Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Saturday July 24, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Proverbs, chapters 16-19. 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-24
Today's Message: Get Back Up
As a Christian, it is truly amazing to look back and see just how much you have changed through the years or even weeks as you grow in your walk with Christ. Those who truly allow Christ to be at the center of their lives literally become a new person, even the people they hang around are no longer the same. This can be both exciting and nerve racking at the same time, especially since it seems as though the more you try to walk with Him the more difficult the walk becomes. We are going to stumble, but the great thing is that Jesus is still walking with us and as long as we keep pressing on with our faith in Him we will get past the hurdles and to the finish line. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:10. As we walk with Christ we become what God created us to be, so, no matter how many times we fall, Jesus will pick us back up and get us moving again. Praise God!
Satan loves to get us feeling as though we are failures and can never be forgiven when we fall. He is a fool and no one is a failure to God when they do their best to follow His will. Do you think He does not know when we are going to fall? Of course He does. He knows everything about us, what we are doing, and what we will do in the future. Nothing is surprising to God, but as we walk with Him we learn to remove sinful behavior. “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” - Proverbs 16:1-6. Our pride is what keeps us from going before God and seeking forgiveness. Pride does not want to let things go, but the more we walk with Christ, the more we let go of that pride and want to let go of the sinful things in our lives. Do you know what the great thing is? God has Alzheimer when we seek forgiveness of our sins. He forgives and forgets all about the sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9. Praise God!
It is natural to think of ourselves as humble, at least more humble than others. But humility, or a lack of it, is apparent by our attitude when we are with someone who irritates us. If our replies are expressed in an unkind way, either outwardly in our words or actions or inwardly in our thoughts, then our "humility" is not real; it is merely a mask. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.” - Proverbs 18:10-12. To be humble means to be meek, modest, inconspicuous, and submissive (obedient), in other words, it means to not draw attention to ourselves, not to think of one self as better than another's, and to be obedient. If we truly want to be forgiven for our sins we need to humbly seek it from God. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:8-10. Humbling ourselves before God brings new life and joy to our hearts. Knowing the destructive power of pride, let us look upon people who seem difficult to love as those chosen by God to provide us with the opportunity to rid ourselves of self-righteousness and to express Christlike humility and the love of God.
Those who have fallen away from God or never really let Him come in rarely see a change in their lives and often become angry and bitter at those who find happiness, peace, and joy with Christ leading the way. There is a song that I have been listening to a lot called, “I Found A Treasure”, there is a line in the chorus that says, “Although I'm a beggar, I'm rich beyond measure, I found a treasure, when I found the Lord.” Christians, do not have to worry about earthly riches, we may not have all the money the world has to offer, but our treasure is in the Lord and He alone gives us riches the world can never give. “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.... But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matthew 6:19-21,33. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend.
P. S. Forgive me for getting this out so late in the day, sorry for the inconvenience.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, July 24, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Bible Study: The Power of The Tongue 07.23.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Friday July 23, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Proverbs, chapters 12-15. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-23
Today's Message: The Power of The Tongue
Once upon a time when a person had to testify in court he had to place his hand on a Bible, raise his left hand, and recite a pledge, vowing to tell the truth. There was something more powerful about placing that hand on the Bible, it was as if one knew he had better tell the truth because he was taking a vow on God's Word. Today those days are few and far between, rarely do people of the world place their hand on a Bible for anything, let alone to tell the truth. God's Word is the most powerful weapon known to man, even a president use to place his hand on a Bible, pledging to do what he promised to do for his country. Sadly, even that is no longer practiced as our nation slowly tries to eliminate the power of God's Word. It is amazing, every religion known to man can come into the states and be accepted, yet, the one that our nation was founded on is rejected time and time again and if we do not do something now we will be turning into a Muslim nation. It is time for all Christians to unite, start praying, and get our nation back to following the way, the truth, and the life. “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.
The tongue is a powerful thing, for example, most businesses receive their customers by word of mouth, the more people that talk good about it the more the business excels. However, if you get just one person saying something bad about it, even if it is not true, it can destroy it. A lying tongue destroys trust in another person's word, just one conversation can do evil that will last a lifetime. God despises liars, in fact, one of the first commandments He wrote with His finger Himself was, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” - Exodus 20:16.We are not to tell lies about anyone. The tongue of a liar strips a man of what makes life beautiful, takes away his good name, and breaks bonds of friendship. “The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble....He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” - Proverbs 12:13,17-22. God despises even the little white lie, it is just as deceitful and will cause harm in the end. The Holy Spirit that dwells in all believers of Christ guides us and teaches His truths, the more we yield to Him the less we will be able to speak even the smallest of lies.
Just as one persons lies can destroy another persons word it can also destroy God's Word. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them....Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” - Romans 1:18,19,22-25. People destroy God's Word by ignoring it, creating their own version, and lying to others with it. So many people have walked away from God because of a church, man of God, or religion that deceived people by their lies. I admit there was a time in my life when I walked away from God because I was taught that no matter what I did I was going to hell, so, I thought, if I am going to hell what is the use of going to church. Little did I know all I needed was to ask Christ to forgive me and that He was the only way to keep from going to hell. I still get angry at all the years I was being led a lie, but thank God I know the truth and now I can help others learn the truth as well.
