Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Saturday May 29, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 28-30. 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-29
Title: Bible Study: Redeemed = Free
To be redeemed means to have a debt paid off, to be clear and free from any debts that one has acquired. We all have or had debts in our lives from time to time and it feels great to be redeemed from them. Perhaps one of the most overlooked debts of all is that of sin. Yes, there is a debt owed for sin and that debt is death and hell. Since we sin every day in some way unknowingly that means we would accumulate a huge debt over the years. However, there is a way, praise God, to be redeemed from that debt and that way is Jesus Christ. Praise God! As Christians the greatest redemption of all is our salvation, we know that is only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ we are redeemed of all our sin debt. The second we went to Jesus and said, I believe in You, Jesus, come into my heart, remove my sin debt, and save me. We are saved and redeemed. If any of us have forgotten what that means, the means we no longer owe the huge debt we acquired, it is paid off, we are clear and free of all of our sin debt, once and for all and forever. Praise God. Does that mean we will never sin again? Of course not, everyone sins, even men of God sin. Does that mean we have to get redeemed all over again? Of course not, once redeemed, always redeemed. Now, we do have to repent and ask for forgiveness, but even if you have gotten away from God and lived the most sinful life, you are still redeemed. God is just waiting for you to go to Him and say, I'm sorry God, forgive me. God is and always will be faithful and forgiving, even to the most ruthless sinner, as long as he truly repents.
After king Jotham died, Ahaz, his son reigned, but he was perhaps one of the most ruthless and wickedest kings in the history of Judah. He brought and encouraged false god and idol worship into Jerusalem, causing all of Israel to sin. He even sacrificed one of his own children. “Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father: For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. He sacrificed also and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree. Wherefore the LORD his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria; and they smote him, and carried away a great multitude of them captives, and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter.” - II Chronicles 28:1-5. Ahaz robbed the Temple of its gold and costly furnishings, drained the national treasury, confiscated the resources of leading citizens, and gave it all to the Assyrian king to have him attack the Northern Kingdom and Syria. Because of his wickedness, his kingdom suffered serious losses of territory and strength During his reign he encountered many defeats in war, and thousands of his people were taken as slaves by neighboring nations. God would never allow a human life to be a sacrifice, that is why He sent Himself as Jesus to be the sacrifice for us. God will not stand for anyone hurting one of His people and or causing them to sin. He will end a saved persons life here on earth and bring them to heaven if they continue to sin and cause others to live in sin, but He will make them suffer for a time.
The amazing thing is that while we may all suffer from others sinning, it all comes to pass and we can overcome it. Either the person causing the sin will return to God or get redeemed or God will see your faithfulness and we will be blessed through it. Suffering always brings about blessings. Praise God! Now, Jerusalem was suffering severely because of the sins of Ahaz, Hezekiah began to reign and had a very big job to do to get Jerusalem back on his feet. Hezekiah was a godly man, just as David was, and he was determined to get the people right with God and redeemed, even the priests were found to be unholy and were called to cleanse themselves. “Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father had done. He in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the LORD, and repaired them. And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street, And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.” - II Chronicles 29:1-5. Hezekiah began restoring biblical principles and true worship of God. He recognized the blessings of God as of utmost importance and as most essential. He repaired and cleansed the Temple. Under extreme difficulty and danger, he was determined to do God's will, no compromise, no half-measures, no delay was going to stop him. Even if every other person in your family was against God do not stop serving in and believing in Him. He will take care of every person who truly wants to live his life for Him.
After the Temple was repaired Hezekiah encouraged all the people of Israel to come to worship God the way they were supposed to. It did not matter if they had gotten away from God, they were His people and they all had a change to be redeemed. “And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the LORD God of Israel....Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him. So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem....For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.” - II Chronicles 30:1,8-11,18-20. Many of the people mocked Hezekiah and laughed at him, but those who truly wanted God in their lives humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem to be redeemed. While God created every one, only a small portion of people are His people and they are the ones who will humble themselves and return to God. As Christians, God assures us that we are His people we are redeemed, and all we need to do to get right with Him is return to Him. He still loves you and always will. If you are hiding from God and feel ashamed over something that has happened, He will forgive you. Just go to Him and get right with Him. All who have accepted Christ into their hearts are saved and redeemed and God's people. He will get us right with Him one way or another, praise God for His love, patience, forgiveness, mercy, and grace.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Bible Study: Confidence in God 05.28.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Friday May 28, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 25-27. 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-28
Title: Bible Study: Confidence in God
As Christians, God wants to see us prosper, He blesses us with skills and talents that enable us to be successful in whatever we do. However, we must be careful not to become so confident in ourselves that we forget that God made us who we are. It takes years to get us to this point, but it only takes the blink of an eye for Him to take it all away. Confidence is a great thing, when we put it in God, we are telling Him, I am trusting in You to give me the wisdom and knowledge I need to do the job right. Confidence is putting our complete faith and trust in God alone, not in ourselves. When we put our confidence in God alone, we will always prosper, when we start relying on our own confidence we can be sure things are going to change real quick.
King Joash was the man that God would use to save the house of David, even though he was brought up and mentored by the high priest Jehoiada, he had his sons killed and because of that he was killed by his own servants. Now, Jerusalem had been captured by Hazael, king of Syria, in the midst of these difficult circumstances his son, Amaziah, began his reign at the age of 25. He followed the Lord, but not with a perfect heart. “Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he 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, but not with a perfect heart. Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father. But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin....He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver. But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. But if thou wilt go, do it; be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down. And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.” - II Chronicles 25:1-4,6-9. Amaziah made the mistake of hiring soldiers from the Northern Kingdom instead of seeking guidance from God in how to get the people released. When a prophet advised against his hasty action, Amaziah expressed concern about the money he had already paid out for defense. The prophet assured him that God was able to make up any loss he would sustain if he would only submit to and put his confidence in God. Amaziah dismissed the Israelite army as he was advised and was successful in defeating the Edomites.
