Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Saturday June 26, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalm, chapters 1-9. 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-june-26
Today's Message: Only By Faith
As Christians we are to, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” - Colossians 3:16. The Book of Psalms is the nineteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains one hundred-fifty chapters. The author of the book is predominately King David, but a few others wrote some of the Psalms as well. The book was first written to the Israelites and the purpose of it was to show them that prayer, praise, intercession, and confession are all a part of true worship to God. It is the prayer and praise book of the Bible. The Book of Psalms has been used for devotion, song, prayer, and praise by believers down throughout the centuries and is known as the hymn book of Israel. The word "Psalms" means "songs to the accompaniment of a stringed instrument.” “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalms 1:1-3.
Something amazing occurred to me this morning as I was reading the chapters for today, while I am aware that many contain prophecies regarding Jesus coming, I did not realize that they already knew of Him and had faith in Him. Even though David was on the earth well before Jesus was, and incidentally he was the lineage in which Jesus would be born from, he still knew Jesus existed. Of course, there was no sign as to when He was coming, but it was only by faith he knew that Jesus existed. “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.... Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” - Psalms 2:6,7,12. We do not have to be Bible scholars or born with a special gift to know that Jesus existed even before the world began, we just have to put our trust in Him. Think about it, the people of the Old Testament did not have as much of the Bible as we have, they had to strictly live by faith. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made...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 1:1-3,14. It is only by trusting in Jesus that we can even get to God. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6.
I was reading an article about a teacher in a middle school who was teaching her students in an English class that religion is a disease. One quote given to the students was, "Religion is the masterpiece of the art of animal training, for it trains people as to how they will think," by Schopenhauer. Now, I will be the first to admit that religion is deceptive, because many people are trained or taught to think a certain way. When a person is around something long enough, even if it is not the truth, one can start to believe it as truth. What people do not understand is that God is not a religion. Religion is man made and made up of rules to satisfy man, people buy into man made religion because they are lost and looking for some kind of hope or attention from someone who understands them. Religion goes beyond believing in God, atheism, spiritualism, evolutionism, and agnosticism are all religions too. Many get caught up in these false religions and it is very hard to get out of it, but they are in fact, all religions and man made. “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. ” - James 1:26,27. The word bridle means to hold back or refrain from speaking in his own tongue, in other words, if a man or woman is not speaking the truth out of God's Word then this is a vain or false religion. True or pure religion is living for God by faith and in all of His Word, there is only One Book that can teach God's Word and that is the Bible. The truth is we are all born with the knowledge of God, by faith we know that He exists as babies, you do not need a Bible to know that God exists. However, the more a person gets taught to believe God does not exist the more they believe it. So, while one may be trained to believe in God another may be trained to believe in no god, or several gods, or holy men. You see, we are all trained on some form of religion.
People who do not want to follow God's rules are the ones who discredit Him. The crazy thing is everyone has rules to follow, whether it is by someone of authority, a boss, or a customer, no one escapes subjection to some kind of rules. And you know what? I'd rather live by God's rules than by some man who is immoral. There is a big difference between someone who follows Christ and one that does not. We are not trained to follow Christ, we choose to follow Christ. Then, once we accept Him as our Savior we want to be trained through God's Word. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” - Romans 1:16,17. It is only by our faith in Christ that we even have our Salvation. There is going to come a time when, whether or not we want to admit God exists or not, we will all meet Jesus face to face for judgment. Once again, David even knew this, “But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” - Psalms 9:7-10. Everyone who puts their trust in Jesus is saved, He will not forsake them. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
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Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Daily Bible Study: Just Getting By 06.25.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Friday, June 25, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, chapters 41-42. 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-june-25
Today's Message: Just Getting By
No matter if we are rich, poor, famous, or infamous, we all face trials in life, we can worry and stress ourselves out, but all that does is create more problems. The difference between Christians and people who live in the world is of course, we have Jesus. We can accept that the circumstances will never change and do what is needed to just get by or we can spit in the devils face and tell him I have a bigger God on my side then what you are trying to defeat me with. Amazingly, you can be rich, poor, famous, or infamous, and be accepted into the Kingdom of God, which is available only through Jesus Christ. “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:11-13. Christ accepts everyone who calls upon Him, He is our strength to get through these trials. We do not need psychology, prescriptions, or twelve step programs, we need the Word of God. That will be the difference between just getting by and seeing victory won over our battles.
Job was a faithful, godly man, prosperous, famous, and probably consider to be like a king in his day, in a matter of days he lost his family, wealth, friends, wife, and health. On top of that the only four people that would talk to Him were condemning him. He could not understand why he was going through so much suffering and although he did not curse God he did question why He was not answering him. Suddenly a whirlwind appears and God speaks out of it, this time God has questions for Job. God asked Job about eighty questions knowing that he could not possibly answer one of them. He elaborates on the power and strength of just one of His creations, “Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn? Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?...None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me? Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine. I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion.” - Job 41:1-3,10-12. God tells Job that you can not possibly know everything about this powerful creature, he is mine and I am not going to reveal to you or anyone how I created him. God was trying to get Job to realize just how little all of us know about the things we already accept just by faith. Incidentally a leviathan is a type of dinosaur, proving that dinosaurs are not billions of years old as scientist claim, but less than six thousand. The world strives on trying to figure out how God created everyone and thing, but the truth is they will never know. They might come up with these lame theories, but they are only ways to get people away from the truth. We are all born with the knowledge of God, it is over the years that one becomes distant to that fact as they allow the world to enter their lives. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” - Romans 1:20,21.