The tongue should be an instrument of life controlled by the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to do the talking for us we become a witness and not a liability, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit....The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.” - Proverbs 15:1-4,29,30. When we use our tongue for God's glory we will find the courage to stand up to the wicked and through it all we will find much joy.
The truth in God's Word is the great need today, every Christian needs to use the power of their tongue, shout it out loud and get involved in keeping His Word alive in all nations. You say you do not know how to do that? Just tell everyone you know about how Jesus can save. The more people we get on our side the strong we become as the whole Body of Christ. You do not have to know every story in the Bible, just the Gospel and if you are saved you know what the Gospel is. If you are not saved, get saved and get to work. Our nation is headed for judgment day, we need to be ready and armed, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” - Ephesians 6:14-18.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great weekend.
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
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http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
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Today is Friday July 23, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Proverbs, chapters 12-15. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-23
Today's Message: The Power of The Tongue
Once upon a time when a person had to testify in court he had to place his hand on a Bible, raise his left hand, and recite a pledge, vowing to tell the truth. There was something more powerful about placing that hand on the Bible, it was as if one knew he had better tell the truth because he was taking a vow on God's Word. Today those days are few and far between, rarely do people of the world place their hand on a Bible for anything, let alone to tell the truth. God's Word is the most powerful weapon known to man, even a president use to place his hand on a Bible, pledging to do what he promised to do for his country. Sadly, even that is no longer practiced as our nation slowly tries to eliminate the power of God's Word. It is amazing, every religion known to man can come into the states and be accepted, yet, the one that our nation was founded on is rejected time and time again and if we do not do something now we will be turning into a Muslim nation. It is time for all Christians to unite, start praying, and get our nation back to following the way, the truth, and the life. “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.
The tongue is a powerful thing, for example, most businesses receive their customers by word of mouth, the more people that talk good about it the more the business excels. However, if you get just one person saying something bad about it, even if it is not true, it can destroy it. A lying tongue destroys trust in another person's word, just one conversation can do evil that will last a lifetime. God despises liars, in fact, one of the first commandments He wrote with His finger Himself was, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” - Exodus 20:16.We are not to tell lies about anyone. The tongue of a liar strips a man of what makes life beautiful, takes away his good name, and breaks bonds of friendship. “The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble....He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” - Proverbs 12:13,17-22. God despises even the little white lie, it is just as deceitful and will cause harm in the end. The Holy Spirit that dwells in all believers of Christ guides us and teaches His truths, the more we yield to Him the less we will be able to speak even the smallest of lies.
Just as one persons lies can destroy another persons word it can also destroy God's Word. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them....Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” - Romans 1:18,19,22-25. People destroy God's Word by ignoring it, creating their own version, and lying to others with it. So many people have walked away from God because of a church, man of God, or religion that deceived people by their lies. I admit there was a time in my life when I walked away from God because I was taught that no matter what I did I was going to hell, so, I thought, if I am going to hell what is the use of going to church. Little did I know all I needed was to ask Christ to forgive me and that He was the only way to keep from going to hell. I still get angry at all the years I was being led a lie, but thank God I know the truth and now I can help others learn the truth as well.
The tongue should be an instrument of life controlled by the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to do the talking for us we become a witness and not a liability, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit....The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.” - Proverbs 15:1-4,29,30. When we use our tongue for God's glory we will find the courage to stand up to the wicked and through it all we will find much joy.
The truth in God's Word is the great need today, every Christian needs to use the power of their tongue, shout it out loud and get involved in keeping His Word alive in all nations. You say you do not know how to do that? Just tell everyone you know about how Jesus can save. The more people we get on our side the strong we become as the whole Body of Christ. You do not have to know every story in the Bible, just the Gospel and if you are saved you know what the Gospel is. If you are not saved, get saved and get to work. Our nation is headed for judgment day, we need to be ready and armed, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” - Ephesians 6:14-18.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great weekend.
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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Thursday, July 22, 2010
Bible Study: Fearing God 07.22.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Thursday July 22, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Proverbs, chapters 8-11. 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-22
Today's Message: Fearing God
You will often hear the phrase “Fear the Lord” or “Fear God” in some form throughout the Bible. Many people, including Christians, misunderstand what it actually means to, “Fear God.” A lot of people have actually walked away from God or refuse to let Him be a part of their lives because they are told to, “Fear God.” So, what does fearing God mean? God tells us what it means through His Word. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God....For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” - II Corinthians 7:1,10. As a Christian learns to live a morally, uncorrupted life with God in it, he learns to fear God. God will take the most corrupted person, convert him, and satisfy every need and desire simply by fearing Him. Jesus Said, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you....If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” - John 15:3,10,11. Now, that is where people get stopped in their tracks, they do not want to keep God's commands. People of the world strive on fame and riches to satisfy their flesh, while one might have fun for a season it will not last. There is always something bigger and better out there to entice the flesh, it is never satisfied, but God can satisfy.
Let me tell you something, the world and people who live in it does not care about anyone, all they see are dollar signs and people worshiping them. Go to someone who lives in the world and ask them for help when you have nothing and see what you get. Nothing! Our nation is quickly falling because of this very reason. We better get our priorities straight before it is too late, life does not just end when we die here on earth. Those that refuse to fear God will literally have hell to pay for ignoring Him. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ” - Romans 6:23. “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:14,15. Fearing God means believing all of His Word. No one escapes the lake of fire unless they know Jesus Christ. With that said, many assume fearing God means that they have to be afraid of Him. Well, they should be afraid of Him, He is our Creator and Heavenly Father, He gave us every ability that we have and all the thanks He gets is rebellion, immoral, corrupted behavior from those who were made in His own image. How would you feel if your child rebelled against every thing that you tried to teach him?