Sadly, we learn that Amaziah brought the false gods and idols of Edom and began worshiping them. “Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand? And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.” - II Chronicles 25:14-16. The result of this, caused Amaziah his life. One of the worse things a person can do is seek God for help in achieving their goals, then turn their backs on Him and begin serving false gods. Serving false gods is forsaking God for people, things, hobbies, careers, or anything else that turns them away from Him. It is an insult and very inconsiderate to use God for one's own personal agenda. God will not be mocked and all who use Him to advance in life then leave Him will face harsh judgment.
After Amaziah died his son, Uzziah (Azariah) reigned, he was one of the most successful kings of Judah. He was sixteen when he began to reign and as long as He sought God he prospered as a king, but the more successful he became the more he thought himself above the law. “Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.... And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper....And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God. Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar.” - II Chronicles 26:1,5,15-19. Uzziah became so over confident of his success that he thought himself above God, making himself to be as a high priest. Even though he was a great king, God still judged him, for no man is above the Law of God, over eighty men tried to warn him and when he did not listen God judged him. Because of his leprosy, Uzziah was an outcast from both his own palace as well as the Temple. God is not a respecter of persons, He will place judgment upon anyone who will not repent.
The Bible was provided by our Creator and is the one true source of wisdom for daily decisions and direction. As we read the Word of God with a desire to do His will, the Spirit of Christ, the Living Word, guides our thoughts and actions, putting our confidence in the only one who is the source of all that we are and have. At times, we can all make the mistake of thinking we are so important that we are irreplaceable. No one is irreplaceable except Jesus, no one can take His place and no one can even find mercy and grace and forgiveness without Him. The Apostle Paul reminded the Romans and he is reminding us, “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:2,3. God loves us and wants to see us prosper just as much here on earth as in heaven, but in order for that to happen we must put our confidence in God and God alone.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
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Today is Friday May 28, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 25-27. 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-28
Title: Bible Study: Confidence in God
As Christians, God wants to see us prosper, He blesses us with skills and talents that enable us to be successful in whatever we do. However, we must be careful not to become so confident in ourselves that we forget that God made us who we are. It takes years to get us to this point, but it only takes the blink of an eye for Him to take it all away. Confidence is a great thing, when we put it in God, we are telling Him, I am trusting in You to give me the wisdom and knowledge I need to do the job right. Confidence is putting our complete faith and trust in God alone, not in ourselves. When we put our confidence in God alone, we will always prosper, when we start relying on our own confidence we can be sure things are going to change real quick.
King Joash was the man that God would use to save the house of David, even though he was brought up and mentored by the high priest Jehoiada, he had his sons killed and because of that he was killed by his own servants. Now, Jerusalem had been captured by Hazael, king of Syria, in the midst of these difficult circumstances his son, Amaziah, began his reign at the age of 25. He followed the Lord, but not with a perfect heart. “Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he 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, but not with a perfect heart. Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established to him, that he slew his servants that had killed the king his father. But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin....He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver. But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. But if thou wilt go, do it; be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down. And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.” - II Chronicles 25:1-4,6-9. Amaziah made the mistake of hiring soldiers from the Northern Kingdom instead of seeking guidance from God in how to get the people released. When a prophet advised against his hasty action, Amaziah expressed concern about the money he had already paid out for defense. The prophet assured him that God was able to make up any loss he would sustain if he would only submit to and put his confidence in God. Amaziah dismissed the Israelite army as he was advised and was successful in defeating the Edomites.
Sadly, we learn that Amaziah brought the false gods and idols of Edom and began worshiping them. “Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand? And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.” - II Chronicles 25:14-16. The result of this, caused Amaziah his life. One of the worse things a person can do is seek God for help in achieving their goals, then turn their backs on Him and begin serving false gods. Serving false gods is forsaking God for people, things, hobbies, careers, or anything else that turns them away from Him. It is an insult and very inconsiderate to use God for one's own personal agenda. God will not be mocked and all who use Him to advance in life then leave Him will face harsh judgment.
After Amaziah died his son, Uzziah (Azariah) reigned, he was one of the most successful kings of Judah. He was sixteen when he began to reign and as long as He sought God he prospered as a king, but the more successful he became the more he thought himself above the law. “Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the room of his father Amaziah.... And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper....And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God. Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar.” - II Chronicles 26:1,5,15-19. Uzziah became so over confident of his success that he thought himself above God, making himself to be as a high priest. Even though he was a great king, God still judged him, for no man is above the Law of God, over eighty men tried to warn him and when he did not listen God judged him. Because of his leprosy, Uzziah was an outcast from both his own palace as well as the Temple. God is not a respecter of persons, He will place judgment upon anyone who will not repent.
The Bible was provided by our Creator and is the one true source of wisdom for daily decisions and direction. As we read the Word of God with a desire to do His will, the Spirit of Christ, the Living Word, guides our thoughts and actions, putting our confidence in the only one who is the source of all that we are and have. At times, we can all make the mistake of thinking we are so important that we are irreplaceable. No one is irreplaceable except Jesus, no one can take His place and no one can even find mercy and grace and forgiveness without Him. The Apostle Paul reminded the Romans and he is reminding us, “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:2,3. God loves us and wants to see us prosper just as much here on earth as in heaven, but in order for that to happen we must put our confidence in God and God alone.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and
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
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Thursday, May 27, 2010
Bible Study: Blending In 05.27.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Thursday May 27, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 21-24. 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-27
Title: Bible Study: Blending In
As Christians the temptation to blend in with the world is always around us, family, friends, associates, and even people we do not even know contribute, sometimes unknowingly, to trying to get us to all come together as one. It is one thing to be friendly and cordial with people who live in the world, it is another to become or remain friends with them. If you are a Christian, especially one who never grew up in church, you know you have one or two friends who are not. The closer you get to God the further you get from them and there is a reason why that happens. When people decide to dedicate their lives to Christ, they no longer want to blend in with the world, they realize there is something more satisfying and important to life than what the world can give them, God. Now, we can pray for the best and maybe they will see what we see, but it is usually much harder to get a worldly person to convert. Why? When you are living in sin you do not want to hear the truth, you run from it. That is why friends living in sin, who have no intention of living for God, do one of two things, run or get you to run. Sadly, much too often, they are the ones getting the godly to run with them. The flesh is much stronger than the spirit when we allow sin to be around us, even if we are not living in sin ourselves. That is why it is important as Christians that we separate ourselves from worldly people.