There is a revelation of God and His Word that goes beyond just believing the Truth and doctrines of the Bible. Those who have faith in God, as Job did, do not search for answers to all of life's problems, but simply trust our loving Creator to get us through them. All fears and frustrations will vanish as we truly trust in His loving care. No one, through human reasoning, is able to understand why the godly suffer, but we can come to the understanding the Job did. He answers God by saying, “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” - Job 42:2-6. Job is saying, “I know You can do anything, I may not understand everything, but I am no one to question You. This brought Job to the realization that he was not meant to know all the answers to life's problems, he just had to trust God and keep living by faith. We too must come to the place where we realize we do not know all the answers, but we trust God. He knows what He is doing, every trial, every circumstance, every situation we get into, is not by chance, it is all to get us to seek and put our trust and faith in God. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1.
Okay, so you are having some problems. Do you want to just get by, drowning yourself in whatever it is that you use to try and mask the problems? Or do you put your trust in God, get in His Word, seek His guidance, and face the problems head on, powered by His strength? Pity can only take us so far before we get a lashing. That lashing might as well be from God, because He has far more mercy upon us that any person would here on earth does. Job might have gotten a bit of a lashing from God, but in the end he and his friends knew not to question God's authority. “And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job....And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before....So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.”- Job 42:7,8,10,12. Like I said in a previous message, it is okay to ask God questions, but to question Him is not. Job not only received great spiritual insight though his suffering, he got closer to God, and also got blessed with twice as much as he had before. We do not have to just get by, we can see victory won over our circumstances, sufferings, and situations. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” - I John 5:3,4. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
You Can Be: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
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Today is Friday, June 25, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, chapters 41-42. 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-june-25
Today's Message: Just Getting By
No matter if we are rich, poor, famous, or infamous, we all face trials in life, we can worry and stress ourselves out, but all that does is create more problems. The difference between Christians and people who live in the world is of course, we have Jesus. We can accept that the circumstances will never change and do what is needed to just get by or we can spit in the devils face and tell him I have a bigger God on my side then what you are trying to defeat me with. Amazingly, you can be rich, poor, famous, or infamous, and be accepted into the Kingdom of God, which is available only through Jesus Christ. “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:11-13. Christ accepts everyone who calls upon Him, He is our strength to get through these trials. We do not need psychology, prescriptions, or twelve step programs, we need the Word of God. That will be the difference between just getting by and seeing victory won over our battles.
Job was a faithful, godly man, prosperous, famous, and probably consider to be like a king in his day, in a matter of days he lost his family, wealth, friends, wife, and health. On top of that the only four people that would talk to Him were condemning him. He could not understand why he was going through so much suffering and although he did not curse God he did question why He was not answering him. Suddenly a whirlwind appears and God speaks out of it, this time God has questions for Job. God asked Job about eighty questions knowing that he could not possibly answer one of them. He elaborates on the power and strength of just one of His creations, “Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn? Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee?...None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me? Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine. I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion.” - Job 41:1-3,10-12. God tells Job that you can not possibly know everything about this powerful creature, he is mine and I am not going to reveal to you or anyone how I created him. God was trying to get Job to realize just how little all of us know about the things we already accept just by faith. Incidentally a leviathan is a type of dinosaur, proving that dinosaurs are not billions of years old as scientist claim, but less than six thousand. The world strives on trying to figure out how God created everyone and thing, but the truth is they will never know. They might come up with these lame theories, but they are only ways to get people away from the truth. We are all born with the knowledge of God, it is over the years that one becomes distant to that fact as they allow the world to enter their lives. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” - Romans 1:20,21.
There is a revelation of God and His Word that goes beyond just believing the Truth and doctrines of the Bible. Those who have faith in God, as Job did, do not search for answers to all of life's problems, but simply trust our loving Creator to get us through them. All fears and frustrations will vanish as we truly trust in His loving care. No one, through human reasoning, is able to understand why the godly suffer, but we can come to the understanding the Job did. He answers God by saying, “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” - Job 42:2-6. Job is saying, “I know You can do anything, I may not understand everything, but I am no one to question You. This brought Job to the realization that he was not meant to know all the answers to life's problems, he just had to trust God and keep living by faith. We too must come to the place where we realize we do not know all the answers, but we trust God. He knows what He is doing, every trial, every circumstance, every situation we get into, is not by chance, it is all to get us to seek and put our trust and faith in God. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1.
