Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Saturday July 17, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 132-138. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-17
Today's Message: Man Made Gods
Throughout the Bible you will often read that God is above all gods or something similar. “For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.” - Psalm 135:5. To many Christians, especially new Christians, this can be a bit confusing since we learn that there is only One God. The truth is that there is only One God, now, God is in three persons, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, but all three are One body. “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” - I John 5:7. Jesus is the Word made flesh, “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. This can be a bit confusing, but if you think about it, we can all be three persons in one. I am a daughter, a sister, and an aunt, I am still one body, but three different people at the same time. Yet, without one of them I would not be any of them. It is important that we realize even though we have One God, we need all three persons to know any of them. Without the Father, we do not exist, without Jesus we can not know the Father, and without the Holy Spirit we can not know Jesus.
Now, concerning the rest of the gods, these are all man made gods. The truth of this is that people get tired of waiting on God so they come up with their own god or gods thinking they will get a quicker response. This is confirmed in the Book of Exodus, “And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him....And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” - Exodus 32:1,3,4. Moses was up on the mount getting instructions from God and the people were getting impatient waiting for him to come down so they made their own gods. So, when God is saying, “I am above all gods” He is saying, I am the One and only true God and superior to all your man made gods.
You know the phrase, “Don't go to bed angry”? Well, it is natural to get angry form time to time, even Jesus got angry, but we are to “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” - Ephesians 4:26,27. Often man made gods are created when people get angry with God. Yes, it is okay to get angry and even ask God questions when we just do not understand what is going on. It is a sin to question His authority, He knows what is going on and what is best for us and often it is something we do not understand, but we can find hope in God through our questions. We just have to listen and wait patiently for Him to to answer and never go to bed being angry with God. “Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions: How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob; Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.” - Psalm 132:1-5. We are to never go to bed angry, especially without knowing where God is. God dwells within every person who knows Jesus Christ, so, He is always with you, you just have to be patient and trust in Him as He knows what is best for you.
Interestingly enough, anything can become a persons god. You see, the soul desires life and when it is feeling lifeless it will either look to the flesh or the spirit (what gives us life) to find life. If one is seeking life through the flesh than the soul thirsts for more to fulfill the flesh, likewise, if it is seeking life through the Spirit (which is God) the soul thirsts for more to fulfill the spirit. This is where many seek false gods to give life to their spirit, when they are feeling hopeless and discontent they seek comfort it in the form of material things, money, or people, something that makes them feel better about themselves and gives them hope. Sadly, this is where so many faithful Christians turn from God and go to false gods and religions. “For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants. The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them. Bless the LORD, O house of Israel: bless the LORD, O house of Aaron: Bless the LORD, O house of Levi: ye that fear the LORD, bless the LORD. Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.” - Psalm 135:14-21. Blessed are those who remain faithful to God no matter how difficult or hopeless things look. He will always give hope and comfort to those who remain faithful to Him. Satan is slick, he knows just enough Scripture and does just enough to give a little bit of hope to get a person convinced that my god works so he can get a hold of that lifeless soul. It is so important that we never lose sight of God's Word, it is our only defense against Satan.
Since Jesus is the Word made flesh that means that we are to know Jesus, the only way to know Jesus is to accept Him as your Savior. Once you know Jesus, the Father knows you and the Holy Spirit moves in to help you learn His Word. You see, that is why it is important to know that while there is only One God, we need all three persons in Him in order to learn, understand, and do what God brought us here for. “I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul....Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” - Psalm 138:1-3,6-8. It is only because of God's mercy that we can even be saved. Praise God for His mercy endure forever!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and a wonderful weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Bible Study: Feasts & Famines 07.16.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Friday July 16, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 120-131. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-16
Today's Message: Feasts & Famines
As we go through life from day to day we can go from feast to famine in no time, no one escapes trials in life, no matter how rich you are, how many people you know, or how many things you possess, no one escapes the feasts and famines in life. As Christians, we rejoice in the Lord in the feasts and even find the strength to rejoice in the famines and as we draw closer to Christ He gives us the hope and faith we need to remain faithful and keep going until we can feast again. From time to time we lose that hope and faith, not only during the famine, but the feasts as well. It is strange, but when we feast we tend to get a little lax with God, we give the illusion that everything is okay so we do not have to seek His help, then all of a sudden God says, “You have forgotten about me” and things begin to change to a famine again. So, how to we feast more and famine less? We keep our increase our time with God, instead of getting lax when things are going well. “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” - Hebrews 6:12. Feasts and famines are inevitable, but God never fails and is always there to give is hope and faith through it all, but we must never lose our sight of Him no matter how good things get.
