southern Kingdom on His side, while Satan had most of the Northern Kingdom. This time though, both kingdoms were ruled by wicked men, which resulted in Assyria getting control and removing all of the Jews out of the Northern Kingdom. Ahaz was the king of Judah and walked not in the ways of his godly fathers, but in the evil ways of the kings of Israel. Fearing the growing power of Assyria, Pekah,made an alliance with Rezin, king of Syria (Aram) (II Kings 15:37) to attempt to force Ahaz to join forces with them in defeating Assyria, but Ahaz resued and that resulted in a civil war between the North and South. “In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign. Twenty years old was Ahaz when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD his God, like David his father. But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel. And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him.” - II Kings 16:1-5. Although they were attacked, God by His grace protected Jerusalem, had they joined forces with Pekah they would have been is the control of Assyria as well, but God intervened and kept Jerusalem safe. God will always protect His people.
Now, in retaliation, Ahaz made an alliance with Tiglathpileser, the king of Assyria, to attack Syria and Israel. Ahaz paid Tiglathpileser, with treasures from the House of the Lord, to help them defeat Syria and Israel. “So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me. And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria. And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him: for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.” - II Kings 16:7-9. This was the beginning to the end of the Northern Kingdom, Tiglathpileser defeated Syria, Rezin, and also the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the eastern side of the Jordan. He then took control of the northern part of the Jordan Valley, making Galilee and Gilead into Assyrian provinces. All that was left of the ten-tribe northern kingdom of Israel was the capital city of Samaria and the surrounding hill country of Ephraim. Ahaz tried to cover up his sin by creating more sin, those whose hearts condemn them, will go any where in a day of distress, rather than to God. The sin was its own punishment. It is common for those who bring themselves into straits by one sin, to try to help themselves out by another, but all they do is keep making things worse and getting more people hurt and involved in the process.
A little over 30 years after Jeroboam's death, the words of the prophets were fulfilled as the Northern Kingdom of Israel was dismantled for good. Hoshea was the last king of the Northern Kingdom, he too thought he could align himself up Assyria by paying him, but he was not so honest, he conspired against the king of Assyria and the result, deportation. “Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents. And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison. Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods, And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made. And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.” - II Kings 17:3-9. God had enough, He was done watching the people mocking Him, seeking false gods, and ignoring His constant warnings. Those that bring sin into a country or family, bring a plague into it, and will have to answer for all the mischief that follows. Without turning from every evil way, and keeping God's statutes, there can be no true godliness, but this must spring from belief of his testimony, as to wrath against all ungodliness and unrighteousness, and his mercy in Christ Jesus.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and enjoy your weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Bible Study: Sinful Pride 05.06.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Thursday May 06, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 14-15. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-6
Title: Bible Study: Sinful Pride
As Christians we can rejoice in the fact that we are sinners saved by grace through our faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. However, that does not mean that we will not face the consequences of our sins. Now, sin is any act regarded as disobeying God. Some sins are obvious, such as taking the Lord's name in vain, idolatry, and adultery, but many are not obvious, especially to many new Christians, such as being slothful and little white lies. The root of all sin is in the heart, whatever it is, that makes men proud, secure, or discontent, is caused by their own heart. Perhaps the hardest sin to overcome is pride, now, it is one thing to take pride in what we do, it is another to be so proud that we think of ourselves above anyone else. Of course, we all have skills and talents that God has given us that others do not have, but that does not mean that one person is better than the other. There is always someone to replace us, no one is irreplaceable, unless you are Jesus Christ, and if we do not get a hold of our pride, it can be the destruction of us.
Amaziah, was the next king of Judah, he was promising as a king and loved the Lord, the first order that he gave as the king was that those responsible for his father death be put to death. “In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah. He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did. Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places. And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father....He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day. ” - II Kings 14:1-5,7. Amaziah sought to please God in all that he did, and in seeking God's pleasure, his thought was right by God. However, he used his father Joash as his guide rather than his forefather David, so, he continued doing what he was taught by his father. This is where we all need to set the right examples for our kids, it is great to teach them to be godly, but we must be willing to go beyond that and teach them through Scripture. Had Joash learned the Scriptures and taught them to Amaziah he would have known to get rid of the high places, which were teaching the people to combine God with their idol worshiping.
After his victory over Edom, Amaziah got overly confident that he could defeat Israel (the Northern Kingdom.) He then calls for a challenge against Jehoash, “Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face. And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle. Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah. And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.” - II Kings 14:8-12. King Joash, gave his answer to Amaziah's challenge, and the answer came through this story of thistles. He is telling Amaziah that his army is nothing, but a patch of trodden down thistles compared to the cedars which we are that are very big and strong. Joash tries to settle this dispute without war, and let him know that the odds are not with Judah in case of war, but Amaziah refuses to listen and the result is a civil war that causes Judah to lose severely, but the war didn't last very long, and very few lives were lost, because Judah's army didn't stick around when they heard that God was not on their side as every man headed back home for his own tent back home. Amaziah was too proud and it was that pride that not only caused him to lose God's respect it also caused unnecessary suffering for the people of Judah. Sinful pride does not just cause us to suffer, but all those who are around us as well.