Fearing God means having respect for Him and just listening to something He has to say once in a while. He does not expect us to know everything He has to teach us, but He does expect us to start somewhere. God knows who you are, what you do, did, and will do, you are His child, He made you well before He even created the heavens and earth. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate....The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water....While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;” - Proverbs 8:13,22-24,26-30. Those who think they have everything under control and God is not playing a part in their lives better wake up and stop ignoring His alarm. God is always in control, even Satan can only do so much to us. God knew when we were going to fall, but He also knew when we would realize we need help to get up and that He is our only help. So, you messed up, get over it, seek His forgiveness, accept responsibility for your actions, and move forward. He does not want us to go through needless suffering, but we bring it all on our own because we do not listen to Him.
Although God can do all things, God has chosen that we must cooperate with Him if we want Him to do them. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.” - Proverbs 9:10-12. This wisdom and understanding covers every aspect of life: physical, moral, spiritual, financial, and our social well-being. The basic difference between the wise man and the fool is in the use each makes of his time, talents, and material possessions. When we rely on God and His Word it will result in fearing Him, and receiving things we never imagined, even the things we desire. In fact, when we learn to fear God, we will learn to desire better things as the old things we desire are no longer something we think we need.
We all are on one of two roads in our journey through life. The road followed by the wise is narrower and more difficult, but it brings happiness, satisfaction, peace, and eternal life. However, the broad road of the fool inevitably leads to immoral, corruption, and ultimately, the eternal lake of fire. Nonone is forced to follow God, yet no one is forced to face the eternal lake of fire either. The choice is yours, “The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.” - Proverbs 10:27-30. Fearing God means eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ! 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
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http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
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Today is Thursday July 22, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Proverbs, chapters 8-11. 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-22
Today's Message: Fearing God
You will often hear the phrase “Fear the Lord” or “Fear God” in some form throughout the Bible. Many people, including Christians, misunderstand what it actually means to, “Fear God.” A lot of people have actually walked away from God or refuse to let Him be a part of their lives because they are told to, “Fear God.” So, what does fearing God mean? God tells us what it means through His Word. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God....For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” - II Corinthians 7:1,10. As a Christian learns to live a morally, uncorrupted life with God in it, he learns to fear God. God will take the most corrupted person, convert him, and satisfy every need and desire simply by fearing Him. Jesus Said, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you....If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” - John 15:3,10,11. Now, that is where people get stopped in their tracks, they do not want to keep God's commands. People of the world strive on fame and riches to satisfy their flesh, while one might have fun for a season it will not last. There is always something bigger and better out there to entice the flesh, it is never satisfied, but God can satisfy.
Let me tell you something, the world and people who live in it does not care about anyone, all they see are dollar signs and people worshiping them. Go to someone who lives in the world and ask them for help when you have nothing and see what you get. Nothing! Our nation is quickly falling because of this very reason. We better get our priorities straight before it is too late, life does not just end when we die here on earth. Those that refuse to fear God will literally have hell to pay for ignoring Him. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ” - Romans 6:23. “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:14,15. Fearing God means believing all of His Word. No one escapes the lake of fire unless they know Jesus Christ. With that said, many assume fearing God means that they have to be afraid of Him. Well, they should be afraid of Him, He is our Creator and Heavenly Father, He gave us every ability that we have and all the thanks He gets is rebellion, immoral, corrupted behavior from those who were made in His own image. How would you feel if your child rebelled against every thing that you tried to teach him?
Fearing God means having respect for Him and just listening to something He has to say once in a while. He does not expect us to know everything He has to teach us, but He does expect us to start somewhere. God knows who you are, what you do, did, and will do, you are His child, He made you well before He even created the heavens and earth. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate....The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water....While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;” - Proverbs 8:13,22-24,26-30. Those who think they have everything under control and God is not playing a part in their lives better wake up and stop ignoring His alarm. God is always in control, even Satan can only do so much to us. God knew when we were going to fall, but He also knew when we would realize we need help to get up and that He is our only help. So, you messed up, get over it, seek His forgiveness, accept responsibility for your actions, and move forward. He does not want us to go through needless suffering, but we bring it all on our own because we do not listen to Him.
Although God can do all things, God has chosen that we must cooperate with Him if we want Him to do them. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.” - Proverbs 9:10-12. This wisdom and understanding covers every aspect of life: physical, moral, spiritual, financial, and our social well-being. The basic difference between the wise man and the fool is in the use each makes of his time, talents, and material possessions. When we rely on God and His Word it will result in fearing Him, and receiving things we never imagined, even the things we desire. In fact, when we learn to fear God, we will learn to desire better things as the old things we desire are no longer something we think we need.
We all are on one of two roads in our journey through life. The road followed by the wise is narrower and more difficult, but it brings happiness, satisfaction, peace, and eternal life. However, the broad road of the fool inevitably leads to immoral, corruption, and ultimately, the eternal lake of fire. Nonone is forced to follow God, yet no one is forced to face the eternal lake of fire either. The choice is yours, “The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.” - Proverbs 10:27-30. Fearing God means eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ! 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?