One way to feast more is to pray, it is a good thing to pray and ask God for things even when we are feasting. Praying to God when everything seems good prepares us for the famine that lies ahead. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” - Psalm 121. Praying preserves us for future famines, do not cease from praying, it is our only direct communication with God. I understand that it can be hard to ask God for things when you already have them and it may seem silly to ask Him for them, but nothing is too silly to ask God for. He wants us to ask Him for everything, even when we have it. Most often, when we are asking God for something it is for future reference. For example, if you pray for finances to come in and you are doing well you are preparing yourself for times when you need the finances. When I get hired to do as job I will continue to pray for work so I am assured of work in the future and as long as I keep doing that I get it. God knows what lies ahead, trust in Him as He prepares the way for you to be able to handle the feast or famine that is just around the corner.
Another way to feast more is to go to church, we can all read the Bible and do our own Bible studies, but we all need a church home, some place that we can fellowship with like minded people and hear God's Word spoken to us from a man of God. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD....Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.” - Psalm 122:1,7-9. Everyone needs to get into a God centered, Holy Bible preaching church, with out God and His Word there, it is just a building with four walls. Church keeps us faithful and obedient, the more we go the stronger we become in our walk with Christ. For those who are home bound let the church come to you, there is no better encouragement than to receive a visit from the preacher or other church members when we can not get out of the house. Many churches now will post sermons free online so you can hear the Word of God spoken if you can not get to church.
Another way to feast more is by reading God's Word. Let's face it, if we do not read God's Word for ourselves we are missing out on very important information that we need to remain faithful to God. If you are just starting out, just keep reading, the more you read the more God will reveal to you. Do not be afraid of it, it is the best novel that you will ever read and all true. Staying in God's Word can scare the living daylights out of us, but it is only by reading His Word that we learn to fear Him and trust Him as we are planted in Him. “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.” - Psalm 125. Peace comes upon all, even the wicked, when they put their trust in the Lord. Praise God!
The most important thing of all is knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. He alone in the only way to communicate with God and to give us hope and faith through the famine. “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. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:11-13. Without Jesus everything just exists, you might enjoy things for a season, but it will not last. True hope and faith only comes through Jesus Christ who gives us life through His death, burial, and resurrection. If you have been taught anything else you have been lied to and need to learn the truth before it is too late. My church goes out in the community every Thursday and teaches people the truth about Christ, we go out two and two just like the Jesus said. My partner and I knocked on this door and this woman instantly began telling us that we were not Christians because we were a Baptist church. We tried to explain to her that a church had nothing to do with knowing who Jesus is, but she insisted that we were going to hell because of the church we belonged to. Church, religion, or doing good is not what keeps us from hell. It is only by believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and confessing it that one is exempt from going to hell. People that instantly condemn you just by a name are more worried about their salvation than anyone who truly knows Christ as their personal Savior. So, if anyone ever confronts you and makes you doubt your salvation remember that as long as you from the bottom of your heart believe in Jesus and asked Him to save you that you are saved.
Like I said earlier, feasts and famines are inevitable, we are going to have a season of great things and we are going to have a season of no things, but through it all we need to have a personal relationship with God at all times. If you do not know if you are saved, look into it and let Jesus become your personal Savior. Get into a Bible believing church, read His Word, and never stop communicating with God. “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 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;” - Colossians 1:9-11. The more we learn about God and His Word the more we will find joy in the famines while we wait patiently foe the feasts to arrive. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend too.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
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Today is Friday July 16, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 120-131. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-16
Today's Message: Feasts & Famines
As we go through life from day to day we can go from feast to famine in no time, no one escapes trials in life, no matter how rich you are, how many people you know, or how many things you possess, no one escapes the feasts and famines in life. As Christians, we rejoice in the Lord in the feasts and even find the strength to rejoice in the famines and as we draw closer to Christ He gives us the hope and faith we need to remain faithful and keep going until we can feast again. From time to time we lose that hope and faith, not only during the famine, but the feasts as well. It is strange, but when we feast we tend to get a little lax with God, we give the illusion that everything is okay so we do not have to seek His help, then all of a sudden God says, “You have forgotten about me” and things begin to change to a famine again. So, how to we feast more and famine less? We keep our increase our time with God, instead of getting lax when things are going well. “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” - Hebrews 6:12. Feasts and famines are inevitable, but God never fails and is always there to give is hope and faith through it all, but we must never lose our sight of Him no matter how good things get.