Jehoshaphat was one of the most godliest men to reign as king in the Southern Kingdom, his downfall was his friendship with Ahab, the ruthless king of the Northern Kingdom. Jehoshaphat erred in allowing his son Jehoram to marry Ahab's daughter Athaliah, who was also the daughter of wicked Jezebel. Although it did not effect his life, it effected his sons and grandsons. After Jehoshaphat died Jehoram became king and he was as wicked as his father-in-law, Ahab. “Now Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Jehoram his son reigned in his stead. ... Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever....Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians: And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease.” - II Chronicles 21:1,4-7,16-18. Jehoram had all his brothers killed and completely turned Jerusalem upside down. God did not destroy all of Jerusalem, but he did bring destruction upon Jehoram and his family, all but one son was killed and he was struck with an incurable disease. You can say, what goes around comes around or you reap what you sow, but everything we do, whether it is godly or wickedly comes back to us and always ends up how we started.
The destruction did not stop there, after Jehoram died his son Ahaziah reigned, only for one year, but he was under the wing of his mother Athaliah, when he was killed, she took over as queen and killed all of the house of Judah. It was only by the courage of one godly woman, Jehoshabeath, Ahaziah's daughter, that hid a little baby and only seed left of David for six years. “But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah. But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not. And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.”- II Chronicles 22:10-12. Jehoshabeath, was used of God to save Joash from assassination. Joash was soon smuggled into the Temple where he was brought up under the care of Jehoshabeath and the high priest and trained and prepared for his destiny as king. Athaliah thought she was in control, but she failed to realize that God was in control. Wicked people only think they have everything under control and think they have the power to do anything they want. What they fail to remember is that God is greater than any evil that can be brought upon by anyone. Even Satan knows he is powerless to God. And no evil thing goes unpunished. Satan knows where he is going when Jesus returns and all the wicked people are going down there with him.
Every person on earth is born either good or evil, good people may get themselves into evil things, but deep down they are good and these are the people who will one day realize that there is more to life than what the world has to offer and Jesus, who truly gives us life, is what life is all about. Wicked or evil people never change and always bring good people down with them as long as they remain in contact with them. Jesus Said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” - Matthew 6:19-24. We can not have both, we must choose and when we choose Jesus we will never have to worry about what is going to happen. God will take care of us, He will help us separate from friends and even family that are not good for us and either get them to commit to Christ or remove them and send godly people our way. I struggle every day to remove from my heart a man that I love dearly and know is against all God's commands to keep him in my life. It in only through God and His strength that I am separated from him and do not run to him. If I take my eyes off God one second and try to blend with him just a little bit then I will quickly fall away from God and get right back into a world that I know has nothing to offer me. Therefore, I take one day at a time keeping my eyes on God, knowing that I will see the light and one day that man will be out of my heart and a man that God truly has in store is waiting for me. God will give us a way out of every situation and will always be there for those who come to Him. God knows what and who we need in our lives, instead of trying to blend in with the world, it is time to blend in with God. He will give us life and a light to any darkness in our lives. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Today is Thursday May 27, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 21-24. 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-27
Title: Bible Study: Blending In
As Christians the temptation to blend in with the world is always around us, family, friends, associates, and even people we do not even know contribute, sometimes unknowingly, to trying to get us to all come together as one. It is one thing to be friendly and cordial with people who live in the world, it is another to become or remain friends with them. If you are a Christian, especially one who never grew up in church, you know you have one or two friends who are not. The closer you get to God the further you get from them and there is a reason why that happens. When people decide to dedicate their lives to Christ, they no longer want to blend in with the world, they realize there is something more satisfying and important to life than what the world can give them, God. Now, we can pray for the best and maybe they will see what we see, but it is usually much harder to get a worldly person to convert. Why? When you are living in sin you do not want to hear the truth, you run from it. That is why friends living in sin, who have no intention of living for God, do one of two things, run or get you to run. Sadly, much too often, they are the ones getting the godly to run with them. The flesh is much stronger than the spirit when we allow sin to be around us, even if we are not living in sin ourselves. That is why it is important as Christians that we separate ourselves from worldly people.
Jehoshaphat was one of the most godliest men to reign as king in the Southern Kingdom, his downfall was his friendship with Ahab, the ruthless king of the Northern Kingdom. Jehoshaphat erred in allowing his son Jehoram to marry Ahab's daughter Athaliah, who was also the daughter of wicked Jezebel. Although it did not effect his life, it effected his sons and grandsons. After Jehoshaphat died Jehoram became king and he was as wicked as his father-in-law, Ahab. “Now Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Jehoram his son reigned in his stead. ... Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever....Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians: And they came up into Judah, and brake into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the king's house, and his sons also, and his wives; so that there was never a son left him, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. And after all this the LORD smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease.” - II Chronicles 21:1,4-7,16-18. Jehoram had all his brothers killed and completely turned Jerusalem upside down. God did not destroy all of Jerusalem, but he did bring destruction upon Jehoram and his family, all but one son was killed and he was struck with an incurable disease. You can say, what goes around comes around or you reap what you sow, but everything we do, whether it is godly or wickedly comes back to us and always ends up how we started.