Okay, so you are having some problems. Do you want to just get by, drowning yourself in whatever it is that you use to try and mask the problems? Or do you put your trust in God, get in His Word, seek His guidance, and face the problems head on, powered by His strength? Pity can only take us so far before we get a lashing. That lashing might as well be from God, because He has far more mercy upon us that any person would here on earth does. Job might have gotten a bit of a lashing from God, but in the end he and his friends knew not to question God's authority. “And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job....And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before....So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.”- Job 42:7,8,10,12. Like I said in a previous message, it is okay to ask God questions, but to question Him is not. Job not only received great spiritual insight though his suffering, he got closer to God, and also got blessed with twice as much as he had before. We do not have to just get by, we can see victory won over our circumstances, sufferings, and situations. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” - I John 5:3,4. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
You Can Be: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
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Thursday, June 24, 2010
Daily Bible Study: Standing on The Spiritual Rock 06.24.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Thursday June 24, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, chapters 38-40. 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-june-24
Today's Message: Standing On The Spiritual Rock
As Christians grow they build a foundation upon Christ that can not be removed, after all, Jesus is the Rock upon which we stand and no one or thing can knock us away from Him. “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” - I Corinthians 10:1-4. Jesus was here even before the world began and all who accept Him are standing upon His Rock. As we build our lives upon His foundation we become stronger, wiser, and more effective in everything we do, even handling the next obstacle that comes our way. At times, even the strongest Christian can become desolate over the circumstances they are facing, forgetting that they are standing on this Spiritual Rock. They remain faithful to God, go to church, read their Bible, pray often, give tithes, help others, serve in the church, yet they are drowning themselves inside, hoping for some answer or sign that tells them God is listening to them.
As Job sat there while one friend after another condemned him, his only question was, “Where is God and why doesn't He answer me?” Little did he realize that God was listening, He was listening to all of them. As Elihu was speaking a storm was brewing, suddenly he was interrupted as a whirlwind appeared. “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge. Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” - Job 38:1-7. Now, God knew that Jobs friends played a part in his discouragement, but first He has some questions for Job. To gird up thy loins means to get ready for battle, God wants Job to be ready for battle and wants a direct answer to His questions. God knew that there was no way that Job could answer these questions. We can not possibly know every reason why God places certain circumstances in our lives, we just have to rely on our trust and faith in Him to get through them. God will reveal the reasons for our suffering when the time is right, He does not want us to walk around in pity, to do His work with no gladness. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”- Colossians 1:10-12. We are not alone in our suffering, there are people out there going through worse than what we are facing. Be joyful, give thanks to God, have faith in Him to work a good work in you.
We are children of God, we put our faith and trust in Him to lead us and guide us to a prosperous and meaningful life. Yet, we are quick to question Him when we begin losing things. Sooner or later, God will confront us and make us answer some tough questions. “Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? ” - Job 40:1-8. Job was speechless, He knew he could not answer these questions. He felt worthless and ashamed that he even questioned God. Once again, God asks Job questions that he could not possibly answer. God asked Job about sixty questions in this first cycle of conversation, yet even the wisest astronomer can not explain or change one star in His marvelous universe. The Mighty God, who created the universe, also created us, cares for us, patiently listens to our prayers, and provides us with what is best for us in the light of our eternal destination. We need to see how unqualified we are to question His wisdom. Nothing is unforeseen and no one is overlooked, slighted, or left out by our Heavenly Father. He imparts inner strength and sustains us by His indwelling Holy Spirit.
We are standing on the Spiritual Rock of Christ, just like the foundations of the universe can not be removed, no one can remove us from this Rock. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” - John 10:28. We do not have to drown in our sorrows, Jesus is right there with the life preserver. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”- I John 5:11,12. All who receive Christ as their Savior are thrown the life preserver. Just hold on to it and let Christ lead you to safety.
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
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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Today is Thursday June 24, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, chapters 38-40. 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-june-24
Today's Message: Standing On The Spiritual Rock
As Christians grow they build a foundation upon Christ that can not be removed, after all, Jesus is the Rock upon which we stand and no one or thing can knock us away from Him. “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” - I Corinthians 10:1-4. Jesus was here even before the world began and all who accept Him are standing upon His Rock. As we build our lives upon His foundation we become stronger, wiser, and more effective in everything we do, even handling the next obstacle that comes our way. At times, even the strongest Christian can become desolate over the circumstances they are facing, forgetting that they are standing on this Spiritual Rock. They remain faithful to God, go to church, read their Bible, pray often, give tithes, help others, serve in the church, yet they are drowning themselves inside, hoping for some answer or sign that tells them God is listening to them.
As Job sat there while one friend after another condemned him, his only question was, “Where is God and why doesn't He answer me?” Little did he realize that God was listening, He was listening to all of them. As Elihu was speaking a storm was brewing, suddenly he was interrupted as a whirlwind appeared. “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge. Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” - Job 38:1-7. Now, God knew that Jobs friends played a part in his discouragement, but first He has some questions for Job. To gird up thy loins means to get ready for battle, God wants Job to be ready for battle and wants a direct answer to His questions. God knew that there was no way that Job could answer these questions. We can not possibly know every reason why God places certain circumstances in our lives, we just have to rely on our trust and faith in Him to get through them. God will reveal the reasons for our suffering when the time is right, He does not want us to walk around in pity, to do His work with no gladness. “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”- Colossians 1:10-12. We are not alone in our suffering, there are people out there going through worse than what we are facing. Be joyful, give thanks to God, have faith in Him to work a good work in you.
We are children of God, we put our faith and trust in Him to lead us and guide us to a prosperous and meaningful life. Yet, we are quick to question Him when we begin losing things. Sooner or later, God will confront us and make us answer some tough questions. “Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further. Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? ” - Job 40:1-8. Job was speechless, He knew he could not answer these questions. He felt worthless and ashamed that he even questioned God. Once again, God asks Job questions that he could not possibly answer. God asked Job about sixty questions in this first cycle of conversation, yet even the wisest astronomer can not explain or change one star in His marvelous universe. The Mighty God, who created the universe, also created us, cares for us, patiently listens to our prayers, and provides us with what is best for us in the light of our eternal destination. We need to see how unqualified we are to question His wisdom. Nothing is unforeseen and no one is overlooked, slighted, or left out by our Heavenly Father. He imparts inner strength and sustains us by His indwelling Holy Spirit.