One way to feast more is to pray, it is a good thing to pray and ask God for things even when we are feasting. Praying to God when everything seems good prepares us for the famine that lies ahead. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” - Psalm 121. Praying preserves us for future famines, do not cease from praying, it is our only direct communication with God. I understand that it can be hard to ask God for things when you already have them and it may seem silly to ask Him for them, but nothing is too silly to ask God for. He wants us to ask Him for everything, even when we have it. Most often, when we are asking God for something it is for future reference. For example, if you pray for finances to come in and you are doing well you are preparing yourself for times when you need the finances. When I get hired to do as job I will continue to pray for work so I am assured of work in the future and as long as I keep doing that I get it. God knows what lies ahead, trust in Him as He prepares the way for you to be able to handle the feast or famine that is just around the corner.
Another way to feast more is to go to church, we can all read the Bible and do our own Bible studies, but we all need a church home, some place that we can fellowship with like minded people and hear God's Word spoken to us from a man of God. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD....Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.” - Psalm 122:1,7-9. Everyone needs to get into a God centered, Holy Bible preaching church, with out God and His Word there, it is just a building with four walls. Church keeps us faithful and obedient, the more we go the stronger we become in our walk with Christ. For those who are home bound let the church come to you, there is no better encouragement than to receive a visit from the preacher or other church members when we can not get out of the house. Many churches now will post sermons free online so you can hear the Word of God spoken if you can not get to church.
Another way to feast more is by reading God's Word. Let's face it, if we do not read God's Word for ourselves we are missing out on very important information that we need to remain faithful to God. If you are just starting out, just keep reading, the more you read the more God will reveal to you. Do not be afraid of it, it is the best novel that you will ever read and all true. Staying in God's Word can scare the living daylights out of us, but it is only by reading His Word that we learn to fear Him and trust Him as we are planted in Him. “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts. As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.” - Psalm 125. Peace comes upon all, even the wicked, when they put their trust in the Lord. Praise God!
The most important thing of all is knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. He alone in the only way to communicate with God and to give us hope and faith through the famine. “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. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:11-13. Without Jesus everything just exists, you might enjoy things for a season, but it will not last. True hope and faith only comes through Jesus Christ who gives us life through His death, burial, and resurrection. If you have been taught anything else you have been lied to and need to learn the truth before it is too late. My church goes out in the community every Thursday and teaches people the truth about Christ, we go out two and two just like the Jesus said. My partner and I knocked on this door and this woman instantly began telling us that we were not Christians because we were a Baptist church. We tried to explain to her that a church had nothing to do with knowing who Jesus is, but she insisted that we were going to hell because of the church we belonged to. Church, religion, or doing good is not what keeps us from hell. It is only by believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and confessing it that one is exempt from going to hell. People that instantly condemn you just by a name are more worried about their salvation than anyone who truly knows Christ as their personal Savior. So, if anyone ever confronts you and makes you doubt your salvation remember that as long as you from the bottom of your heart believe in Jesus and asked Him to save you that you are saved.
Like I said earlier, feasts and famines are inevitable, we are going to have a season of great things and we are going to have a season of no things, but through it all we need to have a personal relationship with God at all times. If you do not know if you are saved, look into it and let Jesus become your personal Savior. Get into a Bible believing church, read His Word, and never stop communicating with God. “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 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;” - Colossians 1:9-11. The more we learn about God and His Word the more we will find joy in the famines while we wait patiently foe the feasts to arrive. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend too.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
Be 100% Sure
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http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
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Thursday, July 15, 2010
Bible Study: Evolving As A Christian 07.15.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Thursday July 15, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapter 119. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-15
Today's Message: Evolving As A Christian
As Christians if we want to grow and prosper in our walk with Christ we have to be obedient to the Word of God. Now, I imagine when most adults hear the word obedient they immediately think, I am not a kid or even worse, a dog. However, obedience simply means to comply with or follow God's commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions, it is just another word for saying I am going to live a moral life with God in it. “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. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.” - Psalm 119:1-4. The word precept it is defined as a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct. I other words God has given us a command, if we are going to walk with Christ we need to live in obedience to His commands. And this is why probably 85% of the world ignores God or pretends as though He does not exist. It is incredible, but twice this week I have noticed where movies have mentioned that people evolved from a monkey. It is insane and ridiculous to think that people will believe such nonsense so they do not have to live in obedience to God. How do you think the theory of evolution even got started in the first place? Yes, it is just a theory and those who believe in it ought to be ashamed of themselves. Now, we can evolve as Christians, which means to develop gradually, but there is no way that a person was developed from a monkey. In fact, the so called proof these scientists use to get people to believe we evolved was pieced together by different parts of an animal along with a human jaw bone to give the illusion of evolution. The world is always going to try to come up with something to try and discredit God, but in the end they are going to have one harsh awakening. It is time for all Christians to man up, speak up, get in God's Word, and keep His precepts (commands) diligently (consistently).