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Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Bible Study: The Right Path 07.21.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Wednesday July 21, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Proverbs, chapters 4-7. 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-21
Today's Message: The Right Path
As Christians we can all give praise to Jesus for sacrificing His life to save us from all our sins. No matter what we have done, our debt is paid for by the blood He shed when He died to keep us from going to hell. Praise God! However, sin is sin and we all suffer the consequences for it. While we are able to sin by thought, actions, or words, perhaps the most detestable to God are sins committed upon our own bodies. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God....Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” - O Corinthians 6:9-11,18-20. Committing fornication with the body goes beyond sexual sins, it is any immoral act committed with the body and includes drunkenness, drug abuse, and homosexuality. We can thank God that we are forgiven of all our sins, but that does not give us the right to continue to live in sin. If we truly want all of God's blessings we need to make sure all sin is out of our lives. We can not eliminate it completely, but we can eliminate things we know we need to let go of and let God guide us down the right path.
It is inevitable that if a person gets around a sinful person that he will also begin committing sin as well. That is why it is important that we take the Word of God with us where ever we go. It may seem silly, but as long as we have God's Word with us we have the power to resist temptation. “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” - Proverbs 4:13-22. Sometimes we can not avoid being around sinful people, but we can take God with us also and He will keep us from stumbling into sin ourselves. We can not eliminate sin in our lives if we do not take God with us where ever we go. Don't believe me? I am a witness to that. I will tell you that most of my life I did not want to blend in with the world, I had jobs, but I was not one to hang out with the people I worked with, I did not smoke, drink, or party with them. Then I got a job that took me on the road with people who partied all the time. Eventually, I started hanging out with them and started drinking and going to the clubs with them. Shortly after, I met a man that turned my life completely upside down. I could have avoided a lot of mental pain and suffering by letting God guide me down His path and not the wicked path I stumbled upon, but it was all a blessing because is got me right with God.
All sin is selfishness in some form or another, but God sees others as an abomination to Him, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” - Proverbs 6:16-19. Pride naturally comes first, for it precedes all other sins and consists essentially in sinful self-esteem which delights in fulfilling fleshly desires. Think about it, it is usually out of pride that one gets into trouble in the first place. When my so called friends were daring me to drink this awful and powerful drink it was my pride that said I can handle it and took that drink which made me sicker than a dog. It was pride that kept me hanging on to a man that was a womanizer. Pride literally destroys us and will keep on destroying us until we just let it go and seek help from God. It was only when I was at my worse and called upon God that He picked me up, dusted me off, and put me on the right path. I thank God every day for taking me out of the world. He will do the same for anyone who is falling apart over the guilt and shame of sin.
Jesus Said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 8:28-30. When one walks down the path of sin no one can escape the consequences of sin, it will catch up to them no matter how crafty they are. However, one can turn their lives around simply by receiving Christ into their lives. He alone can save the worst sinner, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” - Ephesians 2:4-6. 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
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Today is Wednesday July 21, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Proverbs, chapters 4-7. 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-21
Today's Message: The Right Path
As Christians we can all give praise to Jesus for sacrificing His life to save us from all our sins. No matter what we have done, our debt is paid for by the blood He shed when He died to keep us from going to hell. Praise God! However, sin is sin and we all suffer the consequences for it. While we are able to sin by thought, actions, or words, perhaps the most detestable to God are sins committed upon our own bodies. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God....Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” - O Corinthians 6:9-11,18-20. Committing fornication with the body goes beyond sexual sins, it is any immoral act committed with the body and includes drunkenness, drug abuse, and homosexuality. We can thank God that we are forgiven of all our sins, but that does not give us the right to continue to live in sin. If we truly want all of God's blessings we need to make sure all sin is out of our lives. We can not eliminate it completely, but we can eliminate things we know we need to let go of and let God guide us down the right path.
It is inevitable that if a person gets around a sinful person that he will also begin committing sin as well. That is why it is important that we take the Word of God with us where ever we go. It may seem silly, but as long as we have God's Word with us we have the power to resist temptation. “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” - Proverbs 4:13-22. Sometimes we can not avoid being around sinful people, but we can take God with us also and He will keep us from stumbling into sin ourselves. We can not eliminate sin in our lives if we do not take God with us where ever we go. Don't believe me? I am a witness to that. I will tell you that most of my life I did not want to blend in with the world, I had jobs, but I was not one to hang out with the people I worked with, I did not smoke, drink, or party with them. Then I got a job that took me on the road with people who partied all the time. Eventually, I started hanging out with them and started drinking and going to the clubs with them. Shortly after, I met a man that turned my life completely upside down. I could have avoided a lot of mental pain and suffering by letting God guide me down His path and not the wicked path I stumbled upon, but it was all a blessing because is got me right with God.
All sin is selfishness in some form or another, but God sees others as an abomination to Him, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” - Proverbs 6:16-19. Pride naturally comes first, for it precedes all other sins and consists essentially in sinful self-esteem which delights in fulfilling fleshly desires. Think about it, it is usually out of pride that one gets into trouble in the first place. When my so called friends were daring me to drink this awful and powerful drink it was my pride that said I can handle it and took that drink which made me sicker than a dog. It was pride that kept me hanging on to a man that was a womanizer. Pride literally destroys us and will keep on destroying us until we just let it go and seek help from God. It was only when I was at my worse and called upon God that He picked me up, dusted me off, and put me on the right path. I thank God every day for taking me out of the world. He will do the same for anyone who is falling apart over the guilt and shame of sin.