The destruction did not stop there, after Jehoram died his son Ahaziah reigned, only for one year, but he was under the wing of his mother Athaliah, when he was killed, she took over as queen and killed all of the house of Judah. It was only by the courage of one godly woman, Jehoshabeath, Ahaziah's daughter, that hid a little baby and only seed left of David for six years. “But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah. But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not. And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.”- II Chronicles 22:10-12. Jehoshabeath, was used of God to save Joash from assassination. Joash was soon smuggled into the Temple where he was brought up under the care of Jehoshabeath and the high priest and trained and prepared for his destiny as king. Athaliah thought she was in control, but she failed to realize that God was in control. Wicked people only think they have everything under control and think they have the power to do anything they want. What they fail to remember is that God is greater than any evil that can be brought upon by anyone. Even Satan knows he is powerless to God. And no evil thing goes unpunished. Satan knows where he is going when Jesus returns and all the wicked people are going down there with him.
Every person on earth is born either good or evil, good people may get themselves into evil things, but deep down they are good and these are the people who will one day realize that there is more to life than what the world has to offer and Jesus, who truly gives us life, is what life is all about. Wicked or evil people never change and always bring good people down with them as long as they remain in contact with them. Jesus Said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” - Matthew 6:19-24. We can not have both, we must choose and when we choose Jesus we will never have to worry about what is going to happen. God will take care of us, He will help us separate from friends and even family that are not good for us and either get them to commit to Christ or remove them and send godly people our way. I struggle every day to remove from my heart a man that I love dearly and know is against all God's commands to keep him in my life. It in only through God and His strength that I am separated from him and do not run to him. If I take my eyes off God one second and try to blend with him just a little bit then I will quickly fall away from God and get right back into a world that I know has nothing to offer me. Therefore, I take one day at a time keeping my eyes on God, knowing that I will see the light and one day that man will be out of my heart and a man that God truly has in store is waiting for me. God will give us a way out of every situation and will always be there for those who come to Him. God knows what and who we need in our lives, instead of trying to blend in with the world, it is time to blend in with God. He will give us life and a light to any darkness in our lives. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Bible Study: Standing Firm For God 05.26.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Wednesday May 26, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, 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-26
Title: Bible Study: Standing Firm For God
As Christians we are going to face many trials just for being a Christian,on top of that our faith is going to be tested, not only from God, but Satan as well. The stronger we are in our faith the more Satan will try to get us to fall. While it is important for him to keep the lost lost it is more important for him to get strong Christians away from God as they are the strength and drive that keeps the lost found. We were all at one time lost, unknown to Jesus and heading straight for hell, but praise God He has found us and we are now saved from our sins and hell because of our faith in Him. Praise God! While Satan can try to pull us down and has even gotten some strong Christians to fall away from God, he can not take away their salvation. No one can, all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior are saved for eternity. Praise God! However, it is important that we as Christians stand firm in our faith in God and Jesus Christ, and not be ashamed of it regardless of any circumstance or uncompromising situation. We must not let the world or any person make us hide or compromise our faith in God and His Word to satisfy their needs or egos.
Micaiah, a prophet living in the Northern Kingdom, was put in prison because king Ahab did not like his prophecies. When king Jehoshaphat, from the Southern Kingdom, came to meet with Ahab he inquired of a godly prophet to see whether or not it was advisable to join in alliance to war against Ramothgilead. “Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead. And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war. And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day. Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand. But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.” - II Chronicles 18:1-8. Jehoshaphat was not confident in the four hundred false prophets, he wanted to hear from a godly prophet. We are going to be surrounded by people claiming to know God's Word, but it is important that we seek out the one that is godly, who knows and follows the true Word of God.
When the guard went to get Micaiah he tried to convince him to lie to the kings and agree with the other prophets. “And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of their's, and speak thou good. And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand. And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD? Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?” - II Chronicles 17:12-17. Micaiah boldly foretold that Ahab would not return alive from that war, he stood by his faith in God and did not compromise the truth even if that meant he had to remain in prison. Incidentally, this prophecy is a foreshadow of the coming Messiah who would be the shepherd that would find the lost sheep. Micaiah did get sent back to prison, but that did not change the fact that the prophecy would be fulfilled. Ahab was killed on the first day of battle. Ignoring the truth does not change a situation. The only way to change a situation is to put your faith and trust in God and let Him guide you. He will tell you what you need to do.
Jehoshaphat made a serious mistake when he associated with Ahab, the idol-worshiping king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Because of his alliance with Ahab they were about to face a battle of their own, however, once he got right with God and sought His guidance Jerusalem was saved. “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,...Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.” - II Chronicles 20:3-5,14,15. God may become angry and chastise us for disobeying Him, but He is merciful and forgiving and always there to help. We all make mistakes and even have days and even weeks when our faith is in God is not as strong, but that is when God is calling on us to seek and find peace and guidance through Him. The battle is the Lord's and when we seek Him we can not be defeated and if we are will always come back even stronger.
Many strong Christians may have gotten lost in the world, another religion, or became bitter over something and left the comforts of God, but they are still children of God and have eternal life with God. Praise God! We have to realize that we are in a daily battle within ourselves, a battle between the Spirit and the flesh, sometimes the flesh is so full of anger and hurt that it has just buried the Spirit to the point that is no longer realizes it's there. However, the truth is that the Spirit of God is always within the saved and I will tell you what, every person who has walked away from God and has passed away is thanking and praising God right now for that gift of eternal life, even if they are cleaning bathrooms up in heaven it is better than burning for eternity in hell. While we await our wonderful mansion in heaven it is important to be an example to weaker Christians and especially to the lost. How are the lost going to know the importance of knowing Jesus if they can not see the one and only living God changing the lives of those who do know Him? “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” - I Peter 5:2-4. Jesus is coming back and the only way we are going to be able to distinguish Him from the anti-christ is by knowing Him personally. So, stand firm in your faith, never compromise with the world or even with others who say they are Christians, and seek the Lord daily to keep renewing and increasing your faith in Him.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and 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
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Today is Wednesday May 26, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, 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-26
Title: Bible Study: Standing Firm For God
As Christians we are going to face many trials just for being a Christian,on top of that our faith is going to be tested, not only from God, but Satan as well. The stronger we are in our faith the more Satan will try to get us to fall. While it is important for him to keep the lost lost it is more important for him to get strong Christians away from God as they are the strength and drive that keeps the lost found. We were all at one time lost, unknown to Jesus and heading straight for hell, but praise God He has found us and we are now saved from our sins and hell because of our faith in Him. Praise God! While Satan can try to pull us down and has even gotten some strong Christians to fall away from God, he can not take away their salvation. No one can, all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior are saved for eternity. Praise God! However, it is important that we as Christians stand firm in our faith in God and Jesus Christ, and not be ashamed of it regardless of any circumstance or uncompromising situation. We must not let the world or any person make us hide or compromise our faith in God and His Word to satisfy their needs or egos.