There is nothing more satisfying than reading the Word of God, it literally gives life to a dead soul. Yes, life is hard and at times even harder and it can weaken the soul to the point that it feels as though it is dead, but the Spirit of God moves through those pages and livens us like nothing else can. “Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.” - Psalm 119:27-32. As we read God's Word we learn His precepts and gradually desire to follow all of them. The more we read, the bigger our heart gets in living in obedience to it. It strengthens us, convicts us, grows us, and evolves us into strong, obedient, faithful Christians. I have flesh and have struggled in this as well, the day I decided to life my life for Christ I was a massage therapist, and it usually was men that I was massaging, as I began reading God's Word and living by His precepts I knew it was the wrong profession to be in and had to remove it from my life if I wanted to see God's blessings. Everyone has something of the world that they hold on to, but if we truly want God's blessings beyond what He is already giving us we have to let them go.
The great thing about removing not so good things is that they get replaced with even better things. Praise God! As we evolve as a Christian God blesses us beyond measure, we learn we have amazing talents that we never imagined we had. The mercy alone that God has upon us is incredible, we are saved by His mercy and that alone should be cause for anyone to make some kind of effort to follow His precepts. Let us rejoice in God's mercy and seek His truth, which only comes through His Word. “Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” - Psalm 119:41-45. God says, “Just trust in my Word and I will take care of you.” That's all He asks. How difficult can it be to give God your attention by learning what He has to say to you? This is a good reminder that in order to receive the Lords salvation one needs to know Jesus Christ personally as their Savior. Have you asked Jesus to save you yet? If not, right now is a good time.
God loves everyone of the people He created, even the ones who deny Him and came up with the theory of evolution. Sooner or later the truth will come out and all who deny Him will have to answer to Him alone. As Christians, we need to stand firm in our faith and walk in God's precepts consistently. Of course we are all going to have days where we want to give up, but that us proof that God is on your side and Satan is on your back to get you to question the power of God and His Word. “Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually....It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.” - Psalm 119:115-117,126-129. You can fight Satan by keeping your eyes on the truth and that is only by developing a consistent daily walk with Christ as you remain in God's Word. He is there for you and will give life to every soul that is weak. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
Be 100% Sure
http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus
http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
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Today is Thursday July 15, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapter 119. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-15
Today's Message: Evolving As A Christian
As Christians if we want to grow and prosper in our walk with Christ we have to be obedient to the Word of God. Now, I imagine when most adults hear the word obedient they immediately think, I am not a kid or even worse, a dog. However, obedience simply means to comply with or follow God's commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions, it is just another word for saying I am going to live a moral life with God in it. “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. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.” - Psalm 119:1-4. The word precept it is defined as a commandment or direction given as a rule of action or conduct. I other words God has given us a command, if we are going to walk with Christ we need to live in obedience to His commands. And this is why probably 85% of the world ignores God or pretends as though He does not exist. It is incredible, but twice this week I have noticed where movies have mentioned that people evolved from a monkey. It is insane and ridiculous to think that people will believe such nonsense so they do not have to live in obedience to God. How do you think the theory of evolution even got started in the first place? Yes, it is just a theory and those who believe in it ought to be ashamed of themselves. Now, we can evolve as Christians, which means to develop gradually, but there is no way that a person was developed from a monkey. In fact, the so called proof these scientists use to get people to believe we evolved was pieced together by different parts of an animal along with a human jaw bone to give the illusion of evolution. The world is always going to try to come up with something to try and discredit God, but in the end they are going to have one harsh awakening. It is time for all Christians to man up, speak up, get in God's Word, and keep His precepts (commands) diligently (consistently).
There is nothing more satisfying than reading the Word of God, it literally gives life to a dead soul. Yes, life is hard and at times even harder and it can weaken the soul to the point that it feels as though it is dead, but the Spirit of God moves through those pages and livens us like nothing else can. “Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.” - Psalm 119:27-32. As we read God's Word we learn His precepts and gradually desire to follow all of them. The more we read, the bigger our heart gets in living in obedience to it. It strengthens us, convicts us, grows us, and evolves us into strong, obedient, faithful Christians. I have flesh and have struggled in this as well, the day I decided to life my life for Christ I was a massage therapist, and it usually was men that I was massaging, as I began reading God's Word and living by His precepts I knew it was the wrong profession to be in and had to remove it from my life if I wanted to see God's blessings. Everyone has something of the world that they hold on to, but if we truly want God's blessings beyond what He is already giving us we have to let them go.