Azariah, also known as Uzziah, was a king who sought God and the had done more to restore lost territory and strengthen the prestige of Judah than any king since the kingdom divided. Sadly, his great military success and popularity may have caused him to lose sight of the fact that, although he was a powerful king, he was merely a servant of God. “In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign. Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done; Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places. And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land. ” - II Kings 15:1-5. The book of II Chronicles chapter 26, tells us that Azariah was struck with leprosy because he took on the position of a priest, burning incense upon the altar in the House of the Lord. The king had his functions to rule, to judge, to decide on peace or war, to lead armies, and to direct the whole policy of the nation, but one thing he was not permitted to do was to usurp spiritual responsibilities in the Temple of God. It's amazing how a person can become so successful then somehow forgets that it is God who causes him to prosper and lets his pride takes over only to learn the hard way that he is nothing without God.
Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared to the state Israel was in. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed of ungodly men. It is human nature to search our hearts and do what we feel is best and that is our downfall. If we leave everything to the heart, deceitfulness, corruption, and or wickedness always comes in to play. As Christians we should all be so grateful of the restraints that God places before us, from being kept from temptation, and for the humbleness He instills in all who seek to follow His will. All of the kings, regardless of North or South had one problem that kept them from seeing God's true blessings and potential in their lives and their kingdoms, that is their unwillingness to get rid of their false gods. They continued to compromise with the world rather than eliminate all of the wickedness from God's people. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” - I John 2:15-17. As Christians we need to daily beg God to renew the Spirit within us that keeps us from falling into sinful pride. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” - Psalm 51:10-12.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and the rest of your week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Today is Thursday May 06, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 14-15. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-6
Title: Bible Study: Sinful Pride
As Christians we can rejoice in the fact that we are sinners saved by grace through our faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. However, that does not mean that we will not face the consequences of our sins. Now, sin is any act regarded as disobeying God. Some sins are obvious, such as taking the Lord's name in vain, idolatry, and adultery, but many are not obvious, especially to many new Christians, such as being slothful and little white lies. The root of all sin is in the heart, whatever it is, that makes men proud, secure, or discontent, is caused by their own heart. Perhaps the hardest sin to overcome is pride, now, it is one thing to take pride in what we do, it is another to be so proud that we think of ourselves above anyone else. Of course, we all have skills and talents that God has given us that others do not have, but that does not mean that one person is better than the other. There is always someone to replace us, no one is irreplaceable, unless you are Jesus Christ, and if we do not get a hold of our pride, it can be the destruction of us.
Amaziah, was the next king of Judah, he was promising as a king and loved the Lord, the first order that he gave as the king was that those responsible for his father death be put to death. “In the second year of Joash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah. He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did. Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places. And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father....He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day. ” - II Kings 14:1-5,7. Amaziah sought to please God in all that he did, and in seeking God's pleasure, his thought was right by God. However, he used his father Joash as his guide rather than his forefather David, so, he continued doing what he was taught by his father. This is where we all need to set the right examples for our kids, it is great to teach them to be godly, but we must be willing to go beyond that and teach them through Scripture. Had Joash learned the Scriptures and taught them to Amaziah he would have known to get rid of the high places, which were teaching the people to combine God with their idol worshiping.
After his victory over Edom, Amaziah got overly confident that he could defeat Israel (the Northern Kingdom.) He then calls for a challenge against Jehoash, “Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face. And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle. Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah. And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.” - II Kings 14:8-12. King Joash, gave his answer to Amaziah's challenge, and the answer came through this story of thistles. He is telling Amaziah that his army is nothing, but a patch of trodden down thistles compared to the cedars which we are that are very big and strong. Joash tries to settle this dispute without war, and let him know that the odds are not with Judah in case of war, but Amaziah refuses to listen and the result is a civil war that causes Judah to lose severely, but the war didn't last very long, and very few lives were lost, because Judah's army didn't stick around when they heard that God was not on their side as every man headed back home for his own tent back home. Amaziah was too proud and it was that pride that not only caused him to lose God's respect it also caused unnecessary suffering for the people of Judah. Sinful pride does not just cause us to suffer, but all those who are around us as well.