Jesus Said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 8:28-30. When one walks down the path of sin no one can escape the consequences of sin, it will catch up to them no matter how crafty they are. However, one can turn their lives around simply by receiving Christ into their lives. He alone can save the worst sinner, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” - Ephesians 2:4-6. 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
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http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Bible Study: Knowledge & Wisdom 07.20.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Tuesday July 20, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Proverbs, chapters 1-3. 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-20
Today's Message: Knowledge & Wisdom
There is a saying that comes to mind as I read the chapters for today, “Knowledge is power” I remember this cliché when I was little. Knowledge truly is power, the more you know the more you are able accomplish. As Christians, if we are to accomplish the task that God gives us than we need the knowledge to do it. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” - Proverbs 1:7. The word knowledge is defined as an acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, from a study or investigation. The only way for us to accomplish God's will for our lives is by receiving the knowledge we need to do it and the only way to receive that knowledge is by studying and getting acquainted with the facts and truths contained in His Word. Amazingly, just this morning I was telling God how blessed I was for knowing the truth, I spent thirty-four years of my life living on half truths of what someone was telling me until I started reading God's Word for myself, but God never gave up on me, He even let me fall for a time, but it was only when I fell that I was able to receive the whole truth. God is amazing, He knows exactly what we need to obtain the knowledge and wisdom we need to understand the truth and act on it. Interestingly, the word wisdom is defined as having knowledge of what is true or right and acting on it. So, as we study God's Word we receive the knowledge we need to accomplish God's will, the more we study it the wiser we become, giving us the wisdom we need to do what He says when, He knows we are prepared.
The Book of Proverbs is the twentieth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains thirty-one chapters. Most of the Proverbs we written by Solomon, David's son, except for the last two. The book was first written to the Israelite's, but the truths for practical living are applicable to all believers. The purpose of the book was to teach wisdom, instruction, and correction to all, what we are to learn from it is that God's Word is what gives us the wisdom, instruction, and correction we need to live a prosperous life lead by God. “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” - Proverbs 1:2-6. It is recorded in I Kings 4:32 that Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs under the inspiration of God. Some of these are preserved for us by the Holy Spirit in the Book of Proverbs. Some of the Proverbs Solomon set in order himself, meaning that he not only wrote them, but also arranged them in the order in which they are presented in the Bible. Other Proverbs of Solomon were put in their order by King Hezekiah’s men.
The word proverb is defined as a brief saying referring to common facts or knowledge. Each verse in Proverbs is a concise summary of an important truth. It is difficult to make a general outline of the book because each chapter and often each verse within the chapter deals with a different subject. However, the reason for writing the book this way is to condense wisdom to help us remember spiritual truths better. In other words, the Book of Proverbs is full of brief sayings referring to the knowledge of great spiritual truths. Proverbs get us to stop and think about a common, but wise and simple fact. For instance, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” - Proverbs 1:10. As you think about this verse you can understand that sinners are wicked and will try to entice you to do wicked things too, therefore, you are not to consent to it. This is common sense, but it happens way too often because we do not want to feel like an outcast or hurt someones feelings. What we are doing by consenting is hurting ourselves, because it will bite us good when reality sets in.
Solomon, along with approximately 40 other writers of the Bible, was inspired of God to record exactly what He wanted us to know in order to be the person He created us to be. “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” - Proverbs 2:1-5. God's Word is more valuable than any of the most precious jewels out there. The more we learn it the more knowledgeable we become, the better our relationship with God. Fearing God, means to respect Him and His Word and to follow His commands. If we say that we want God in our lives, but remain in the world we are going to be chastised for it. He does not do it to scare us away from Him, but to correct us and teach us. “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;” - Proverbs 2:10-12. God is trying to keep us from getting ourselves into something that is going to hurt us not only spiritually, but morally, and mentally as well. Sin destroys us and as long as we continue to live in sin we will become more and more corrupted and dig ourselves further and further into a whole.
It's all Satan's fault, he gets sinners to entice us and grab hold of us when we are at our weakest moments, but praise God for His mercy because He can pull the most corrupt person out of the pit he dug himself into. “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.... Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” - Proverbs 3:3-6,9-13. We must daily increase our knowledge of God's Word, even if all we do is read one verse, it is the only way we will receive the wisdom we need to accomplish His will for our lives. As we grow in His Word we learn to trust His judgment rather than our own corruptible understanding, then He will direct out paths and show us what we need to do to stay in His will, not only by what He learn in the Word of God, but what He reveals to us through the Holy Spirit. So, acknowledge God, which can only be done through His Son, honor Him by following all His commands, including giving tithes, accepting His correction, and even His chastening us. He does all these things for our own good and we will truly be blessed as we find wisdom and understanding of His Word and how truly prosperous life can be by following it. 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
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Today is Tuesday July 20, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Proverbs, chapters 1-3. 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-20
Today's Message: Knowledge & Wisdom
There is a saying that comes to mind as I read the chapters for today, “Knowledge is power” I remember this cliché when I was little. Knowledge truly is power, the more you know the more you are able accomplish. As Christians, if we are to accomplish the task that God gives us than we need the knowledge to do it. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” - Proverbs 1:7. The word knowledge is defined as an acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, from a study or investigation. The only way for us to accomplish God's will for our lives is by receiving the knowledge we need to do it and the only way to receive that knowledge is by studying and getting acquainted with the facts and truths contained in His Word. Amazingly, just this morning I was telling God how blessed I was for knowing the truth, I spent thirty-four years of my life living on half truths of what someone was telling me until I started reading God's Word for myself, but God never gave up on me, He even let me fall for a time, but it was only when I fell that I was able to receive the whole truth. God is amazing, He knows exactly what we need to obtain the knowledge and wisdom we need to understand the truth and act on it. Interestingly, the word wisdom is defined as having knowledge of what is true or right and acting on it. So, as we study God's Word we receive the knowledge we need to accomplish God's will, the more we study it the wiser we become, giving us the wisdom we need to do what He says when, He knows we are prepared.