The great thing about removing not so good things is that they get replaced with even better things. Praise God! As we evolve as a Christian God blesses us beyond measure, we learn we have amazing talents that we never imagined we had. The mercy alone that God has upon us is incredible, we are saved by His mercy and that alone should be cause for anyone to make some kind of effort to follow His precepts. Let us rejoice in God's mercy and seek His truth, which only comes through His Word. “Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” - Psalm 119:41-45. God says, “Just trust in my Word and I will take care of you.” That's all He asks. How difficult can it be to give God your attention by learning what He has to say to you? This is a good reminder that in order to receive the Lords salvation one needs to know Jesus Christ personally as their Savior. Have you asked Jesus to save you yet? If not, right now is a good time.
God loves everyone of the people He created, even the ones who deny Him and came up with the theory of evolution. Sooner or later the truth will come out and all who deny Him will have to answer to Him alone. As Christians, we need to stand firm in our faith and walk in God's precepts consistently. Of course we are all going to have days where we want to give up, but that us proof that God is on your side and Satan is on your back to get you to question the power of God and His Word. “Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually....It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.” - Psalm 119:115-117,126-129. You can fight Satan by keeping your eyes on the truth and that is only by developing a consistent daily walk with Christ as you remain in God's Word. He is there for you and will give life to every soul that is weak. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Bible Study: Jesus' Return 07.14.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Wednesday July 14, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 108-118. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-14
Today's Message: Jesus' Return
As Christians we can rejoice in knowing that when Jesus does return we have an express cloud ride waiting for us to meet the Savior. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” - I Thessalonians 4:16,17. As long as you have personally accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior you do not have to worry about all the destruction that is and about to take place in the world. Just today I was reading an article about an interfaith forum starting this weekend, promoting harmony within all religions. Their motto is, “Everyone matters to god (they did not even have enough respect to capitalize His name)." Of course, everyone matters to God, otherwise He would not have sent His Son to save every person on the earth, but the truth is, not everyone gets saved. How are these religions going to join as one when they can not even agree on who Jesus is? I use to attend an interdenominational church and I thought that was a bit odd, but at least they knew who Jesus was and that He was the only way to heaven. While it is a great thing to imagine everyone living in harmony, there will never be harmony in the world, that is, until Jesus returns and all the false religions, prophets, and preachers, are cast into the lake of fire along with Satan. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10. It is important that Christians remain separated from other religions, and even so called Christian religions who do not believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
God knew the importance of separating religions even when the first group of people tried to build a tower to reach heaven. “And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.” - Genesis 11:6-8. God knew that if everyone remained together that all the people would be corrupted, therefore He created different languages and scattered the people so those who chose to follow God faithfully would not get corrupted by them. There is going to come a time when there is not going to be any harmony what so ever, only pure destruction between nations and even neighbors. “God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph. Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts? Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.” - Psalm 108:7-13.
Many of the Psalms written have prophecies concerning the coming of, Jesus Christ, it is amazing to think that salvation for those before Christ was born had the same meaning as it does now. In fact, they were told since Adam and Eve committed the first sin that the Messiah would be coming to save them from death and it was that faith that got them saved as well. However, they still had to be cleansed from their sins and the only way at that time was through an animal sacrifice (something willing to take their place for their death), which was an unblemished (pure) animal. King David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to foretell many of the prophecies of Christ, here is one that was fulfilled when Jesus ascended up into heaven and is now sitting at thte right hand of God. “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.” - Psalm 110.
Christ will reign by divine appointment in Israel, as a nation, even though they rejected Him and their Messiah King. When we consider Him, we can rejoice with the psalmist who said, “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” - Psalm 112:1-4.