Micaiah, a prophet living in the Northern Kingdom, was put in prison because king Ahab did not like his prophecies. When king Jehoshaphat, from the Southern Kingdom, came to meet with Ahab he inquired of a godly prophet to see whether or not it was advisable to join in alliance to war against Ramothgilead. “Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead. And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war. And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day. Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand. But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.” - II Chronicles 18:1-8. Jehoshaphat was not confident in the four hundred false prophets, he wanted to hear from a godly prophet. We are going to be surrounded by people claiming to know God's Word, but it is important that we seek out the one that is godly, who knows and follows the true Word of God.
When the guard went to get Micaiah he tried to convince him to lie to the kings and agree with the other prophets. “And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of their's, and speak thou good. And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand. And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD? Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?” - II Chronicles 17:12-17. Micaiah boldly foretold that Ahab would not return alive from that war, he stood by his faith in God and did not compromise the truth even if that meant he had to remain in prison. Incidentally, this prophecy is a foreshadow of the coming Messiah who would be the shepherd that would find the lost sheep. Micaiah did get sent back to prison, but that did not change the fact that the prophecy would be fulfilled. Ahab was killed on the first day of battle. Ignoring the truth does not change a situation. The only way to change a situation is to put your faith and trust in God and let Him guide you. He will tell you what you need to do.
Jehoshaphat made a serious mistake when he associated with Ahab, the idol-worshiping king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Because of his alliance with Ahab they were about to face a battle of their own, however, once he got right with God and sought His guidance Jerusalem was saved. “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,...Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.” - II Chronicles 20:3-5,14,15. God may become angry and chastise us for disobeying Him, but He is merciful and forgiving and always there to help. We all make mistakes and even have days and even weeks when our faith is in God is not as strong, but that is when God is calling on us to seek and find peace and guidance through Him. The battle is the Lord's and when we seek Him we can not be defeated and if we are will always come back even stronger.
Many strong Christians may have gotten lost in the world, another religion, or became bitter over something and left the comforts of God, but they are still children of God and have eternal life with God. Praise God! We have to realize that we are in a daily battle within ourselves, a battle between the Spirit and the flesh, sometimes the flesh is so full of anger and hurt that it has just buried the Spirit to the point that is no longer realizes it's there. However, the truth is that the Spirit of God is always within the saved and I will tell you what, every person who has walked away from God and has passed away is thanking and praising God right now for that gift of eternal life, even if they are cleaning bathrooms up in heaven it is better than burning for eternity in hell. While we await our wonderful mansion in heaven it is important to be an example to weaker Christians and especially to the lost. How are the lost going to know the importance of knowing Jesus if they can not see the one and only living God changing the lives of those who do know Him? “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” - I Peter 5:2-4. Jesus is coming back and the only way we are going to be able to distinguish Him from the anti-christ is by knowing Him personally. So, stand firm in your faith, never compromise with the world or even with others who say they are Christians, and seek the Lord daily to keep renewing and increasing your faith in Him.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and 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
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Bible Study: A Perfect Heart 05.25.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Tuesday 25, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 14-17. 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-25
Title: Bible Study: A Perfect Heart
When we pray we are asking God for something, we can communicate with God in other ways, praise Him, serve Him, thank Him, but the only way to receive things is to ask Him for them in prayer. As Christians we rejoice at seeing a prayer answered, it is the best feeling in the world to know that God has heard me and that I received what I asked for because I did not give up on Him. Most of us are prone to pray about the circumstances in our lives, but when things are going good, many will kind of get lax in seeking God in prayer. Why? Well, we can get so caught up in things when everything is going the way we would like them that we forget God gave them to us and begin relying more on people than on God. People may help us along the way, but God is the author and finisher of everything, even if people have no idea they are working for God. We are to have a perfect heart for God, meaning give ourselves wholeheartedly to Him, whether things are going well or not. God wants to be in our lives at all times, not just when we need things from Him.
King Asa was the grandson of Rehoboam and the great-grandson of Solomon, he loved God, rejected the heathen gods and idols that these kings allowed in the cities of Judah, removed them all, and encouraged the people to seek and serve God. Because he had a perfect heart for God all was quiet in the land and there was no war for ten years. “So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years. And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.” - II Chronicles 14:1-4. As we seek God when things are quiet and going well, we assure God that we know He is there and that He is the reason why we are at peace and everything is going so well. Incidentally when we pray, rarely do we pray for something that will happen right away, although God will answer a prayer quickly, at times most prayer pertains to the future. Therefore, we are never cease from praying.
As long as Asa sought God he and all of Judah was a peace, but you can be sure that Satan is not far away trying to wreck havoc on God's people. When Zerah, the Ethiopian king, declared war on the Southern Kingdom of Judah, King Asa and the nation of Judah were faced with a million soldiers who had 300 chariots, the largest army recorded in the Old Testament. Asa prayed and reminded the Lord that He alone could give them victory, even though they were a small army and powerless. “And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah. Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let no man prevail against thee. So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.” - II Chronicles 14:9-12. Asa put his trust and faith in God and because of that they won the war.