The Book of Proverbs is the twentieth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains thirty-one chapters. Most of the Proverbs we written by Solomon, David's son, except for the last two. The book was first written to the Israelite's, but the truths for practical living are applicable to all believers. The purpose of the book was to teach wisdom, instruction, and correction to all, what we are to learn from it is that God's Word is what gives us the wisdom, instruction, and correction we need to live a prosperous life lead by God. “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” - Proverbs 1:2-6. It is recorded in I Kings 4:32 that Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs under the inspiration of God. Some of these are preserved for us by the Holy Spirit in the Book of Proverbs. Some of the Proverbs Solomon set in order himself, meaning that he not only wrote them, but also arranged them in the order in which they are presented in the Bible. Other Proverbs of Solomon were put in their order by King Hezekiah’s men.
The word proverb is defined as a brief saying referring to common facts or knowledge. Each verse in Proverbs is a concise summary of an important truth. It is difficult to make a general outline of the book because each chapter and often each verse within the chapter deals with a different subject. However, the reason for writing the book this way is to condense wisdom to help us remember spiritual truths better. In other words, the Book of Proverbs is full of brief sayings referring to the knowledge of great spiritual truths. Proverbs get us to stop and think about a common, but wise and simple fact. For instance, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” - Proverbs 1:10. As you think about this verse you can understand that sinners are wicked and will try to entice you to do wicked things too, therefore, you are not to consent to it. This is common sense, but it happens way too often because we do not want to feel like an outcast or hurt someones feelings. What we are doing by consenting is hurting ourselves, because it will bite us good when reality sets in.
Solomon, along with approximately 40 other writers of the Bible, was inspired of God to record exactly what He wanted us to know in order to be the person He created us to be. “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” - Proverbs 2:1-5. God's Word is more valuable than any of the most precious jewels out there. The more we learn it the more knowledgeable we become, the better our relationship with God. Fearing God, means to respect Him and His Word and to follow His commands. If we say that we want God in our lives, but remain in the world we are going to be chastised for it. He does not do it to scare us away from Him, but to correct us and teach us. “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;” - Proverbs 2:10-12. God is trying to keep us from getting ourselves into something that is going to hurt us not only spiritually, but morally, and mentally as well. Sin destroys us and as long as we continue to live in sin we will become more and more corrupted and dig ourselves further and further into a whole.
It's all Satan's fault, he gets sinners to entice us and grab hold of us when we are at our weakest moments, but praise God for His mercy because He can pull the most corrupt person out of the pit he dug himself into. “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.... Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” - Proverbs 3:3-6,9-13. We must daily increase our knowledge of God's Word, even if all we do is read one verse, it is the only way we will receive the wisdom we need to accomplish His will for our lives. As we grow in His Word we learn to trust His judgment rather than our own corruptible understanding, then He will direct out paths and show us what we need to do to stay in His will, not only by what He learn in the Word of God, but what He reveals to us through the Holy Spirit. So, acknowledge God, which can only be done through His Son, honor Him by following all His commands, including giving tithes, accepting His correction, and even His chastening us. He does all these things for our own good and we will truly be blessed as we find wisdom and understanding of His Word and how truly prosperous life can be by following it. 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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Monday, July 19, 2010
Bible Study: What Is An Infidel? 07.19.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Monday July 19, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalm, chapters 144-150. 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-19
Today's Message: What Is An Infidel?
Interestingly, I find that the more I walk with Christ the less I walk in the world, literally. I might go to the store, to a restaurant, or theme park, but I am careful of where and when I go. It is important that, as Christians, we remain separated from the world. Of course, one can not avoid the world completely, but one can learn to enter without being one with them. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - II Corinthians 6:14-18. I use to think that an infidel was someone that had no sense, like another word for calling someone stupid, but that was far from knowing what an infidel is. An infidel is defined as someone who does not believe in and accept a particular faith or religion. A particular faith is just another way of saying a religion, so in other words, they are saying that if you do not believe the Jews, or the Catholics, or the Muslims, or the Mormons, or whatever religion they claim then you are an infidel. Okay, now, from the Bible point of view an infidel is not someone who does not believe in a religion, but in God's Word.
So many “Christians” make the mistake of thinking that belonging to a religion is what makes you a Christian. This is incorrect! It is actually not the person making the mistake, but the religion deceiving the people, namely the person who started that nonsense in the first place. For the Christian, an infidel is someone who does not believe in the Gospel of Christ, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and that He alone is the only way to heaven, not by works, but by their faith in Him. If you believe in and have personally accepted the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ than praise God because you are a true Christian and one of God's sons and daughters. It is not your religion that makes you a Christian, it is your belief in and acceptance of Jesus that makes you a Christian. Praise God! If your religion does not promote the Gospel and you think you have to keep working your way to heaven than you are being deceived. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” - Galatians 2:16. No one is justified by their works, only by their faith in Jesus Christ, anyone who does not believe this is an infidel.