God, the Father, who in His own time will reveal His Son from Heaven, is the God who, as we wait on Him, prepares us for the revelation of His Son. It is sometimes easier to be satisfied with our Christian experiences of the past or to study the prophetic events of the future than it is to be faithful in our responsibilities of today. There is also a danger of being more occupied with the things that are coming than with Him who is to come. Let us not allow the interest and pleasure of intellectual Bible study replace our true love of Jesus Christ and His appearing. “Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.” - Psalm 115:11-15.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
Be 100% Sure
http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus
http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
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Today is Wednesday July 14, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 108-118. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-14
Today's Message: Jesus' Return
As Christians we can rejoice in knowing that when Jesus does return we have an express cloud ride waiting for us to meet the Savior. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” - I Thessalonians 4:16,17. As long as you have personally accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior you do not have to worry about all the destruction that is and about to take place in the world. Just today I was reading an article about an interfaith forum starting this weekend, promoting harmony within all religions. Their motto is, “Everyone matters to god (they did not even have enough respect to capitalize His name)." Of course, everyone matters to God, otherwise He would not have sent His Son to save every person on the earth, but the truth is, not everyone gets saved. How are these religions going to join as one when they can not even agree on who Jesus is? I use to attend an interdenominational church and I thought that was a bit odd, but at least they knew who Jesus was and that He was the only way to heaven. While it is a great thing to imagine everyone living in harmony, there will never be harmony in the world, that is, until Jesus returns and all the false religions, prophets, and preachers, are cast into the lake of fire along with Satan. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10. It is important that Christians remain separated from other religions, and even so called Christian religions who do not believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
God knew the importance of separating religions even when the first group of people tried to build a tower to reach heaven. “And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.” - Genesis 11:6-8. God knew that if everyone remained together that all the people would be corrupted, therefore He created different languages and scattered the people so those who chose to follow God faithfully would not get corrupted by them. There is going to come a time when there is not going to be any harmony what so ever, only pure destruction between nations and even neighbors. “God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of mine head; Judah is my lawgiver; Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph. Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom? Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off? and wilt not thou, O God, go forth with our hosts? Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.” - Psalm 108:7-13.
Many of the Psalms written have prophecies concerning the coming of, Jesus Christ, it is amazing to think that salvation for those before Christ was born had the same meaning as it does now. In fact, they were told since Adam and Eve committed the first sin that the Messiah would be coming to save them from death and it was that faith that got them saved as well. However, they still had to be cleansed from their sins and the only way at that time was through an animal sacrifice (something willing to take their place for their death), which was an unblemished (pure) animal. King David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to foretell many of the prophecies of Christ, here is one that was fulfilled when Jesus ascended up into heaven and is now sitting at thte right hand of God. “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.” - Psalm 110.
Christ will reign by divine appointment in Israel, as a nation, even though they rejected Him and their Messiah King. When we consider Him, we can rejoice with the psalmist who said, “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” - Psalm 112:1-4.
God, the Father, who in His own time will reveal His Son from Heaven, is the God who, as we wait on Him, prepares us for the revelation of His Son. It is sometimes easier to be satisfied with our Christian experiences of the past or to study the prophetic events of the future than it is to be faithful in our responsibilities of today. There is also a danger of being more occupied with the things that are coming than with Him who is to come. Let us not allow the interest and pleasure of intellectual Bible study replace our true love of Jesus Christ and His appearing. “Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.” - Psalm 115:11-15.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
Be 100% Sure
http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus
http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
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Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Bible Study: Faith & Obedience to God's Word 07.13.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Tuesday July 13, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 106-107. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-13
Today's Message: Faith & Obedience To God's Word
Knowing God's Word and learning to be obedient to it must be the sincere desire of every Christian. His Word, when believed and acted upon, is the means God has chosen to supply and satisfy every need through Jesus the Living Word. Only by faith and obedience to God's Word can we obtain the tools needed to get through every trial and see the true blessings God has waiting for us.
In today's Psalms we are reminded of just how much God faithfully blessed Israel, even though they continuously fell into sin. God miraculously delivered them from Egyptian slavery, provided the promised land, given them victory over the Canaanites and even given them great prosperity, yet they still managed to forget all that God had done for them. The unknown psalmist reminds Israel of their unfaithfulness just as their fathers were. “We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.” - Psalm 106:6-14. The psalmist reminded them of the numerous times that along with their fathers they were redeemed out of the hand of their enemies, yet when things got comfortable they stopped seeking Him, falling right back into sin and tempting God. No matter how faithful we are to serving God, we all have been guilty of this. Most of the time we are faithful to reading His Word, praying, and seeking Him when we are facing difficulties, but become slothful with God when things are going good, that is until we get into trouble again.
There are always inevitable consequences when one continues to live in sin, the most significant is God allowing them to suffer the consequences all on their own. “Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance. And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.” - Psalm 106:40-43. When God sees that we tempting Him or mocking His authority He will deliver us into the hands of our enemy and we will face the consequences. David, whom was one of the most godliest men of the Old Testament is guilty of this, if you remember, he committed adultery with another mans wife, Bathsheba, got her pregnant, and tried to cover it up, but when nothing worked he had Bathsheba's husband killed in combat. The consequences of his sin resulted in him and Bathsheba losing the baby as well as the respect of many people, even his eldest son who tried to have him dethroned and killed. God does not do these things because He wants to, He does them to teach us and show us our error. Those who are truly committed to God will see their error and repent, not get offended when they face chastisement. David saw his error, repented and was redeemed from his sins.