We are standing on the Spiritual Rock of Christ, just like the foundations of the universe can not be removed, no one can remove us from this Rock. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” - John 10:28. We do not have to drown in our sorrows, Jesus is right there with the life preserver. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”- I John 5:11,12. All who receive Christ as their Savior are thrown the life preserver. Just hold on to it and let Christ lead you to safety.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Daily Bible Study: Always More to Know 06.23.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Wednesday June 23, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, chapters 34-37. 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-june-23
Today's Message: Always More to Know
As we grow and mature in our Christianity we become wiser to the Word of God which allows us to minister to those who are just getting to know Christ or have never known Him. No matter our age we can be a witness to Christ, my nephew, at the age of six was telling his school mates about Jesus in kindergarten. It is amazing how God only reveals a little bit at a time for us so we learn to comprehend it all, not just parts of it, and I think we never truly learn everything God wants us to know until we get to heaven, but He truly knows what He is doing. Some of us comprehend God's Word quicker than others, but that does not mean one is smarter than another, it just means that we all are called to do certain things for God. “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;...For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.” - I Corinthians 12:8,12-14. It is a great thing to know the Word of God, you feel special knowing that you know something about God. Think about it, when you first meet someone you are timid around them because you do not know much about them, but once you get to know them you become more comfortable or careful around them. Well, the same thing goes for God, the more we read the Bible, the more we get to know Him, the more comfortable we become around and obey Him. We have to be careful though not to get to the point that we think we know everything we need to know, no matter how many times you read the Bible there is always more to know.
Elihu was the youngest of the four friends that were supposed to be comforting Job through his time of need, we did not hear him speak until all the other friends had no more to say, but once he started he did not stop. First he began criticizing Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar as being self-appointed judges who had failed to prove their charges against Job. Then he expressed even greater hostility toward Job, “Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment. Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.” -Job 34:4-9. For someone who just sat there listening to everything that was being said he sure did not comprehend it all. His accusations against Job's testimony are, at best, half-truths and misinterpretations. When I was reading this chapter this morning I had to reread a couple of verses because I thought I was reading something wrong, I knew Job did not say, “It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.” What he said was, speaking about the wicked who prosper and do not think they need anything from God, “Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?” - Job 21:14,15. His accusations against Job demonstrate how foolish our conclusions often are when we see a Christian suffering and we question why God would allow the affliction. This is why we need to continuously read God's Word so we do not give out half truths and misinterpret what He is actually saying.
When Christians experience disappointments, sufferings, or tragedies, they sometimes become despondent. They feel that God is allowing the natural course of events to play out. As a result, they fail to pray in their times of greatest need. That is when we need someone's loving comfort and assurance that our Lord ultimately controls every situation that comes into our lives. Regardless of how bad it may seem, He uses everything for our own good and for His glory. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” - Romans 5:1-5. Have faith in the wisdom and love of God, our limited understanding cannot comprehend His infinite love, but we can be sure that He has our best interests in mind.
The is always more to know about God, you can be sure that Satan will twist the Scriptures to try to mislead us, but that is just one more reason why we must read all of the Bible for ourselves. It is great to have help, but we need to make sure that who we are getting advice from lines up with the Word of God. Counselors may have all the degrees and qualifications the world can give, but unless their advice is in harmony with God's Word, it is false and good for no one, except Satan. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalm 1:1-3. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
P.S. I apologize for this message getting sent out so late.
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
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Today is Wednesday June 23, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, chapters 34-37. 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-june-23
Today's Message: Always More to Know
As we grow and mature in our Christianity we become wiser to the Word of God which allows us to minister to those who are just getting to know Christ or have never known Him. No matter our age we can be a witness to Christ, my nephew, at the age of six was telling his school mates about Jesus in kindergarten. It is amazing how God only reveals a little bit at a time for us so we learn to comprehend it all, not just parts of it, and I think we never truly learn everything God wants us to know until we get to heaven, but He truly knows what He is doing. Some of us comprehend God's Word quicker than others, but that does not mean one is smarter than another, it just means that we all are called to do certain things for God. “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;...For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.” - I Corinthians 12:8,12-14. It is a great thing to know the Word of God, you feel special knowing that you know something about God. Think about it, when you first meet someone you are timid around them because you do not know much about them, but once you get to know them you become more comfortable or careful around them. Well, the same thing goes for God, the more we read the Bible, the more we get to know Him, the more comfortable we become around and obey Him. We have to be careful though not to get to the point that we think we know everything we need to know, no matter how many times you read the Bible there is always more to know.
Elihu was the youngest of the four friends that were supposed to be comforting Job through his time of need, we did not hear him speak until all the other friends had no more to say, but once he started he did not stop. First he began criticizing Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar as being self-appointed judges who had failed to prove their charges against Job. Then he expressed even greater hostility toward Job, “Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment. Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.” -Job 34:4-9. For someone who just sat there listening to everything that was being said he sure did not comprehend it all. His accusations against Job's testimony are, at best, half-truths and misinterpretations. When I was reading this chapter this morning I had to reread a couple of verses because I thought I was reading something wrong, I knew Job did not say, “It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.” What he said was, speaking about the wicked who prosper and do not think they need anything from God, “Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?” - Job 21:14,15. His accusations against Job demonstrate how foolish our conclusions often are when we see a Christian suffering and we question why God would allow the affliction. This is why we need to continuously read God's Word so we do not give out half truths and misinterpret what He is actually saying.