Asa and the Kingdom of Judah enjoyed many years of prosperity, but later when Baasha, King of Israel, became a threat to his border cities, sadly, we learn that Asa stopped relying on God and sought his own judgment in seeking help to defeat Israel. He took treasures out of the House of God to buy protection, “In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me....And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.” - II Chronicles 16:1-3,7-8. Asa lost sight of God when he let his riches and fear take part of his heart rather than keep his heart perfect with Him. The result, war for the rest of his days as king and a disease that would take his life because he solely relied on people than on God in the last days of his life. Sometimes pride is the thing that keeps us from seeking help from God. Some can feel as though God will not forgive them or they are ashamed to admit to God they messed up and need His help. What they fail to realize is that God still loves them and they have nothing to be ashamed of, all they need to do is go to Him and He will forgive them. God forgives all who come to Him with a perfect heart.
God loves us and wants to give us the things we need and even desire, but you can be sure if what you have asked for starts replacing God, He is going to get jealous and start taking things away. Why does God get jealous? Think about it, if your spouse was checking out someone else and spending time with that person you would get jealous. God is the same way, when we spend more time on something else we are in a sense cheating on God and He gets jealous over anyone or thing that takes His place. We should be honored to have such a response from God, the only way a person would be offended by His being jealous is someone who is truly guilty and needs repentance. Regardless of the past, even if we have given our hearts to other things and lost sight of God, He is always there and willing to give help and guidance to all come to Him. God will work everything for good to those who have a perfect heart for Him, and or get their heart perfect. “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” - Psalm 119:1,2. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Today is Tuesday 25, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 14-17. 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-25
Title: Bible Study: A Perfect Heart
When we pray we are asking God for something, we can communicate with God in other ways, praise Him, serve Him, thank Him, but the only way to receive things is to ask Him for them in prayer. As Christians we rejoice at seeing a prayer answered, it is the best feeling in the world to know that God has heard me and that I received what I asked for because I did not give up on Him. Most of us are prone to pray about the circumstances in our lives, but when things are going good, many will kind of get lax in seeking God in prayer. Why? Well, we can get so caught up in things when everything is going the way we would like them that we forget God gave them to us and begin relying more on people than on God. People may help us along the way, but God is the author and finisher of everything, even if people have no idea they are working for God. We are to have a perfect heart for God, meaning give ourselves wholeheartedly to Him, whether things are going well or not. God wants to be in our lives at all times, not just when we need things from Him.
King Asa was the grandson of Rehoboam and the great-grandson of Solomon, he loved God, rejected the heathen gods and idols that these kings allowed in the cities of Judah, removed them all, and encouraged the people to seek and serve God. Because he had a perfect heart for God all was quiet in the land and there was no war for ten years. “So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years. And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.” - II Chronicles 14:1-4. As we seek God when things are quiet and going well, we assure God that we know He is there and that He is the reason why we are at peace and everything is going so well. Incidentally when we pray, rarely do we pray for something that will happen right away, although God will answer a prayer quickly, at times most prayer pertains to the future. Therefore, we are never cease from praying.
As long as Asa sought God he and all of Judah was a peace, but you can be sure that Satan is not far away trying to wreck havoc on God's people. When Zerah, the Ethiopian king, declared war on the Southern Kingdom of Judah, King Asa and the nation of Judah were faced with a million soldiers who had 300 chariots, the largest army recorded in the Old Testament. Asa prayed and reminded the Lord that He alone could give them victory, even though they were a small army and powerless. “And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah. Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let no man prevail against thee. So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.” - II Chronicles 14:9-12. Asa put his trust and faith in God and because of that they won the war.
Asa and the Kingdom of Judah enjoyed many years of prosperity, but later when Baasha, King of Israel, became a threat to his border cities, sadly, we learn that Asa stopped relying on God and sought his own judgment in seeking help to defeat Israel. He took treasures out of the House of God to buy protection, “In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me....And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.” - II Chronicles 16:1-3,7-8. Asa lost sight of God when he let his riches and fear take part of his heart rather than keep his heart perfect with Him. The result, war for the rest of his days as king and a disease that would take his life because he solely relied on people than on God in the last days of his life. Sometimes pride is the thing that keeps us from seeking help from God. Some can feel as though God will not forgive them or they are ashamed to admit to God they messed up and need His help. What they fail to realize is that God still loves them and they have nothing to be ashamed of, all they need to do is go to Him and He will forgive them. God forgives all who come to Him with a perfect heart.
God loves us and wants to give us the things we need and even desire, but you can be sure if what you have asked for starts replacing God, He is going to get jealous and start taking things away. Why does God get jealous? Think about it, if your spouse was checking out someone else and spending time with that person you would get jealous. God is the same way, when we spend more time on something else we are in a sense cheating on God and He gets jealous over anyone or thing that takes His place. We should be honored to have such a response from God, the only way a person would be offended by His being jealous is someone who is truly guilty and needs repentance. Regardless of the past, even if we have given our hearts to other things and lost sight of God, He is always there and willing to give help and guidance to all come to Him. God will work everything for good to those who have a perfect heart for Him, and or get their heart perfect. “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” - Psalm 119:1,2. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Monday, May 24, 2010
Bible Study: The Right Way 05.24.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Monday May 24, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 10-13. 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-24
Title: Bible Study: The Right Way
As Christians we can rejoice because we are saved and know that the only way to heaven and to God is through Jesus Christ. While we can get saved anywhere and anytime and read God's Word anywhere, it is important that we meet with other God fearing Christians who agree on the same doctrine and morality. Yes, morality, because of the abundance of religions out there morality levels go from conservative to lax to down right disgraceful. Of course God loves all of His people and is open to anyone getting saved and living for Him, but He wants them to live by all of His Word, not make things up to satisfy a need to please themselves. Religion is not from God, religion is from man making God the way man wants Him to be. We are to “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” - II Corinthians 6:14. We may all believe in Jesus, but we do not all believe in the same doctrine of Jesus, the death, burial, and resurrection of God's only begotten Son, born of the virgin Mary. If we truly want to live our lives for God, we need to know God the right way and get around people who can show us the right way through the true Word of God.