Now, as Christians, we are to love one another, but that does not mean we are to hang out with one another. The reason is that as long as one remains yoked (together) with infidels we do not grow nor get very far in our walk with Christ. If one truly wants Jesus to be Lord of their lives they need to separate themselves from infidels. “Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.... Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:...Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.” - Psalm 144:1-4,11,12,15. People think that if they give up the world for God that they lose everything and can not do anything, but the truth is, those who all Christ to be Lord become happier and will even prosper well beyond what the world can offer. Oh, it can be challenging at times, but there is no better joy than living life for Christ. He is the one who gives us life. Praise God!
God bless those who are in homes with infidels, we can not always choose our home, but we can choose to stand firm in our relationship with Christ and not back down in our beliefs. God will take care of it, just trust Him and He will either lead the person to believe or He will take them out of the situation. There is a man that attends our church, he has been attending for a couple of years, he has been converted (accepted Christ), baptized, and joined the church. His wife was brought up Muslim and wanted nothing to do with the church, yet this man remains faithful and attends every week, sometimes with his son, but the wife never came, until last Sunday night. That is the power of God! Praise God! “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee....The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.” - Psalm 145:8-10,14-20. It does not matter what religion one was brought up in, it matters that we know Christ as our Savior. I was brought up Catholic, if I died before I knew Christ I would have ended up in hell because I never knew that I needed to accept Him to go to heaven. I always thought I had to be good or I would not go regardless, but I was deceived and so is everyone else who was brought up this way. God loves everyone, but He will not save anyone who does not believe in His Word. Jesus is His Word and if one does not believe in Jesus one does not believe in His Word. He will save all who comes to Him regardless if they are a Jew, Catholic, Muslim, Mormon, or even an Evolutionist. Praise God! Whatever religion you were brought up in, He will save you if you come call on Him. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and an awesome week.
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 Monday July 19, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalm, chapters 144-150. 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-19
Today's Message: What Is An Infidel?
Interestingly, I find that the more I walk with Christ the less I walk in the world, literally. I might go to the store, to a restaurant, or theme park, but I am careful of where and when I go. It is important that, as Christians, we remain separated from the world. Of course, one can not avoid the world completely, but one can learn to enter without being one with them. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - II Corinthians 6:14-18. I use to think that an infidel was someone that had no sense, like another word for calling someone stupid, but that was far from knowing what an infidel is. An infidel is defined as someone who does not believe in and accept a particular faith or religion. A particular faith is just another way of saying a religion, so in other words, they are saying that if you do not believe the Jews, or the Catholics, or the Muslims, or the Mormons, or whatever religion they claim then you are an infidel. Okay, now, from the Bible point of view an infidel is not someone who does not believe in a religion, but in God's Word.
So many “Christians” make the mistake of thinking that belonging to a religion is what makes you a Christian. This is incorrect! It is actually not the person making the mistake, but the religion deceiving the people, namely the person who started that nonsense in the first place. For the Christian, an infidel is someone who does not believe in the Gospel of Christ, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and that He alone is the only way to heaven, not by works, but by their faith in Him. If you believe in and have personally accepted the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ than praise God because you are a true Christian and one of God's sons and daughters. It is not your religion that makes you a Christian, it is your belief in and acceptance of Jesus that makes you a Christian. Praise God! If your religion does not promote the Gospel and you think you have to keep working your way to heaven than you are being deceived. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” - Galatians 2:16. No one is justified by their works, only by their faith in Jesus Christ, anyone who does not believe this is an infidel.
Now, as Christians, we are to love one another, but that does not mean we are to hang out with one another. The reason is that as long as one remains yoked (together) with infidels we do not grow nor get very far in our walk with Christ. If one truly wants Jesus to be Lord of their lives they need to separate themselves from infidels. “Blessed be the LORD my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.... Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace:...Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.” - Psalm 144:1-4,11,12,15. People think that if they give up the world for God that they lose everything and can not do anything, but the truth is, those who all Christ to be Lord become happier and will even prosper well beyond what the world can offer. Oh, it can be challenging at times, but there is no better joy than living life for Christ. He is the one who gives us life. Praise God!