Azariah, also known as Uzziah, was a king who sought God and the had done more to restore lost territory and strengthen the prestige of Judah than any king since the kingdom divided. Sadly, his great military success and popularity may have caused him to lose sight of the fact that, although he was a powerful king, he was merely a servant of God. “In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign. Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah had done; Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places. And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land. ” - II Kings 15:1-5. The book of II Chronicles chapter 26, tells us that Azariah was struck with leprosy because he took on the position of a priest, burning incense upon the altar in the House of the Lord. The king had his functions to rule, to judge, to decide on peace or war, to lead armies, and to direct the whole policy of the nation, but one thing he was not permitted to do was to usurp spiritual responsibilities in the Temple of God. It's amazing how a person can become so successful then somehow forgets that it is God who causes him to prosper and lets his pride takes over only to learn the hard way that he is nothing without God.
Though Judah was not without troubles, yet that kingdom was happy, compared to the state Israel was in. The imperfections of true believers are very different from the allowed of ungodly men. It is human nature to search our hearts and do what we feel is best and that is our downfall. If we leave everything to the heart, deceitfulness, corruption, and or wickedness always comes in to play. As Christians we should all be so grateful of the restraints that God places before us, from being kept from temptation, and for the humbleness He instills in all who seek to follow His will. All of the kings, regardless of North or South had one problem that kept them from seeing God's true blessings and potential in their lives and their kingdoms, that is their unwillingness to get rid of their false gods. They continued to compromise with the world rather than eliminate all of the wickedness from God's people. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” - I John 2:15-17. As Christians we need to daily beg God to renew the Spirit within us that keeps us from falling into sinful pride. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” - Psalm 51:10-12.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and the rest of your week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Bible Study: The True King 05.05.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Wednesday May 05, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 11-13. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-5
Title: Bible Study: The True King
Wicked people have one thing and only one thing on their mind, control. They want control of everything, they want things their way and will stop at nothing to get it, no matter how many people they hurt or even kill to get it. Why do you think that there are so many religions out there? It's all about being in control, it's an attitude that says, “I am God, I can do what I want, believe what I want, have what I want, and I will take down anyone that gets in my way.” This is the very reason why we have Satan in the world, he thought he could be God, but in reality he and every other person who thinks they are in control are spineless cowards who use lost and desperate people to do their dirty work for them, even Christians. As Christians, we may suffer persecution and heartache, but God always takes care of His people and if anyone hurts anyone of us you can be sure that He will seek vengeance in His own way and in His time. The truth is, God is always in control and no one or thing can change that, no matter how many people try to be God, there is only One God and One Savior, Jesus Christ, and He is the True King and Ruler of all.
When Jehu had all the house of Ahab killed as well as Jezebel he did not execute the wicked Athaliah, who was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel and mother of King Ahaziah (Northern Kingdom). After Athaliah, received word that King Ahaziah (her husband) and Ahaziah (her son), was dead, she seized control of the Southern Kingdom and had the entire house of David killed. “And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son....And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king. ” - II Kings 11:1-4,12. To make sure she had no competition, Athaliah ruthlessly murdered her own grandsons, thinking she had killed all of David's descendants, she reigned for six years. Little did she know that God was in control and Ahaziah's son, the only seed that would preserve the empire of David and lineage of Jesus Christ, was hidden safely for six years.
Joash (Jehoash) was seven years old when he was make King of Judah, “And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings. And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house. Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign.” - II Kings 11:19-21. Not only did this wicked queen get executed, Joash began to reign at the age of seven. Never underestimate the power of God to protect His children, even when they appear to be victims of evil circumstances beyond their control.
The first thing Joash was given as king was a copy of the Bible (testimony) and he did which was right in the Lord and ruled for forty years. “In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD, Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.” - II Kings 12:1-5. Sadly, the Temple was in great need of repair and because of that the people still sacrificed in high places. It was not until Joash's twenty-third year in reign that he began to see assistance in repairing the Temple. It is a great honor and mercy to young people, especially to all young men of rank, to have godly men about them who will instruct them to do what is right in the sight of the Lord. They do wisely and well for themselves when willing to be counseled and ruled, even though they are rulers. We must be willing to be taught in order to lead.