Although God does chastise us, he does bless us in the end as long as we turn to Him, “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” - Psalm 107:14-21. There is nothing of this world that will sustain one's spiritual nature and nothing will satisfy the hungering and thirsting of the soul more than the Word of God. His Word alone is the infallible healer of all sufferings and sorrows. There is no other reliable source of counsel for the inner conflicts that seek to control our minds and emotions.
God teaches us the necessity of faith in His Word and its unlimited resources, Jesus Said, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” - Mark 23:9. Experience has taught us that most of us are prone to view our problems based on our human abilities. But, throughout the Bible, we are taught the absolute necessity of relying on God's Word to reveal His will for every problem and every situation, without exception. Through daily Bible reading and prayer, we obtain the insight to guide us and to fulfill all His promises.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
P.S. I apologize for this getting posted late
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
Be 100% Sure
www.godsprice.com
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www.imfollowingjesus.com
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
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Today is Tuesday July 13, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 106-107. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-13
Today's Message: Faith & Obedience To God's Word
Knowing God's Word and learning to be obedient to it must be the sincere desire of every Christian. His Word, when believed and acted upon, is the means God has chosen to supply and satisfy every need through Jesus the Living Word. Only by faith and obedience to God's Word can we obtain the tools needed to get through every trial and see the true blessings God has waiting for us.
In today's Psalms we are reminded of just how much God faithfully blessed Israel, even though they continuously fell into sin. God miraculously delivered them from Egyptian slavery, provided the promised land, given them victory over the Canaanites and even given them great prosperity, yet they still managed to forget all that God had done for them. The unknown psalmist reminds Israel of their unfaithfulness just as their fathers were. “We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea. Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left. Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.” - Psalm 106:6-14. The psalmist reminded them of the numerous times that along with their fathers they were redeemed out of the hand of their enemies, yet when things got comfortable they stopped seeking Him, falling right back into sin and tempting God. No matter how faithful we are to serving God, we all have been guilty of this. Most of the time we are faithful to reading His Word, praying, and seeking Him when we are facing difficulties, but become slothful with God when things are going good, that is until we get into trouble again.
There are always inevitable consequences when one continues to live in sin, the most significant is God allowing them to suffer the consequences all on their own. “Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance. And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.” - Psalm 106:40-43. When God sees that we tempting Him or mocking His authority He will deliver us into the hands of our enemy and we will face the consequences. David, whom was one of the most godliest men of the Old Testament is guilty of this, if you remember, he committed adultery with another mans wife, Bathsheba, got her pregnant, and tried to cover it up, but when nothing worked he had Bathsheba's husband killed in combat. The consequences of his sin resulted in him and Bathsheba losing the baby as well as the respect of many people, even his eldest son who tried to have him dethroned and killed. God does not do these things because He wants to, He does them to teach us and show us our error. Those who are truly committed to God will see their error and repent, not get offended when they face chastisement. David saw his error, repented and was redeemed from his sins.
Although God does chastise us, he does bless us in the end as long as we turn to Him, “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” - Psalm 107:14-21. There is nothing of this world that will sustain one's spiritual nature and nothing will satisfy the hungering and thirsting of the soul more than the Word of God. His Word alone is the infallible healer of all sufferings and sorrows. There is no other reliable source of counsel for the inner conflicts that seek to control our minds and emotions.
God teaches us the necessity of faith in His Word and its unlimited resources, Jesus Said, “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” - Mark 23:9. Experience has taught us that most of us are prone to view our problems based on our human abilities. But, throughout the Bible, we are taught the absolute necessity of relying on God's Word to reveal His will for every problem and every situation, without exception. Through daily Bible reading and prayer, we obtain the insight to guide us and to fulfill all His promises.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
P.S. I apologize for this getting posted late
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
Be 100% Sure
www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus
www.imfollowingjesus.com
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
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Monday, July 12, 2010
Bible Study: Worshiping God 07.11.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Sunday July 11, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 92-100. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-11
Today's Message: Worshiping God
As Christians we are to worship God faithfully through both the joys and sorrows of life. Of course we are going to feel pain and grief from time to time, but worshiping God even through the sorrows actually aids in relieving those sorrows and seeing hope for the future. Much of the world and maybe even some who have fallen away from God think that by worshiping God it means you have to be His slave, someone who bows down to Him at His beck and call and gets beaten if he does not do what He says. However, worshiping God has nothing to do with being a slave to God, it's about honoring Him, having respect for, and showing your love toward Him for all that He has done for you. “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:” - I Timothy 4:4. Worshiping God shows Him that you are truly grateful and thankful for not only taking you out of the bondage of Satan and hell, but whatever it is that He brought you out of from as well. Praise God! Of course, God is going to get angry with you if you continue to live in sin and you will be chastised, but He does it because He loves you and wants to show you how to have the best life by putting Him first.