When Christians experience disappointments, sufferings, or tragedies, they sometimes become despondent. They feel that God is allowing the natural course of events to play out. As a result, they fail to pray in their times of greatest need. That is when we need someone's loving comfort and assurance that our Lord ultimately controls every situation that comes into our lives. Regardless of how bad it may seem, He uses everything for our own good and for His glory. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” - Romans 5:1-5. Have faith in the wisdom and love of God, our limited understanding cannot comprehend His infinite love, but we can be sure that He has our best interests in mind.
The is always more to know about God, you can be sure that Satan will twist the Scriptures to try to mislead us, but that is just one more reason why we must read all of the Bible for ourselves. It is great to have help, but we need to make sure that who we are getting advice from lines up with the Word of God. Counselors may have all the degrees and qualifications the world can give, but unless their advice is in harmony with God's Word, it is false and good for no one, except Satan. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalm 1:1-3. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
P.S. I apologize for this message getting sent out so late.
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, June 22, 2010
Daily Bible Study: A New Creature 06.22.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Tuesday June 22, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, chapters 30-33. 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-june-22
Today's Message: A New Creature
Christians who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior can rejoice in the fact that they are saved and received the gift of eternal life because of their faith in His death, burial, and resurrection. However, Satan has a great was of trying to get us to doubt our Salvation. I do not know how many times I said the sinners prayer in order to be saved yet again before knowing the truth that once I am saved, I am always saved. The one that stands out the most was on June 10, 2004, so, I hold on to that as the day I truly wanted to live my life for Christ. Amazingly, once we truly want Christ in our lives a transformation begins, one no longer wants to live like the world does, but as Christ did when He was here. You can be sure that when you do take that step to follow Christ Satan is right behind you trying to stop you. He will even make you think that you are not living a godly life in hopes to doubt your transformation and stop all together. The problem is when we doubt ourselves we are doubting God and the amazing things that He has done to make us who we are today. We are children of God and He knows the transformation that has been made so we do not have to be afraid to speak up and say, I am a new creature. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” - II Corinthians 5:17.
Job felt humiliated, all his friends did the hole time they have around him was criticize him and call him a hypocritical liar, his family, and even his wife ignored him. He was in pain and no one seemed to have any compassion for him at all. “They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face. Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me. Upon my right hand rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction...I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not. Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me. Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance. For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.” - Job 31:10-12,20-23. For Job, there seemed to be no end to the cruelty of the people who made his suffering even more painful and miserable, but, by far, the most troubling to Job was that it seemed that God did not care and was not hearing his prayers. During times like these our faith is put to the test, this is where we are to not lean on our own understanding, but our faith.
Job began thinking about some of the common sins known to man and pointing out that there was no way that he could have done them. “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?...Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.” - Job 31:1-4,35. Job points out that God knows who I am, I have not committed any of these sins, but he also asks why God does not answer his prayers. One of the most difficult trials for a Christian is to pray, and continue praying, without any apparent sign that God has heard, but the effectiveness of our prayers cannot be judged by immediate results. There are many reasons for delay. Sometimes God does not grant our request because He will provide something better. At other times, He withholds material benefits in order to impart spiritual understanding. The very fact that our requests are sometimes granted and sometimes denied is proof in itself that we are cared for by a God of love whose ways are governed by His wisdom and always for our own good.
We can praise God for the accusations and persecutions because we were chosen by Jesus Himself and are going to face the same criticism that He faced. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you....If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.” - John 15:16,19-21. Godly men and women are often falsely accused, criticized, and condemned as hypocrites. The best saint often receives the worst indignities from a self-serving, scornful crowd. People who are living in sin do not want to see God blessing those who are living righteously. But guess what? We will be blessed. Praise God!
If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, you are a new creature, chosen by Christ Himself, you are going through a transformation and just like Job you can say, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10. Do not let anyone make you doubt your Salvation or faith in God. He knows what is going on, He knows your heart and knows the path you take. Keep trusting in Him and remember, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1. We will see God's blessings, He is listening to everything we are saying to Him and one day you will see just how much all that patience and persistence will pay off.
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
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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Today is Tuesday June 22, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, chapters 30-33. 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-june-22
Today's Message: A New Creature
Christians who have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior can rejoice in the fact that they are saved and received the gift of eternal life because of their faith in His death, burial, and resurrection. However, Satan has a great was of trying to get us to doubt our Salvation. I do not know how many times I said the sinners prayer in order to be saved yet again before knowing the truth that once I am saved, I am always saved. The one that stands out the most was on June 10, 2004, so, I hold on to that as the day I truly wanted to live my life for Christ. Amazingly, once we truly want Christ in our lives a transformation begins, one no longer wants to live like the world does, but as Christ did when He was here. You can be sure that when you do take that step to follow Christ Satan is right behind you trying to stop you. He will even make you think that you are not living a godly life in hopes to doubt your transformation and stop all together. The problem is when we doubt ourselves we are doubting God and the amazing things that He has done to make us who we are today. We are children of God and He knows the transformation that has been made so we do not have to be afraid to speak up and say, I am a new creature. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” - II Corinthians 5:17.