God is always in control, people may try to change their destiny, but God will always intervene and get you right back where He wants you to be. I remember a time in my life when I was so far away from God that I did not even know He was around. It was only my His mercy and grace that He placed me in a situation where I knew I needed Him, but as I look back over the years I thought He was not around I realize He in fact was around and protecting me. I remember the first day I picked up the Bible and began reading it, after years of ignoring it. I was in a hotel room, contemplating the mess that I had gotten myself into, thinking about God. Little did I know that the circumstances I faced were all needed to get me to see that life is not about the people you know, the things you have, or the job you have, it's about letting go and giving everything to God. He is always in control, so, we might as well just go with it the right way instead of going against Him and face unnecessary consequences for trying to go against His will. Regardless of what we get ourselves caught up in, God is faithful and just to forgive us and get us all back on track. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11. We are forgiven and cleansed of all our sins by our faith and trust in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Coming to Him is the only way to be forgiven, but praise God, we have a way to be cleansed and justified. God is always in control. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and rest of the week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Do You Know That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Today is Wednesday May 05, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 11-13. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-5
Title: Bible Study: The True King
Wicked people have one thing and only one thing on their mind, control. They want control of everything, they want things their way and will stop at nothing to get it, no matter how many people they hurt or even kill to get it. Why do you think that there are so many religions out there? It's all about being in control, it's an attitude that says, “I am God, I can do what I want, believe what I want, have what I want, and I will take down anyone that gets in my way.” This is the very reason why we have Satan in the world, he thought he could be God, but in reality he and every other person who thinks they are in control are spineless cowards who use lost and desperate people to do their dirty work for them, even Christians. As Christians, we may suffer persecution and heartache, but God always takes care of His people and if anyone hurts anyone of us you can be sure that He will seek vengeance in His own way and in His time. The truth is, God is always in control and no one or thing can change that, no matter how many people try to be God, there is only One God and One Savior, Jesus Christ, and He is the True King and Ruler of all.
When Jehu had all the house of Ahab killed as well as Jezebel he did not execute the wicked Athaliah, who was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel and mother of King Ahaziah (Northern Kingdom). After Athaliah, received word that King Ahaziah (her husband) and Ahaziah (her son), was dead, she seized control of the Southern Kingdom and had the entire house of David killed. “And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son....And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king. ” - II Kings 11:1-4,12. To make sure she had no competition, Athaliah ruthlessly murdered her own grandsons, thinking she had killed all of David's descendants, she reigned for six years. Little did she know that God was in control and Ahaziah's son, the only seed that would preserve the empire of David and lineage of Jesus Christ, was hidden safely for six years.
Joash (Jehoash) was seven years old when he was make King of Judah, “And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from the house of the LORD, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king's house. And he sat on the throne of the kings. And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house. Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign.” - II Kings 11:19-21. Not only did this wicked queen get executed, Joash began to reign at the age of seven. Never underestimate the power of God to protect His children, even when they appear to be victims of evil circumstances beyond their control.
The first thing Joash was given as king was a copy of the Bible (testimony) and he did which was right in the Lord and ruled for forty years. “In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places. And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the LORD, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD, Let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.” - II Kings 12:1-5. Sadly, the Temple was in great need of repair and because of that the people still sacrificed in high places. It was not until Joash's twenty-third year in reign that he began to see assistance in repairing the Temple. It is a great honor and mercy to young people, especially to all young men of rank, to have godly men about them who will instruct them to do what is right in the sight of the Lord. They do wisely and well for themselves when willing to be counseled and ruled, even though they are rulers. We must be willing to be taught in order to lead.
God is always in control, people may try to change their destiny, but God will always intervene and get you right back where He wants you to be. I remember a time in my life when I was so far away from God that I did not even know He was around. It was only my His mercy and grace that He placed me in a situation where I knew I needed Him, but as I look back over the years I thought He was not around I realize He in fact was around and protecting me. I remember the first day I picked up the Bible and began reading it, after years of ignoring it. I was in a hotel room, contemplating the mess that I had gotten myself into, thinking about God. Little did I know that the circumstances I faced were all needed to get me to see that life is not about the people you know, the things you have, or the job you have, it's about letting go and giving everything to God. He is always in control, so, we might as well just go with it the right way instead of going against Him and face unnecessary consequences for trying to go against His will. Regardless of what we get ourselves caught up in, God is faithful and just to forgive us and get us all back on track. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11. We are forgiven and cleansed of all our sins by our faith and trust in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Coming to Him is the only way to be forgiven, but praise God, we have a way to be cleansed and justified. God is always in control. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and rest of the week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Do You Know That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Bible Study: Serve God Willingly 05.04.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Tuesday May 04, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 9-10. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-4
Title: Bible Study: Serve God Willingly
At times, in the midst of our troubles we can forget that God is with us, this is especially true for those who fall away from Him and into sin. Regardless of where we are in our lives, all who accept Christ as their Savior have the Holy Spirit within them, that means God is in all who know Christ. Now, we can choose to live the rest of our lives for Christ or we can choose to just get saved and go on with our lives as if we never knew Him. Either choice, God still uses us for His purpose, in fact He uses everyone, even those who do not know Christ, for His purpose. We can serve Him willingly and receive His blessings or we can serve Him anyway, not knowing, yet always wondering where the blessings are.
