Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Saturday October 16, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Mark, chapters 8-9. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-16. In today's Bible reading we will read about, Jesus feeding 4000, Jesus' transfiguration, Jesus healing a blind man and a child possessed by the devil, and Jesus tells His disciples who belongs to Him.
Today's Message: Having Compassion
The word compassion means to have a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune and accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. The Bible, says, “For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.” - Psalm 78:37-39. In this Psalm the Psalmist recalls all the times that the Israelites turned their backs on God and how He had compassion on those who returned to Him, it was not the person that God despised, it was the sin He despised. Since we all have this wretched flesh, God knows we are going to sin again, therefore, He will always have compassion on those who come to Him wholeheartedly.
There is a difference between someone who wholeheartedly follows God and one that halfheartedly follows Him. A person that is halfhearted only seeks help from God when he gets in trouble and does not do one thing to turn his life around for God's sake. A person who is wholehearted recognizes that even though he will still sin from time to time he takes the steps needed to turn his life around for God's sake. This is the person that God has compassion on, remembers that we are but flesh, and turns His anger away from. “These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” - Jude 1:19-23.
The key to a blessed godly, spirit filled life is Jesus Christ, when we put our faith and trust in Him we will learn to not only become wholeheartedly committed to God, but also have compassion for others. You will often read that Jesus had or was moved with compassion toward someone who had wholehearted faith toward Him. Jesus loved everyone, but always had compassion on those who truly sought Him with all their heart, such as the case when He fed the 4000 people who followed Him. “In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far...So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.” - Mark 8:1-3,8,9.
Jesus always has compassion for and takes care of those who follow Him wholeheartedly, but if we want His help we must ask for it. Think about it this way, how many people willingly help someone who has not asked them for help? Not many, right? Now, how many will help when someone asks them for help? Most people are willing to help, but they do not want to invade or get involved unless someone asks them for help first. It does not mean that they do not compassion for that person, it just means that they will not make a move unless asked specifically. God says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” - Jeremiah 33:3.
A blind man went to Jesus for help in hopes that he would be able to see, “And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him. And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.” - Mark 8:22-25.
Jesus saw this mans faith and because he asked Him for help Jesus restored his sight, the Bible says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:26. It is not enough to have faith in Jesus, we must also do the work by asking Him for help. While Jesus can save and heal anyone, He will not unless you ask Him. “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. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” - I John 5:13-15.
As Christians we are to have compassion also, we are to minister to those who do not know Christ or have fallen away from Him. We are to be a friend and the example of what a true Christian is, it is sad, but the word Christian does not mean anything anymore because there are so many false Christians out there that the world does not see any hope in Christ. However, when we follow the example that Christ gave they too can see hope and joy in Christ. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” - Romans 15:13.
Sometimes circumstances can blind our faith and cause us to follow Christ halfheartedly, but as long as we hold on to a tiny bit of faith Jesus can turn every circumstance around, such as the case of a boy possessed by the devil. “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.”- Mark 9:23-25.
The key to Christ having compassion on is believing in Him, much is promised to is by our believing in Him. Those that complain of unbelief, must look up to Christ for grace to help them against it, and His grace will be sufficient for them. Satan knows that we have the power to overcome all our pain and suffering and that power comes only from the Lord, Jesus Christ. Why do you think he attacks us so much? Instead of seeking help from others first, seek Jesus, talk to Him, spend time with Him, He will have compassion on you and show you what is needed and send you the help you need, you just have to believe in Him. Jesus told His disciples that the only way certain things can be handled or cured is by prayer and fasting. Prayer and fasting is using all of our ability to seek God to help us, it is spending much more time with Him than we usually do. It is telling Him that He is more valuable than any possession we have, even food. Taking that extra time with God is sometimes needed as it not only show Him that we need Him, it also gets us to realize that We Can Do Nothing Without Him and that All Things Are Possible When We Believe.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, October 16, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Bible Study: A Prophet With Honor
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Friday October 15, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Mark, chapters 6-7. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-15 . In today's Bible reading we will read about, Jesus being rejected by His own town, the death of John the Baptist, Jesus feeding five thousand men, and Jesus healing more people.
Today's Message: A Prophet With Honor
All throughout the Bible you will read about God choosing specific people to speak for Him, also known as prophets. A prophet was a believer, someone who had a personal relationship with Him, and someone that He trusted to tell others word for word what He wanted them to know. It was an honor to be chosen of God to be His voice, since the world had no clue who God was it was important that He chose the right people to the job. The Bible says,“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort..For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. ” - I Corinthians 14:3,33. The word edification means to enlighten or educate and the word exhortation means to inspire or encourage. In other words God did not allow anyone to speak on His behalf unless he believed, spoke the truth, encouraged, and was a comfort to others.