After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became the next king, he made the worst judgment ever that would be the cause of the division of Israel. Instead of listening to the advice of the elders, he took the advice of his friends. “And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king....And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents. But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.” - II Chronicles 10:1,13-17. The leaders of Israel met with Rehoboam with a reasonable request that he ease the excessive taxes his father had imposed upon them. They also asked that he discontinue the forced labor which had persisted since Solomon first began building the luxurious palaces, stables, chariot houses, magnificent parks, and other spectacular structures within his famous kingdom. Instead he enforced harsher rules and labor that his father did. The result, a nation divided, all of Israel except for the house of Judah and Benjamin followed Jeroboam and he reigned over the Northern Kingdom. This is an example of a man making decisions based on his pride, he wanted to feed his ego and be known as the leader and the one in control. A leader is a person who people look up to, a leader does not impose a bunch of rules to please himself, a leader serves the people and wants the best for those who are under him. A leader is not someone who has to constantly make people aware of their rank, but is right there working with the people and showing them how to do things the right way. Jesus is an example of a great leader and one that we should all be eager to serve under.
Now, the nation is divided, Jeroboam chose and allowed the Northern Kingdom to serve false gods, so he cast off all the priests to the Lord so they and everyone else who wanted to serve God went to live in Jerusalem. “And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.... And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts. For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the LORD: And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made. And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.” - II Chronicles 11:5,13-16. The Levites and all those who wholeheartedly wanted God in their lives left the comforts of their home, their families, friends, and all their possessions in order to be near and worship God the right way. As we grow as Christians we learn that sometimes a church we have grown comfortable with no longer teaches the correct doctrine or is not as morally sound as it should be. When that happens you have to make a decision, leave the comforts of your church home and some of your family or friends there and worship God the right way, or stay where you are and remain ignorant to the truth. I had gotten away from God for about fifteen years before I walked into a church and for a few years it was my home away from home, but things began to change, it was no longer a place to worship God, but a place to go to a concert. It was time to leave, I kept thinking if I just give it some time things will go back to the way they use to be, but all I was doing was allowing myself to remain ignorant to their partial truths. Now, my church home is a wonderful God fearing church that follows the doctrine and morals of all of God's Word, not just what makes people feel good.
If we truly want Jesus to be Lord of our lives we need to do it the right way, seek and accept Him, read all of His Word and follow all His commands. Of course, it takes time to grown in our walk with Jesus, but ignoring the truth and allowing yourself to be subject to the doctrine of religion rather than God Himself is only going to prolong the blessings that are waiting for you as you submit to all of God's Word. We need to all proclaim what
Jesus said to the devil as He was being tempted by him, “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” - Luke 4:4. Living by all of God's Word keeps us one step closer to God and away from Satan. Praise God for His living Word, Jesus Christ. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God....And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1,14. Knowing the truth and all of the truth will enable all of us to know God and worship Him the right way.
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
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Today is Monday May 24, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 10-13. 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-24
Title: Bible Study: The Right Way
As Christians we can rejoice because we are saved and know that the only way to heaven and to God is through Jesus Christ. While we can get saved anywhere and anytime and read God's Word anywhere, it is important that we meet with other God fearing Christians who agree on the same doctrine and morality. Yes, morality, because of the abundance of religions out there morality levels go from conservative to lax to down right disgraceful. Of course God loves all of His people and is open to anyone getting saved and living for Him, but He wants them to live by all of His Word, not make things up to satisfy a need to please themselves. Religion is not from God, religion is from man making God the way man wants Him to be. We are to “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” - II Corinthians 6:14. We may all believe in Jesus, but we do not all believe in the same doctrine of Jesus, the death, burial, and resurrection of God's only begotten Son, born of the virgin Mary. If we truly want to live our lives for God, we need to know God the right way and get around people who can show us the right way through the true Word of God.
After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became the next king, he made the worst judgment ever that would be the cause of the division of Israel. Instead of listening to the advice of the elders, he took the advice of his friends. “And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king....And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents. But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.” - II Chronicles 10:1,13-17. The leaders of Israel met with Rehoboam with a reasonable request that he ease the excessive taxes his father had imposed upon them. They also asked that he discontinue the forced labor which had persisted since Solomon first began building the luxurious palaces, stables, chariot houses, magnificent parks, and other spectacular structures within his famous kingdom. Instead he enforced harsher rules and labor that his father did. The result, a nation divided, all of Israel except for the house of Judah and Benjamin followed Jeroboam and he reigned over the Northern Kingdom. This is an example of a man making decisions based on his pride, he wanted to feed his ego and be known as the leader and the one in control. A leader is a person who people look up to, a leader does not impose a bunch of rules to please himself, a leader serves the people and wants the best for those who are under him. A leader is not someone who has to constantly make people aware of their rank, but is right there working with the people and showing them how to do things the right way. Jesus is an example of a great leader and one that we should all be eager to serve under.
Now, the nation is divided, Jeroboam chose and allowed the Northern Kingdom to serve false gods, so he cast off all the priests to the Lord so they and everyone else who wanted to serve God went to live in Jerusalem. “And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.... And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts. For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest's office unto the LORD: And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made. And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.” - II Chronicles 11:5,13-16. The Levites and all those who wholeheartedly wanted God in their lives left the comforts of their home, their families, friends, and all their possessions in order to be near and worship God the right way. As we grow as Christians we learn that sometimes a church we have grown comfortable with no longer teaches the correct doctrine or is not as morally sound as it should be. When that happens you have to make a decision, leave the comforts of your church home and some of your family or friends there and worship God the right way, or stay where you are and remain ignorant to the truth. I had gotten away from God for about fifteen years before I walked into a church and for a few years it was my home away from home, but things began to change, it was no longer a place to worship God, but a place to go to a concert. It was time to leave, I kept thinking if I just give it some time things will go back to the way they use to be, but all I was doing was allowing myself to remain ignorant to their partial truths. Now, my church home is a wonderful God fearing church that follows the doctrine and morals of all of God's Word, not just what makes people feel good.