After Ahab's death, his son Ahaziah reigned over Israel for two years, followed by the twelve year reign of another son, Jehoram (also known as Joram). These two kings zealously promoted Baal worship, which had been initiated by their wicked mother Jezebel. Baal worship had also become popular in the southern kingdom of Judah due to its king, who was also named Jehoram as he married Jezebel's daughter Athaliah, and their son, also named Ahaziah, was equally wicked. During this time of spiritual decline, God was preparing Jehu, the military commander of the armies of the northern kingdom, to fulfill His purpose as the one who would destroy all the house of Ahab, including wicked Jezebel, just as it was foretold by Elijah about twenty years ago and make him king of Israel.“And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead: And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber; Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not....And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel. And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel. For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:” - II Kings 9:1-3,6-8. Make no mistake, God avenges His people, it may take a while, but if someone is deliberately making His people sin, He will place His judgment upon them far worse than any punishment that anyone receives here on earth.
Jehu did not live his life for God, but God used him to execute the people responsible for causing all of Israel to sin. He executed Joram (Jehoram), the king of Israel, and then Ahaziah, the king of Judah. Then God used Jehu to have Jezebel thrown out of a window by her own people and she was killed as he trampled her with his horses, fulfilling the prophecy that she would be killed and unrecognizable. He also had all of Ahab's family, friends, and anyone associated with his family executed as well as all the Baal worshipers, making sure that not a prophet, priest,or servants of God would be harmed. “And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another. And he said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments. And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only. And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him. And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them. And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day. Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel.” - II Kings 10:21-28.
There was some good about Jehu and his 28-year reign over Israel, but there was also much that was wrong with him. His zeal for the Lord and his reformation were, but a partial turning to the Lord, just enough to achieve his own needs. Jehu demonstrated that it is possible for one to be used by God and yet never live their lives for Christ. Hypocrites serve the Lord for their own self interests, but will eventually fall. We can not use God for our own agenda, He will always bring judgment upon those who use Him to get ahead. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:15,16. God knows our hearts and what we are up to and if we are only using Him He will put a stop to it. However, we can praise God because He will give us the chance to make things right with Him. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” - Revelation 3:19-21. Jesus loves us and because He loves us He will chasten us if we need it, just like a parent would a child who had disobeyed. He knocks on the door of all who have fallen away from Him, waiting patiently for them to open the door and let Him in. He wants you to fulfill His purpose and He will get you to do it no matter what He has to do or how long it takes for Him to do it. What a blessing it is to fulfill His purpose willingly as the blessings will just pour out and the best one of all is that we get to sit with Jesus on the throne. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Do You Know That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Today is Tuesday May 04, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 9-10. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-4
Title: Bible Study: Serve God Willingly
At times, in the midst of our troubles we can forget that God is with us, this is especially true for those who fall away from Him and into sin. Regardless of where we are in our lives, all who accept Christ as their Savior have the Holy Spirit within them, that means God is in all who know Christ. Now, we can choose to live the rest of our lives for Christ or we can choose to just get saved and go on with our lives as if we never knew Him. Either choice, God still uses us for His purpose, in fact He uses everyone, even those who do not know Christ, for His purpose. We can serve Him willingly and receive His blessings or we can serve Him anyway, not knowing, yet always wondering where the blessings are.
After Ahab's death, his son Ahaziah reigned over Israel for two years, followed by the twelve year reign of another son, Jehoram (also known as Joram). These two kings zealously promoted Baal worship, which had been initiated by their wicked mother Jezebel. Baal worship had also become popular in the southern kingdom of Judah due to its king, who was also named Jehoram as he married Jezebel's daughter Athaliah, and their son, also named Ahaziah, was equally wicked. During this time of spiritual decline, God was preparing Jehu, the military commander of the armies of the northern kingdom, to fulfill His purpose as the one who would destroy all the house of Ahab, including wicked Jezebel, just as it was foretold by Elijah about twenty years ago and make him king of Israel.“And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead: And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber; Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not....And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel. And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel. For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:” - II Kings 9:1-3,6-8. Make no mistake, God avenges His people, it may take a while, but if someone is deliberately making His people sin, He will place His judgment upon them far worse than any punishment that anyone receives here on earth.
Jehu did not live his life for God, but God used him to execute the people responsible for causing all of Israel to sin. He executed Joram (Jehoram), the king of Israel, and then Ahaziah, the king of Judah. Then God used Jehu to have Jezebel thrown out of a window by her own people and she was killed as he trampled her with his horses, fulfilling the prophecy that she would be killed and unrecognizable. He also had all of Ahab's family, friends, and anyone associated with his family executed as well as all the Baal worshipers, making sure that not a prophet, priest,or servants of God would be harmed. “And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another. And he said unto him that was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. And he brought them forth vestments. And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of the LORD, but the worshippers of Baal only. And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him. And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal, and burned them. And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day. Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel.” - II Kings 10:21-28.