Today, as Christians, we have been given the knowledge of what the holy prophets spoke of through God's Word and now we are God's voice, His prophets so to speak, through Jesus Christ. God has trusted us to tell others word for word the Gospel, to enlighten, educate, and be of comfort not only those whom do not know Christ, but those whom have been mislead or fallen away from Him as well. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” -II Corinthians 1:3,4.
Did you ever notice that you face more opposition from family and friends than complete strangers? Did you ever notice that it is much harder to convince a family member or friend to live for Christ than a stranger? I knock doors on Thursday nights, minister to complete strangers at my church, and here online, but can not get one of my family members outside my house or old friends to commit to Christ. It is astounding, but not surprising, Jesus explains that He too faced opposition from His own, “And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.” - Mark 6:1-5.
Regardless of whether or not we grew up in a Christian home, people we grew up with or worked with see us as ordinary sinful people, in which (except for Jesus) we are, but the difference between us and them is Christ. Those who walk with Christ acknowledge that they too are sinners, but have trusted in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of their sins and their salvation. Those who do not walk with Christ take offense to those who do as if they are telling them that they better than them, such is the case when Jesus tried to teach them the Gospel in His home town. So, why is a prophet without honor by family and friends? People that live in sin are actually being convicted when they are around those who live right, so, naturally they react in a negative way. “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.” - II Corinthians 4:1,2.
You know what the most astounding thing is? You can talk about God all day long and no one will become offended, but the second a person talks about Jesus it is as if you pulled a gun out on them. How can this be? False gods are not a threat, that's right, false gods, anytime a religion comes up with commands and rules that go against God's Word they are creating a false god. However, Jesus is a threat because everyone knows who Jesus is, regardless of whether or not they know Him personally, they know He has something to do with the One and only living God. Jesus explains this as religious leaders were questioning why the disciples were not following the law they though to be from God. “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”- Mark 7:5-9.
People create a false image of God when they bypass His truth to make their sinful lives look as though it is justified by their works. However, when we take that first step to personally know Christ we see the true image of God, that He is a loving, caring, correcting God and that we are justified by faith in Christ and not our works. “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.
Since we are God's voice that means we are going to face some opposition as well as criticism and even ridicule from time to time, even from fellow Christians. However, our faith to stand for Jesus and keep going through our strength in Him makes all the opposition worthwhile. You are honorable and blessed. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,... That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: - I Peter 1:3,7,8.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have an awesome weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven? godsprice.com
Visit The I'm Following Jesus Website imfollowingjesus.com
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Today is Friday October 15, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Mark, chapters 6-7. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-15 . In today's Bible reading we will read about, Jesus being rejected by His own town, the death of John the Baptist, Jesus feeding five thousand men, and Jesus healing more people.
Today's Message: A Prophet With Honor
All throughout the Bible you will read about God choosing specific people to speak for Him, also known as prophets. A prophet was a believer, someone who had a personal relationship with Him, and someone that He trusted to tell others word for word what He wanted them to know. It was an honor to be chosen of God to be His voice, since the world had no clue who God was it was important that He chose the right people to the job. The Bible says,“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort..For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. ” - I Corinthians 14:3,33. The word edification means to enlighten or educate and the word exhortation means to inspire or encourage. In other words God did not allow anyone to speak on His behalf unless he believed, spoke the truth, encouraged, and was a comfort to others.
Today, as Christians, we have been given the knowledge of what the holy prophets spoke of through God's Word and now we are God's voice, His prophets so to speak, through Jesus Christ. God has trusted us to tell others word for word the Gospel, to enlighten, educate, and be of comfort not only those whom do not know Christ, but those whom have been mislead or fallen away from Him as well. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” -II Corinthians 1:3,4.
Did you ever notice that you face more opposition from family and friends than complete strangers? Did you ever notice that it is much harder to convince a family member or friend to live for Christ than a stranger? I knock doors on Thursday nights, minister to complete strangers at my church, and here online, but can not get one of my family members outside my house or old friends to commit to Christ. It is astounding, but not surprising, Jesus explains that He too faced opposition from His own, “And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.” - Mark 6:1-5.
Regardless of whether or not we grew up in a Christian home, people we grew up with or worked with see us as ordinary sinful people, in which (except for Jesus) we are, but the difference between us and them is Christ. Those who walk with Christ acknowledge that they too are sinners, but have trusted in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of their sins and their salvation. Those who do not walk with Christ take offense to those who do as if they are telling them that they better than them, such is the case when Jesus tried to teach them the Gospel in His home town. So, why is a prophet without honor by family and friends? People that live in sin are actually being convicted when they are around those who live right, so, naturally they react in a negative way. “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.” - II Corinthians 4:1,2.