Worship is not a time set aside for receiving personal satisfaction or for the enjoyment of a sermon. Worship should be an active, heartfelt expression of prayer, praise, and adoration, demonstrating our esteem for our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. “IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, AND TO SING PRAISES UNTO THY NAME, O MOST HIGH: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.” - Psalm 92:1-5. Following this, all else, including the sermon, becomes more meaningful.
Some lack spiritual fulfillment because they have decided to reflect the mood and attitude of unbelievers when confronted with adverse circumstances, such as the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, a divorce, the betrayal of a friend, or some other painful experience. By deciding to be unhappy and dissatisfied, they deprive themselves of the joy of an abundant, peaceful life. “He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.” - Psalm 94:10-14. Worshiping God is more than just emotions. True worship is loving obedience to all His Word, even when we are being chastised. God knows our heart and also knows that we are going to get into trouble from time to time, but regardless He will not cast us away, making sure that we return to righteousness. What a wonderful thought to know that no matter how many mistakes we make God will get us back on the right path. The world will never understand what that means, but we can thank God and sing praise to Him knowing that He is teaching us to be the best that we can be.
When we think of all our Lord has done for us, in us, and with us, and all He has promised to us for all eternity, we cannot help but decide to praise, worship, and serve Him faithfully. “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” - Psalm 100. No matter what we are going through we need to thank God and praise Him through it all. Put on some uplifting music and sing to God, it does not matter if you can not sing, it's beautiful music to Him. If you play an instrument, praise Him by playing music for Him, as you do these things your mood and your attitude begins to change, you no longer feel hopeless, confused, or frustrated, but feel a great sense of relief. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.imfollowingjesus.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 Sunday July 11, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 92-100. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-11
Today's Message: Worshiping God
As Christians we are to worship God faithfully through both the joys and sorrows of life. Of course we are going to feel pain and grief from time to time, but worshiping God even through the sorrows actually aids in relieving those sorrows and seeing hope for the future. Much of the world and maybe even some who have fallen away from God think that by worshiping God it means you have to be His slave, someone who bows down to Him at His beck and call and gets beaten if he does not do what He says. However, worshiping God has nothing to do with being a slave to God, it's about honoring Him, having respect for, and showing your love toward Him for all that He has done for you. “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:” - I Timothy 4:4. Worshiping God shows Him that you are truly grateful and thankful for not only taking you out of the bondage of Satan and hell, but whatever it is that He brought you out of from as well. Praise God! Of course, God is going to get angry with you if you continue to live in sin and you will be chastised, but He does it because He loves you and wants to show you how to have the best life by putting Him first.
Worship is not a time set aside for receiving personal satisfaction or for the enjoyment of a sermon. Worship should be an active, heartfelt expression of prayer, praise, and adoration, demonstrating our esteem for our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. “IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, AND TO SING PRAISES UNTO THY NAME, O MOST HIGH: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.” - Psalm 92:1-5. Following this, all else, including the sermon, becomes more meaningful.
Some lack spiritual fulfillment because they have decided to reflect the mood and attitude of unbelievers when confronted with adverse circumstances, such as the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, a divorce, the betrayal of a friend, or some other painful experience. By deciding to be unhappy and dissatisfied, they deprive themselves of the joy of an abundant, peaceful life. “He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.” - Psalm 94:10-14. Worshiping God is more than just emotions. True worship is loving obedience to all His Word, even when we are being chastised. God knows our heart and also knows that we are going to get into trouble from time to time, but regardless He will not cast us away, making sure that we return to righteousness. What a wonderful thought to know that no matter how many mistakes we make God will get us back on the right path. The world will never understand what that means, but we can thank God and sing praise to Him knowing that He is teaching us to be the best that we can be.
When we think of all our Lord has done for us, in us, and with us, and all He has promised to us for all eternity, we cannot help but decide to praise, worship, and serve Him faithfully. “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” - Psalm 100. No matter what we are going through we need to thank God and praise Him through it all. Put on some uplifting music and sing to God, it does not matter if you can not sing, it's beautiful music to Him. If you play an instrument, praise Him by playing music for Him, as you do these things your mood and your attitude begins to change, you no longer feel hopeless, confused, or frustrated, but feel a great sense of relief. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Visit: I'm Following Jesus!
http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven?
You Can Be: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Send me a blank email with the word Subscribe in the Title to:
devotion@readytofollow.com
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