There was some good about Jehu and his 28-year reign over Israel, but there was also much that was wrong with him. His zeal for the Lord and his reformation were, but a partial turning to the Lord, just enough to achieve his own needs. Jehu demonstrated that it is possible for one to be used by God and yet never live their lives for Christ. Hypocrites serve the Lord for their own self interests, but will eventually fall. We can not use God for our own agenda, He will always bring judgment upon those who use Him to get ahead. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:15,16. God knows our hearts and what we are up to and if we are only using Him He will put a stop to it. However, we can praise God because He will give us the chance to make things right with Him. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” - Revelation 3:19-21. Jesus loves us and because He loves us He will chasten us if we need it, just like a parent would a child who had disobeyed. He knocks on the door of all who have fallen away from Him, waiting patiently for them to open the door and let Him in. He wants you to fulfill His purpose and He will get you to do it no matter what He has to do or how long it takes for Him to do it. What a blessing it is to fulfill His purpose willingly as the blessings will just pour out and the best one of all is that we get to sit with Jesus on the throne. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Do You Know That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Monday, May 3, 2010
Bible Study: Do The Labor 05.3.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Monday May 03, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 6-8. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-3
Title: Bible Study: Do The Labor
God blesses us all with skills and talents that allow us to not only serve Him, but do what is necessary to receive the provisions we need. Now, God can give us anything we ask for, but we must be willing to do the work needed to receive them, like being obedient, praying, reading the Bible, helping others, these are all things that we must do to receive blessings from God. We can receive partial blessings in order for God to show that He is watching and knows everything, but the true blessings come from the labor and our willingness to do the work. Now, one thing I would like to stress is that no one labors for their Salvation, no one can work for their Salvation. Salvation is a gift from God that is received by putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, no amount of labor can get you saved, in fact, that is the only thing you do not have to work for. However, if you want God's true blessings and provisions in your life, you must be willing to do the labor necessary to receive them.
Although the sons of the prophets (students) devoted themselves to religious exercises, as they were training to be men of God, they sometimes had to do manual labor. They dwelled in house with Elisha and it was just too small to hold them all so they asked Elisha if they could build a house near Jordan.“And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye. And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go. So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.” - II Kings 6:1-7. One of the students urged Elisha to come with them and he accepted, which actually gave him a chance for them to see a miracle take place. The miracle, an iron ax head floating in the water. One might think what kind of miracle is that? Every little miracle is proof that God does exist, and is in control, and provides for His people in anyway He can. I have a Bible that I got when I was eleven years old, the first King James Bible I ever got. That Bible has traveled to eight houses and across five states, every time I thought I lost that Bible it showed up again. I never knew how important that Bible was until I realized that it was God's Word and that He was always with me no matter how far I traveled or how many times I tried to ignore Him. Yes, I lived in the world and praise God He got me out of it. God shows us miracles every day, we just need to pay attention to Him and He will show them to us.
Benhadad was the king of Syria, who was an idol worshiper, after he had learned that the sons of the prophets built a home near Jordan he was out to capture Elisha. “And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.” - II Kings 6:16-18. Elisha said to his servant, fear not, for they that are with us are more than those with them, meaning God and His army are with us, to protect us and are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. Elisha prayed that God would allow his servant to see the danger with his eyes, but also see God's protection through his eyes of faith. With eyes of faith we can get a clearer sight of the sovereignty and power of God, and the protection He places on all His obedient servants.
There is that pleasantness in the converse of servants of God, which can get those who listen to them forget the pain and the weariness of labor. Let no man think of a honest employment as a burden or a disgrace, and by the way, labor of the mind, is just as hard, and often even harder, than labor with the hands. While God allows us to do the labor necessary to receive provisions, we must be careful what work we allow ourselves to do. Temptations are all around us to accept jobs or do work that goes against our morals and God's will. How we handle these temptations determines our faithfulness and trust in God to point us in the right direction. “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” - II Thessalonians 3:3. Praise God! “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.” - I Corinthians 15:57,58.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Do You Know That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Today is Monday May 03, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 6-8. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-3
Title: Bible Study: Do The Labor
God blesses us all with skills and talents that allow us to not only serve Him, but do what is necessary to receive the provisions we need. Now, God can give us anything we ask for, but we must be willing to do the work needed to receive them, like being obedient, praying, reading the Bible, helping others, these are all things that we must do to receive blessings from God. We can receive partial blessings in order for God to show that He is watching and knows everything, but the true blessings come from the labor and our willingness to do the work. Now, one thing I would like to stress is that no one labors for their Salvation, no one can work for their Salvation. Salvation is a gift from God that is received by putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, no amount of labor can get you saved, in fact, that is the only thing you do not have to work for. However, if you want God's true blessings and provisions in your life, you must be willing to do the labor necessary to receive them.