You know what the most astounding thing is? You can talk about God all day long and no one will become offended, but the second a person talks about Jesus it is as if you pulled a gun out on them. How can this be? False gods are not a threat, that's right, false gods, anytime a religion comes up with commands and rules that go against God's Word they are creating a false god. However, Jesus is a threat because everyone knows who Jesus is, regardless of whether or not they know Him personally, they know He has something to do with the One and only living God. Jesus explains this as religious leaders were questioning why the disciples were not following the law they though to be from God. “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”- Mark 7:5-9.
People create a false image of God when they bypass His truth to make their sinful lives look as though it is justified by their works. However, when we take that first step to personally know Christ we see the true image of God, that He is a loving, caring, correcting God and that we are justified by faith in Christ and not our works. “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.
Since we are God's voice that means we are going to face some opposition as well as criticism and even ridicule from time to time, even from fellow Christians. However, our faith to stand for Jesus and keep going through our strength in Him makes all the opposition worthwhile. You are honorable and blessed. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,... That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: - I Peter 1:3,7,8.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have an awesome weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven? godsprice.com
Visit The I'm Following Jesus Website imfollowingjesus.com
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Bible Study: Need A Blood Transfusion?
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Thursday October 14, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Mark, chapters 4-5. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-14
In today's Bible reading we will read about, the parable about the seed of God's Word, Jesus calming the storm, Jesus casting the devil out of a man, a woman healed by touching the hem of His garment, and Jesus bringing life back to a little girl.
Today's Message: Need A Blood Transfusion?
When you stop and think about how vital blood is to our bodies you can imagine how lifeless it would be if it is not working properly. For instance, I have type O blood and for a long time I felt lifeless and tired and could not understand why. It took years for me to learn that it was my blood, I was not giving it the proper nutrients it needed to function properly. Now, whenever I get tired and lifeless I take a look at my diet for the past few days and pretty much realize that I was lacking those nutrients that give life to my blood. We all need the right nutrients to give life to our blood, perhaps that most important nutrient of all is Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. ” - John 6:53,54.
How can we eat from the flesh of Jesus and drink His blood? Here is the answer: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” -John 6:63. Our flesh will give out one day, but our spirit is what gives us life eternally, God's Word is the spiritual food we need and Jesus is who gives life to it, those who believe and accept Jesus into their lives have eternal life with Him. When we call on Jesus to save us it is like we get a blood transfusion, all of the bad blood gets washed away and is replaced by fresh, clean blood. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” - I John 1:7.
Just like blood types respond differently to different types of food, people respond differently to Jesus. Not everyone is going to accept and believe that Jesus can give life to them, Jesus explains how people respond to Him through seeds that are sown into different types of ground. “The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.”- Mark 4:14-20.
The seed is the Word of God, everyone in their lifetime will have the Gospel presented to them at least once, some will reject it completely and never know how life giving it is, some will receive it, but not hold on to it or will get caught up in the cares of the world and lose that liveliness, and there are those who hear it, receive it, and know how vital it is to life. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - I John 5:10-12.
The key here is believing, the people that God used to illustrate His miracles to were no different than you and I, they were sinners, some the worst of sinners, but these people believed that Jesus could save them and it was, in fact, their belief that saved them. “Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” - I Peter 1:21.
Believing leads to faith, faith leads to hope, hope leads to miracles, which is the case of the woman Jesus healed that had an issue with her blood. “When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”- Mark 5:27-34.
This woman got an instant blood transfusion the second she touched just the hem of His garment. Jesus will heal anyone who comes to Him. One thing I would like to mention is that yes, there are times when God will allow premature death to those who do believe. While we may never understand in our hearts why someone has passed away at a young age, God has a reason for it. It is not to punish or hurt us or the person, we have no idea what is in the future of these people and what God is actually saving them from by taking them home to be with Him. I have a brother that just passed away in March, he was very healthy, then all of a sudden he got sick and within five days he had died. I believe it was not only in God's will that He came home with Him, but his will as well. He was at peace with God and did not want to suffer any more, so, God said you do not have to suffer anymore, you can come home. Right now, I imagine he is up there with Jesus eating his favorite foods and listening to the most amazing music in his mansion. “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” -John 14:2.
Need a blood transfusion? Jesus will give life to everyone, one way or another, but first, we must believe and accept His blood transfusion. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10. Praise God! Are you already saved, but feeling lifeless? You are still saved, Jesus died once on the cross, that means you still have His blood in you. To revive it, just repent and seek Him. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:7. 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? godsprice.com
Visit The I'm Following Jesus Website imfollowingjesus.com
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Today is Thursday October 14, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Mark, chapters 4-5. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-14
In today's Bible reading we will read about, the parable about the seed of God's Word, Jesus calming the storm, Jesus casting the devil out of a man, a woman healed by touching the hem of His garment, and Jesus bringing life back to a little girl.