Job felt humiliated, all his friends did the hole time they have around him was criticize him and call him a hypocritical liar, his family, and even his wife ignored him. He was in pain and no one seemed to have any compassion for him at all. “They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face. Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me. Upon my right hand rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction...I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not. Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me. Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance. For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living.” - Job 31:10-12,20-23. For Job, there seemed to be no end to the cruelty of the people who made his suffering even more painful and miserable, but, by far, the most troubling to Job was that it seemed that God did not care and was not hearing his prayers. During times like these our faith is put to the test, this is where we are to not lean on our own understanding, but our faith.
Job began thinking about some of the common sins known to man and pointing out that there was no way that he could have done them. “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps?...Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.” - Job 31:1-4,35. Job points out that God knows who I am, I have not committed any of these sins, but he also asks why God does not answer his prayers. One of the most difficult trials for a Christian is to pray, and continue praying, without any apparent sign that God has heard, but the effectiveness of our prayers cannot be judged by immediate results. There are many reasons for delay. Sometimes God does not grant our request because He will provide something better. At other times, He withholds material benefits in order to impart spiritual understanding. The very fact that our requests are sometimes granted and sometimes denied is proof in itself that we are cared for by a God of love whose ways are governed by His wisdom and always for our own good.
We can praise God for the accusations and persecutions because we were chosen by Jesus Himself and are going to face the same criticism that He faced. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you....If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.” - John 15:16,19-21. Godly men and women are often falsely accused, criticized, and condemned as hypocrites. The best saint often receives the worst indignities from a self-serving, scornful crowd. People who are living in sin do not want to see God blessing those who are living righteously. But guess what? We will be blessed. Praise God!
If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, you are a new creature, chosen by Christ Himself, you are going through a transformation and just like Job you can say, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10. Do not let anyone make you doubt your Salvation or faith in God. He knows what is going on, He knows your heart and knows the path you take. Keep trusting in Him and remember, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1. We will see God's blessings, He is listening to everything we are saying to Him and one day you will see just how much all that patience and persistence will pay off.
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
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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Monday, June 21, 2010
Daily Bible Study: Holding On To Integrity 06.21.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Monday June 21, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, chapters 25-29. 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-june-21
Today's Message: Holding On To Integrity
The word integrity is defined as having a steadfast (wholehearted) adherence (devotion) to a strict moral or ethical (righteous) code. Those who choose to follow Christ hold on to their integrity, in other words, they are wholeheartedly devoted to Christ and the Word of God. As Christians we are going to face people who will try to get us to lose our integrity, even other Christians can unknowingly get a person to lose their integrity. Take the biggest struggle that you contend with and think about just how often you are reminded of it through people's actions, reactions, and even the things around you. It can get to the point that you are more focused on what you are struggling with than anything else and if we do not have our eyes on God when that happens our integrity gets tested, not only by God, but Satan as well. There is a constant battle between God and Satan over our integrity and if Satan gets a hold of it we are in big trouble. Do you think he cares about your struggles? Of course not! He wants you obsessed about them so you do anything to overcome them while losing your integrity to do it. No matter what people think, say, or do to get us to lose our integrity we must not take our eyes off God and our trust in Him. “Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.” - Psalm 26:1-3. God knows our hearts and only He can help us hold on to our integrity while overcoming our biggest struggles.
I do not know how long Job's friends sat with him, but I imagine it seemed like a lifetime to Job as one after another constantly criticized him, trying to get him to admit guilt to something he had not done. Bildad continues, this time not talking to him directly, but as if he were not even there. “How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman? Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?” - Job 25:4-6. Bildad had insinuated that Job was an unclean worm who could not be justified with God, but God had already revealed Job's true nature when he proved his integrity by saying he was perfect and upright. You can be sure that there are going to be people out there waiting to be the first to say, “I knew you were not as good as you say you are” or, my favorite, “I know who you really are”. Thankfully God truly knows who we really are and as long as we know that no accusations can change His mind nor offend us.
Despite the many accusations of his friends, Job never once lost his integrity replying, “As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul; All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.” - Job 27:2-6. Although Job felt like God had taken away his judgment (understanding) of what was going on and that his soul was being Vexed (tormented) he knew that the Spirit of God was within him and he was not about to let any of these men cause him to lose his integrity. Sometimes we just can not understand why we are going through such a struggle and it can torment us, this is when we need to realize that we have the Holy Spirit within us. He is our guide, our comfort, and the one who keeps a hold of our integrity. Jesus Said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”- John 14:26,27. We do not need to be afraid or troubled over our struggles, the Holy Spirit is with us and will show us how to overcome them as long as we keep holding on to our trust in God.
Job then looked beyond the criticisms to the Source of all true wisdom. “But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.... God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven; To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.... And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” - Job 28:12-14,23-25,28. Job was never as concerned about knowing the answer to why he was struggling as he was about having a right relationship with God. The more we truly humble ourselves and die to pride, the less we will be affected by the criticism of others. God Himself is the Author and Revealer of true wisdom. There is no substitute for reading the Bible itself in order to acquire God's wisdom. Therefore, we are to read all the Bible carefully, continuously, repeatedly, and prayerfully.