Although the sons of the prophets (students) devoted themselves to religious exercises, as they were training to be men of God, they sometimes had to do manual labor. They dwelled in house with Elisha and it was just too small to hold them all so they asked Elisha if they could build a house near Jordan.“And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye. And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go. So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood. But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.” - II Kings 6:1-7. One of the students urged Elisha to come with them and he accepted, which actually gave him a chance for them to see a miracle take place. The miracle, an iron ax head floating in the water. One might think what kind of miracle is that? Every little miracle is proof that God does exist, and is in control, and provides for His people in anyway He can. I have a Bible that I got when I was eleven years old, the first King James Bible I ever got. That Bible has traveled to eight houses and across five states, every time I thought I lost that Bible it showed up again. I never knew how important that Bible was until I realized that it was God's Word and that He was always with me no matter how far I traveled or how many times I tried to ignore Him. Yes, I lived in the world and praise God He got me out of it. God shows us miracles every day, we just need to pay attention to Him and He will show them to us.
Benhadad was the king of Syria, who was an idol worshiper, after he had learned that the sons of the prophets built a home near Jordan he was out to capture Elisha. “And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.” - II Kings 6:16-18. Elisha said to his servant, fear not, for they that are with us are more than those with them, meaning God and His army are with us, to protect us and are more than they that are against us, to destroy us. Elisha prayed that God would allow his servant to see the danger with his eyes, but also see God's protection through his eyes of faith. With eyes of faith we can get a clearer sight of the sovereignty and power of God, and the protection He places on all His obedient servants.
There is that pleasantness in the converse of servants of God, which can get those who listen to them forget the pain and the weariness of labor. Let no man think of a honest employment as a burden or a disgrace, and by the way, labor of the mind, is just as hard, and often even harder, than labor with the hands. While God allows us to do the labor necessary to receive provisions, we must be careful what work we allow ourselves to do. Temptations are all around us to accept jobs or do work that goes against our morals and God's will. How we handle these temptations determines our faithfulness and trust in God to point us in the right direction. “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” - II Thessalonians 3:3. Praise God! “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.” - I Corinthians 15:57,58.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Do You Know That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Bible Study: Put Your Trust in God 05.02.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Sunday May 02, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 4-5. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-2
Title: Bible Study: Putting Your Trust In God
As Christians we learn to put our trust in God to lead us and guide us in this crazy, unstable world. At times, even the things that God sends us seems crazy and unstable, but regardless of what we are facing the test comes in how much we put our trust in God. Every person, thing, or circumstance we encounter is used to strengthen us, correct us, and teach us that God is always in control and everything works together for our own good and His glory. Many Christians make the mistake of thinking that God can not make the same miracles happen as He did in the Bible, but the same God of Israel is the same God of every nation, He was then, He is now, and He will be for eternity. God will use any means to prove that He is still here and still in the miracle making business, but be careful, just as He makes miracles, He gives judgment upon those who take advantage of His good graces.
Elisha asked God for a double potion of His spirit before Elijah had gotten caught up in the whirlwind to heaven. God used him to show Israel that He was still their God and still alive and well in Israel, in fact, he was a type of Christ in his generation. People often went to Elisha in desperate need, such as the case of a widow woman. She had two sons and they were about to be taken from her to be slaves in order to pay a debt owed. “Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full...And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.” - II Kings 4:1-4,6,7. Elisha instructed this woman to go and borrow as many empty pots as she could. By borrowing only empty pots allowed her to see the miracle of God filling them with oil and paying off the debt without owing anything to anyone else, all she would have to do it return the pots. If she would have borrowed oil it would have taken her in further debt. This should remind us all of the dangers of going into debt by owing things that we borrow. There is a danger of using money which really is not ours, of living beyond what the Lord has provided and incurring liabilities which we have no assurance of repaying. However, God will always provide and give us even a way to get out of the debt when put our trust in Him to help us out of it.
Another miracle that took place was in a man named Naaman, Naaman, was a great military, but had one severe problem, he was leprous. Desperate to be healed he went to Elisha, who told him to wash seven times in the Jordan river. At first he could not understand why he had to go to that specific river, but after a while he obeyed and was healed. Grateful of Elisha's help, Naaman offered him a huge reward, but he refused it. Sadly, we learn of Gehazi, an inspiring new prophet, who over heard Elish refuse the reward and took it upon himself to deceive Naaman and get the reward himself. “But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.” - II Kings 5:20-27. This greedy servant persuaded himself into believing that God had blessed him with an opportunity to receive the reward. Sadly, because of his greed and deceit, he became leprous. Gehazi forfeited his opportunity to be the next honored prophet of God. Instead, he became a leper! When Gehazi was tested, he exposed his true character as a covetous hypocrite. Any desire for material gain above our desire to serve God robs us of His wonderful plan for our lives.