God bless those who are in homes with infidels, we can not always choose our home, but we can choose to stand firm in our relationship with Christ and not back down in our beliefs. God will take care of it, just trust Him and He will either lead the person to believe or He will take them out of the situation. There is a man that attends our church, he has been attending for a couple of years, he has been converted (accepted Christ), baptized, and joined the church. His wife was brought up Muslim and wanted nothing to do with the church, yet this man remains faithful and attends every week, sometimes with his son, but the wife never came, until last Sunday night. That is the power of God! Praise God! “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee....The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.” - Psalm 145:8-10,14-20. It does not matter what religion one was brought up in, it matters that we know Christ as our Savior. I was brought up Catholic, if I died before I knew Christ I would have ended up in hell because I never knew that I needed to accept Him to go to heaven. I always thought I had to be good or I would not go regardless, but I was deceived and so is everyone else who was brought up this way. God loves everyone, but He will not save anyone who does not believe in His Word. Jesus is His Word and if one does not believe in Jesus one does not believe in His Word. He will save all who comes to Him regardless if they are a Jew, Catholic, Muslim, Mormon, or even an Evolutionist. Praise God! Whatever religion you were brought up in, He will save you if you come call on Him. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and an awesome 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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Bible Study: God's Creation 07.18.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Sunday July 18, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 139-143. 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-18
Today's Message: God's Creation
Amazingly you can try and try to achieve a goal, task, or subject, yet no matter how much you try you just are not able to do it. Not reaching a goal can make a person feel like a failure and it can literally destroy you, but the truth is we are not failures, we are just following the will of God. I use to think that a person can do anything if they put their mind to it, but now I realize that God only allows us to be able to do certain things and that we are just not able to do everything we put our mind to. God created every person individually and for His purpose, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” - Ephesians 4:11,12. He even created people to be difficult to test our faith, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” - Matthew 4:1. Regardless of who we are or how much people want to deny that God is the one in control of our lives, He is in control of everything, even every hair on your head.
The Holy Spirit inspired David to write a Psalm about the mystery of God's creation of man. God reveals that at conception we become a person, a living soul that has a special personality and purpose to be used for God's glory. He knows who we are going to be before we do, “O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me...I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” - Psalm 139:1-5,14-17. Although, as an unborn infant, we are hidden from human view, as if buried in the earth, our bodies are no mystery to our Creator, He skillfully prepares us for our God ordained destines while here on earth.
The last four Psalms are David's heartfelt pleas, at times we are so overwhelmed by our burdens that we forget God is with us, but He is in fact with us 24/7, all we have to do to reach Him is to call on Him. A sincere love of God prompts a clear break from sin, as indicated by David's intense concern about himself, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” - Psalm 139:23,24. This request expresses sincerity. It is not the request of one who was ignorant of his true character and inflated with presumption but of one who thoroughly knew his natural human tendency to self-deception. David knew that yielding to one temptation could weaken an otherwise guarded life.
God creates us with specific characteristics that make up who we are today. A persons character is defined as features and traits that form the individual nature of the person, in other words every person is fearfully and wonderfully made up of special features and traits different from everyone else. We think we just came up with these ideas all on our own, of course we do some, but if they are not of God's will you can be sure that you will not be doing them for long. We are to daily ask God to search our hearts to make sure we are in line God's will. “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.” - Psalm 143:8-11. Sometimes, we just can not do the things we long to do for God, but He knows our hearts, He knows we will get distractions and that it's not always easy to keep our focus on Him. However, He always gets us to see the true distraction and helps us through them as we cast our burdens upon Him. It is comforting to know that even though we think we are failing God we are not. He will take care of all the burdens that keep us from being the best that He created us to be. 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 getting this message out so late, thank you for your patience and I am sorry for any inconvenience.
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
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
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Today is Sunday July 18, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 139-143. 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-18
Today's Message: God's Creation
Amazingly you can try and try to achieve a goal, task, or subject, yet no matter how much you try you just are not able to do it. Not reaching a goal can make a person feel like a failure and it can literally destroy you, but the truth is we are not failures, we are just following the will of God. I use to think that a person can do anything if they put their mind to it, but now I realize that God only allows us to be able to do certain things and that we are just not able to do everything we put our mind to. God created every person individually and for His purpose, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” - Ephesians 4:11,12. He even created people to be difficult to test our faith, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” - Matthew 4:1. Regardless of who we are or how much people want to deny that God is the one in control of our lives, He is in control of everything, even every hair on your head.
The Holy Spirit inspired David to write a Psalm about the mystery of God's creation of man. God reveals that at conception we become a person, a living soul that has a special personality and purpose to be used for God's glory. He knows who we are going to be before we do, “O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me...I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” - Psalm 139:1-5,14-17. Although, as an unborn infant, we are hidden from human view, as if buried in the earth, our bodies are no mystery to our Creator, He skillfully prepares us for our God ordained destines while here on earth.
The last four Psalms are David's heartfelt pleas, at times we are so overwhelmed by our burdens that we forget God is with us, but He is in fact with us 24/7, all we have to do to reach Him is to call on Him. A sincere love of God prompts a clear break from sin, as indicated by David's intense concern about himself, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” - Psalm 139:23,24. This request expresses sincerity. It is not the request of one who was ignorant of his true character and inflated with presumption but of one who thoroughly knew his natural human tendency to self-deception. David knew that yielding to one temptation could weaken an otherwise guarded life.
God creates us with specific characteristics that make up who we are today. A persons character is defined as features and traits that form the individual nature of the person, in other words every person is fearfully and wonderfully made up of special features and traits different from everyone else. We think we just came up with these ideas all on our own, of course we do some, but if they are not of God's will you can be sure that you will not be doing them for long. We are to daily ask God to search our hearts to make sure we are in line God's will. “Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.” - Psalm 143:8-11. Sometimes, we just can not do the things we long to do for God, but He knows our hearts, He knows we will get distractions and that it's not always easy to keep our focus on Him. However, He always gets us to see the true distraction and helps us through them as we cast our burdens upon Him. It is comforting to know that even though we think we are failing God we are not. He will take care of all the burdens that keep us from being the best that He created us to be. 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 getting this message out so late, thank you for your patience and I am sorry for any inconvenience.
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
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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