One of the great things about God is that He is even there for us if we lose our integrity for a time. All we have to do get our eyes back on Him, repent. Remember, we do not have to face our struggles alone and we certainly can not depend on our own human reasoning to change things unless we want to make them worse. Think about it, did you ever try to get yourself out of a situation and it just kept getting worse and worse? That's is leaving it up to our own reasoning or someone elses instead of just looking to God in the first place. Remember when David tried to cover up his affair with Bathsheba and she got pregnant? First he tried to get her husband, Uriah, to get with her to make it appear as though she got pregnant by him. When that did not work David had Uriah placed in a war that would have him killed. The result of all that was the loss of the child, the baby died seven says after he was born. David probably could have avoided all of this by just going to God when he messed up the first time. Once he did though he was reconciled with God and started receiving God's blessings again. We can all say with David, “The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.” -Psalm 7:8-10.
We can overcome our struggles, it is time to give all of them over to God and say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:13. We can hold on to our integrity while we are facing our struggles by keeping our faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus struggled more than any person on this earth, yet through is all remained faithful and trusted God. You say that was because He was God? He still had flesh and was capable of sin just as we are, in fact, He came to earth in the flesh to show us that we can live in the flesh and have integrity, but in order to do that we need to keep our eyes on God. He alone can help us be wholeheartedly devoted to Christ and His Word.
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 June 21, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, chapters 25-29. 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-june-21
Today's Message: Holding On To Integrity
The word integrity is defined as having a steadfast (wholehearted) adherence (devotion) to a strict moral or ethical (righteous) code. Those who choose to follow Christ hold on to their integrity, in other words, they are wholeheartedly devoted to Christ and the Word of God. As Christians we are going to face people who will try to get us to lose our integrity, even other Christians can unknowingly get a person to lose their integrity. Take the biggest struggle that you contend with and think about just how often you are reminded of it through people's actions, reactions, and even the things around you. It can get to the point that you are more focused on what you are struggling with than anything else and if we do not have our eyes on God when that happens our integrity gets tested, not only by God, but Satan as well. There is a constant battle between God and Satan over our integrity and if Satan gets a hold of it we are in big trouble. Do you think he cares about your struggles? Of course not! He wants you obsessed about them so you do anything to overcome them while losing your integrity to do it. No matter what people think, say, or do to get us to lose our integrity we must not take our eyes off God and our trust in Him. “Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.” - Psalm 26:1-3. God knows our hearts and only He can help us hold on to our integrity while overcoming our biggest struggles.
I do not know how long Job's friends sat with him, but I imagine it seemed like a lifetime to Job as one after another constantly criticized him, trying to get him to admit guilt to something he had not done. Bildad continues, this time not talking to him directly, but as if he were not even there. “How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman? Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?” - Job 25:4-6. Bildad had insinuated that Job was an unclean worm who could not be justified with God, but God had already revealed Job's true nature when he proved his integrity by saying he was perfect and upright. You can be sure that there are going to be people out there waiting to be the first to say, “I knew you were not as good as you say you are” or, my favorite, “I know who you really are”. Thankfully God truly knows who we really are and as long as we know that no accusations can change His mind nor offend us.
Despite the many accusations of his friends, Job never once lost his integrity replying, “As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul; All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.” - Job 27:2-6. Although Job felt like God had taken away his judgment (understanding) of what was going on and that his soul was being Vexed (tormented) he knew that the Spirit of God was within him and he was not about to let any of these men cause him to lose his integrity. Sometimes we just can not understand why we are going through such a struggle and it can torment us, this is when we need to realize that we have the Holy Spirit within us. He is our guide, our comfort, and the one who keeps a hold of our integrity. Jesus Said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”- John 14:26,27. We do not need to be afraid or troubled over our struggles, the Holy Spirit is with us and will show us how to overcome them as long as we keep holding on to our trust in God.
Job then looked beyond the criticisms to the Source of all true wisdom. “But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.... God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven; To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure.... And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” - Job 28:12-14,23-25,28. Job was never as concerned about knowing the answer to why he was struggling as he was about having a right relationship with God. The more we truly humble ourselves and die to pride, the less we will be affected by the criticism of others. God Himself is the Author and Revealer of true wisdom. There is no substitute for reading the Bible itself in order to acquire God's wisdom. Therefore, we are to read all the Bible carefully, continuously, repeatedly, and prayerfully.
One of the great things about God is that He is even there for us if we lose our integrity for a time. All we have to do get our eyes back on Him, repent. Remember, we do not have to face our struggles alone and we certainly can not depend on our own human reasoning to change things unless we want to make them worse. Think about it, did you ever try to get yourself out of a situation and it just kept getting worse and worse? That's is leaving it up to our own reasoning or someone elses instead of just looking to God in the first place. Remember when David tried to cover up his affair with Bathsheba and she got pregnant? First he tried to get her husband, Uriah, to get with her to make it appear as though she got pregnant by him. When that did not work David had Uriah placed in a war that would have him killed. The result of all that was the loss of the child, the baby died seven says after he was born. David probably could have avoided all of this by just going to God when he messed up the first time. Once he did though he was reconciled with God and started receiving God's blessings again. We can all say with David, “The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins. My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.” -Psalm 7:8-10.
We can overcome our struggles, it is time to give all of them over to God and say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:13. We can hold on to our integrity while we are facing our struggles by keeping our faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus struggled more than any person on this earth, yet through is all remained faithful and trusted God. You say that was because He was God? He still had flesh and was capable of sin just as we are, in fact, He came to earth in the flesh to show us that we can live in the flesh and have integrity, but in order to do that we need to keep our eyes on God. He alone can help us be wholeheartedly devoted to Christ and His Word.