At times, it may seem that God is not around, that you are being punished for something you did not do, and that everything is being taken away from you, but the truth is God is always around and He does not punish those who live righteously. Although we may not understand why He we go through some of the things we do, or why He takes someone so young or why He allows certain people to come into our lives, it's all about putting our trust in Him. He sees beyond what we see on the surface, yes, He has the power to heal and can bring people back from the dead, but He is not going to do it for everyone. Why? Because if God gave us everything we ask for we will never learn to trust Him. The Book of Job explains just how precious and quick life is and how important it is to keep God in our lives, no matter what He takes from us. Job lost everything in his entire life, including his ten children, but through his suffering he came out of it and was blessed with twice as much as he had, even ten more children. “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” - Proverbs 30:5. Today, if you are struggling with things that you do not understand, just keep putting your trust in God. He is there, He will hear you and He will show you some answers. He knows what you are going through, all you have to do is call on Him.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and enjoy the rest of the Lord's Day.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Do You Know That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Today is Sunday May 02, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Kings, chapters 4-5. 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.readytofollow.com/bible-may-2
Title: Bible Study: Putting Your Trust In God
As Christians we learn to put our trust in God to lead us and guide us in this crazy, unstable world. At times, even the things that God sends us seems crazy and unstable, but regardless of what we are facing the test comes in how much we put our trust in God. Every person, thing, or circumstance we encounter is used to strengthen us, correct us, and teach us that God is always in control and everything works together for our own good and His glory. Many Christians make the mistake of thinking that God can not make the same miracles happen as He did in the Bible, but the same God of Israel is the same God of every nation, He was then, He is now, and He will be for eternity. God will use any means to prove that He is still here and still in the miracle making business, but be careful, just as He makes miracles, He gives judgment upon those who take advantage of His good graces.
Elisha asked God for a double potion of His spirit before Elijah had gotten caught up in the whirlwind to heaven. God used him to show Israel that He was still their God and still alive and well in Israel, in fact, he was a type of Christ in his generation. People often went to Elisha in desperate need, such as the case of a widow woman. She had two sons and they were about to be taken from her to be slaves in order to pay a debt owed. “Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full...And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.” - II Kings 4:1-4,6,7. Elisha instructed this woman to go and borrow as many empty pots as she could. By borrowing only empty pots allowed her to see the miracle of God filling them with oil and paying off the debt without owing anything to anyone else, all she would have to do it return the pots. If she would have borrowed oil it would have taken her in further debt. This should remind us all of the dangers of going into debt by owing things that we borrow. There is a danger of using money which really is not ours, of living beyond what the Lord has provided and incurring liabilities which we have no assurance of repaying. However, God will always provide and give us even a way to get out of the debt when put our trust in Him to help us out of it.
Another miracle that took place was in a man named Naaman, Naaman, was a great military, but had one severe problem, he was leprous. Desperate to be healed he went to Elisha, who told him to wash seven times in the Jordan river. At first he could not understand why he had to go to that specific river, but after a while he obeyed and was healed. Grateful of Elisha's help, Naaman offered him a huge reward, but he refused it. Sadly, we learn of Gehazi, an inspiring new prophet, who over heard Elish refuse the reward and took it upon himself to deceive Naaman and get the reward himself. “But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed. But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.” - II Kings 5:20-27. This greedy servant persuaded himself into believing that God had blessed him with an opportunity to receive the reward. Sadly, because of his greed and deceit, he became leprous. Gehazi forfeited his opportunity to be the next honored prophet of God. Instead, he became a leper! When Gehazi was tested, he exposed his true character as a covetous hypocrite. Any desire for material gain above our desire to serve God robs us of His wonderful plan for our lives.
At times, it may seem that God is not around, that you are being punished for something you did not do, and that everything is being taken away from you, but the truth is God is always around and He does not punish those who live righteously. Although we may not understand why He we go through some of the things we do, or why He takes someone so young or why He allows certain people to come into our lives, it's all about putting our trust in Him. He sees beyond what we see on the surface, yes, He has the power to heal and can bring people back from the dead, but He is not going to do it for everyone. Why? Because if God gave us everything we ask for we will never learn to trust Him. The Book of Job explains just how precious and quick life is and how important it is to keep God in our lives, no matter what He takes from us. Job lost everything in his entire life, including his ten children, but through his suffering he came out of it and was blessed with twice as much as he had, even ten more children. “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” - Proverbs 30:5. Today, if you are struggling with things that you do not understand, just keep putting your trust in God. He is there, He will hear you and He will show you some answers. He knows what you are going through, all you have to do is call on Him.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and enjoy the rest of the Lord's Day.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Do You Know That You Are Going to Heaven? You Can Know.
Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)