If we truly want Jesus to be Lord of our lives we need to do it the right way, seek and accept Him, read all of His Word and follow all His commands. Of course, it takes time to grown in our walk with Jesus, but ignoring the truth and allowing yourself to be subject to the doctrine of religion rather than God Himself is only going to prolong the blessings that are waiting for you as you submit to all of God's Word. We need to all proclaim what
Jesus said to the devil as He was being tempted by him, “It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” - Luke 4:4. Living by all of God's Word keeps us one step closer to God and away from Satan. Praise God for His living Word, Jesus Christ. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God....And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1,14. Knowing the truth and all of the truth will enable all of us to know God and worship Him the right way.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
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Sunday, May 23, 2010
Bible Study: A Strong Foundation 05.23.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Sunday May 23, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 7-9. 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-23
Title: Bible Study: A Strong Foundation
A foundation is the natural or prepared ground or base on which a structure rests, without a good foundation no matter how strong the structure is it will tumble at the slightest distress. Since we are God's Temple, Jesus Christ is the foundation that it needs to rest upon, without Him our strength is no match for Satan who will stop at nothing to get us to tumble. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 3:11.
King Solomon is credited for having said some of the longest prayers and offering the biggest number of sacrifices in all the Bible. “Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD's house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD. And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.” - II Chronicles 7:1-5. God loves to hear us pray, the bigger the prayer, the more He rejoices. Why? Because we are saying to God, I need your help, I have tried it on my own, but I can not do this alone. I am depending on You to give me the things I need and desire. When we humbly submit ourselves to God, seek forgiveness, praise Him, and thank Him through even the most difficult circumstances, He shines through us and gladly receives our prayers. The more we are dependent on God the stronger our foundation gets, the stronger our foundation gets the more our structure can survive Satan's storms.
Now, once we go before God in prayer and repentance we are making a covenant with God, an agreement, in that agreement we are saying, Lord, I will obey and follow Your commands and in return You will grant me the things I am asking You for. After Solomon's huge prayer and sacrifice, God came to him in another dream and reminded him of the covenant between the two of them. “And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.” - II Chronicles 7:12-20. God is telling Solomon, I hear your prayer, if you want to be forgiven, be blessed, and receive the things you ask, follow my commands, turn not away from me, if you turn away from me you will suffer and so will the people. God wants to give us things, but we must give ourselves wholeheartedly to Him. We can pray all day long, but unless we seek His face, turn from all wickedness, and humbly and sincerely seek His forgiveness He will not hear us. To seek His face means to seek Him in His Word so we may know what life is all about. As we read His Word, the Holy Spirit not only enlightens our understanding of how to follow His commands, but He empowers us obey them and eliminate any hidden sin or wickedness in our lives.
Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are no longer strangers to God, we are a part of the House of God and built upon His foundation. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” - Ephesians 2:19-22. Since we are now built on a strong foundation, each circumstance, each trial, and each chastisement helps us to be holy Temples that God does not turn away from His sight and is eager to bless us with the things we ask for, even the things we desire. Jesus Said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” - Mark 11:24. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and the Lord's day.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
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Today is Sunday May 23, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of II Chronicles, chapters 7-9. 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-23
Title: Bible Study: A Strong Foundation
A foundation is the natural or prepared ground or base on which a structure rests, without a good foundation no matter how strong the structure is it will tumble at the slightest distress. Since we are God's Temple, Jesus Christ is the foundation that it needs to rest upon, without Him our strength is no match for Satan who will stop at nothing to get us to tumble. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 3:11.
King Solomon is credited for having said some of the longest prayers and offering the biggest number of sacrifices in all the Bible. “Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD's house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD. And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.” - II Chronicles 7:1-5. God loves to hear us pray, the bigger the prayer, the more He rejoices. Why? Because we are saying to God, I need your help, I have tried it on my own, but I can not do this alone. I am depending on You to give me the things I need and desire. When we humbly submit ourselves to God, seek forgiveness, praise Him, and thank Him through even the most difficult circumstances, He shines through us and gladly receives our prayers. The more we are dependent on God the stronger our foundation gets, the stronger our foundation gets the more our structure can survive Satan's storms.
Now, once we go before God in prayer and repentance we are making a covenant with God, an agreement, in that agreement we are saying, Lord, I will obey and follow Your commands and in return You will grant me the things I am asking You for. After Solomon's huge prayer and sacrifice, God came to him in another dream and reminded him of the covenant between the two of them. “And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And as for thee, if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes and my judgments; Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man to be ruler in Israel. But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations.” - II Chronicles 7:12-20. God is telling Solomon, I hear your prayer, if you want to be forgiven, be blessed, and receive the things you ask, follow my commands, turn not away from me, if you turn away from me you will suffer and so will the people. God wants to give us things, but we must give ourselves wholeheartedly to Him. We can pray all day long, but unless we seek His face, turn from all wickedness, and humbly and sincerely seek His forgiveness He will not hear us. To seek His face means to seek Him in His Word so we may know what life is all about. As we read His Word, the Holy Spirit not only enlightens our understanding of how to follow His commands, but He empowers us obey them and eliminate any hidden sin or wickedness in our lives.
Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are no longer strangers to God, we are a part of the House of God and built upon His foundation. “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” - Ephesians 2:19-22. Since we are now built on a strong foundation, each circumstance, each trial, and each chastisement helps us to be holy Temples that God does not turn away from His sight and is eager to bless us with the things we ask for, even the things we desire. Jesus Said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” - Mark 11:24. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and the Lord's day.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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