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
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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Sunday, June 20, 2010
Daily Bible Study: Heavenly Treasures 06.20.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Sunday June 20, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, 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-june-20
Today's Message: Heavenly Treasures
As Christians we can get pretty discouraged at times when we do everything we can to live a godly life and face one struggle after another while those who continue to live wickedly prosper. It's not always easy to lead a Christian life, there are all kinds of temptations around us, but in the long run it will all be worth it because our treasures will be far more glorious when we get to heaven. “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.” - Matthew 6:19-21. We can not take money or possessions with us when we die. While the world strives on getting the biggest and best before they die, Christians strive on the promises of God and knowing that the biggest and best is yet to come. As Christians, we can prosper, if we keep our eyes on Jesus we already have more than the richest, most powerful person here on earth.
As Job was once again defending himself the question came out, why are the wicked mighty in power? “Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them....They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him? Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.” - Job 21:7-9,13-16. Usually the most powerful people in the world care less about God, they feel as though they have everything they need so they do not need Him. When they die they die and that is it. However, God is still in control, He makes use of the prosperity of the wicked to serve His own purpose, while it ripens them for ruin. They might prosper for a season, but in the end they will fall.
The key to Job's singleness of heart and ultimate victory was his conviction that obedience to God's Word was more important than life itself. “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” - Job 23:8-12. Job had the utmost confidence in the wisdom and love of God. Job believed that, since God was faithful to His Word, He also would be faithful to His obedient servant. He believed that although God seemed nowhere to be found, his faith did not rest in his fears and feelings, but in His Word. In every generation there are faithful Christians who have learned that only by reading all of the Word of God can they know His will in order to walk in His ways. They have the utmost confidence that His Word is their source of true strength and the answer to all critics.
Some have assumed they were a Christian because they were a member of a church, but they have not experienced the transforming power of God's Word. Like Judas, they may talk like a Christian and yet they do not desire Christ as Lord of their lives. To have a Bible, but no desire to know how God would have them live is useless. Until they repent of their sins and accept Christ as both Savior and Lord, the Bible has little value to them, therefore they feel no need for it. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” - Colossians 2:6-8. Take a look at all these famous preachers and evangelists, they claim to know God. Do they tell you the truth or are they just sugar coating the egos of those who want their version of the truth to remain prosperous? The only way to know the truth is by knowing God's Word.
All who have accepted Christ as their Savior are precious to God, we are His special people because we have accepted His treasure. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - I Peter 2:9,10. Since we are God's people we have nothing to worry about, He will provide for us, protect us, and more importantly we will walk the streets of gold to find our mansion waiting for us. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” -John 14:1-3. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have an awesome week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
You Can Be: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
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Today is Sunday June 20, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Job, 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-june-20
Today's Message: Heavenly Treasures
As Christians we can get pretty discouraged at times when we do everything we can to live a godly life and face one struggle after another while those who continue to live wickedly prosper. It's not always easy to lead a Christian life, there are all kinds of temptations around us, but in the long run it will all be worth it because our treasures will be far more glorious when we get to heaven. “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.” - Matthew 6:19-21. We can not take money or possessions with us when we die. While the world strives on getting the biggest and best before they die, Christians strive on the promises of God and knowing that the biggest and best is yet to come. As Christians, we can prosper, if we keep our eyes on Jesus we already have more than the richest, most powerful person here on earth.
As Job was once again defending himself the question came out, why are the wicked mighty in power? “Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them....They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him? Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.” - Job 21:7-9,13-16. Usually the most powerful people in the world care less about God, they feel as though they have everything they need so they do not need Him. When they die they die and that is it. However, God is still in control, He makes use of the prosperity of the wicked to serve His own purpose, while it ripens them for ruin. They might prosper for a season, but in the end they will fall.
The key to Job's singleness of heart and ultimate victory was his conviction that obedience to God's Word was more important than life itself. “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” - Job 23:8-12. Job had the utmost confidence in the wisdom and love of God. Job believed that, since God was faithful to His Word, He also would be faithful to His obedient servant. He believed that although God seemed nowhere to be found, his faith did not rest in his fears and feelings, but in His Word. In every generation there are faithful Christians who have learned that only by reading all of the Word of God can they know His will in order to walk in His ways. They have the utmost confidence that His Word is their source of true strength and the answer to all critics.
Some have assumed they were a Christian because they were a member of a church, but they have not experienced the transforming power of God's Word. Like Judas, they may talk like a Christian and yet they do not desire Christ as Lord of their lives. To have a Bible, but no desire to know how God would have them live is useless. Until they repent of their sins and accept Christ as both Savior and Lord, the Bible has little value to them, therefore they feel no need for it. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” - Colossians 2:6-8. Take a look at all these famous preachers and evangelists, they claim to know God. Do they tell you the truth or are they just sugar coating the egos of those who want their version of the truth to remain prosperous? The only way to know the truth is by knowing God's Word.
All who have accepted Christ as their Savior are precious to God, we are His special people because we have accepted His treasure. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - I Peter 2:9,10. Since we are God's people we have nothing to worry about, He will provide for us, protect us, and more importantly we will walk the streets of gold to find our mansion waiting for us. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” -John 14:1-3. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have an awesome week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.readytofollow.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
You Can Be: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
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