Today's Message: Need A Blood Transfusion?
When you stop and think about how vital blood is to our bodies you can imagine how lifeless it would be if it is not working properly. For instance, I have type O blood and for a long time I felt lifeless and tired and could not understand why. It took years for me to learn that it was my blood, I was not giving it the proper nutrients it needed to function properly. Now, whenever I get tired and lifeless I take a look at my diet for the past few days and pretty much realize that I was lacking those nutrients that give life to my blood. We all need the right nutrients to give life to our blood, perhaps that most important nutrient of all is Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. ” - John 6:53,54.
How can we eat from the flesh of Jesus and drink His blood? Here is the answer: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” -John 6:63. Our flesh will give out one day, but our spirit is what gives us life eternally, God's Word is the spiritual food we need and Jesus is who gives life to it, those who believe and accept Jesus into their lives have eternal life with Him. When we call on Jesus to save us it is like we get a blood transfusion, all of the bad blood gets washed away and is replaced by fresh, clean blood. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” - I John 1:7.
Just like blood types respond differently to different types of food, people respond differently to Jesus. Not everyone is going to accept and believe that Jesus can give life to them, Jesus explains how people respond to Him through seeds that are sown into different types of ground. “The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.”- Mark 4:14-20.
The seed is the Word of God, everyone in their lifetime will have the Gospel presented to them at least once, some will reject it completely and never know how life giving it is, some will receive it, but not hold on to it or will get caught up in the cares of the world and lose that liveliness, and there are those who hear it, receive it, and know how vital it is to life. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - I John 5:10-12.
The key here is believing, the people that God used to illustrate His miracles to were no different than you and I, they were sinners, some the worst of sinners, but these people believed that Jesus could save them and it was, in fact, their belief that saved them. “Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” - I Peter 1:21.
Believing leads to faith, faith leads to hope, hope leads to miracles, which is the case of the woman Jesus healed that had an issue with her blood. “When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”- Mark 5:27-34.
This woman got an instant blood transfusion the second she touched just the hem of His garment. Jesus will heal anyone who comes to Him. One thing I would like to mention is that yes, there are times when God will allow premature death to those who do believe. While we may never understand in our hearts why someone has passed away at a young age, God has a reason for it. It is not to punish or hurt us or the person, we have no idea what is in the future of these people and what God is actually saving them from by taking them home to be with Him. I have a brother that just passed away in March, he was very healthy, then all of a sudden he got sick and within five days he had died. I believe it was not only in God's will that He came home with Him, but his will as well. He was at peace with God and did not want to suffer any more, so, God said you do not have to suffer anymore, you can come home. Right now, I imagine he is up there with Jesus eating his favorite foods and listening to the most amazing music in his mansion. “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” -John 14:2.
Need a blood transfusion? Jesus will give life to everyone, one way or another, but first, we must believe and accept His blood transfusion. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10. Praise God! Are you already saved, but feeling lifeless? You are still saved, Jesus died once on the cross, that means you still have His blood in you. To revive it, just repent and seek Him. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:7. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Bible Study: The Ministry of Jesus
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Wednesday October 13, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Mark, chapters 1-3. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-13
In today's Bible reading we will read about, Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist, fishers of men, Jesus preaching the Gospel and healing in the towns of Galilee, Jesus choosing His disciples, and doing the will of God.
Today's Message: The Ministry of Jesus
The Gospel of Mark is the second book of the New Testament, the forty-first book of the Bible, and contains sixteen chapters. The Author of the book is Mark and it was written to all believers, however, the first intended audience was to the Romans to whom Jesus is represented as just a servant. The purpose of the book was to present the ministry of Jesus, stressing His role as a servant and the Son of man. What we are to learn from the book is that we should seek to minister to or serve others rather than to be ministered to. The purpose for all four Gospels was to appeal to both Jew and Gentile and to show that we are all to receive and minister the Gospel to everyone. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” - Mark 16:15.
Mark was a cousin to Barnabas, who is also known as John (not John the Baptist), and the son of Mary, a pious woman of Jerusalem, at whose house the apostles and first Christians assembled. Although in the book of Mark Jesus is recognized as just a servant of God, His Divinity is clearly beyond all doubt. Unlike the other Gospels, Mark begins with Jesus getting baptized by John the Baptist. “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins....And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” - Mark 1:1-5,9-11.
Jesus did not actually begin His ministry until He was about thirty years old, after He got baptized by John the Baptist. John was actually a type of cousin to Jesus, his mother was Elizabeth, a cousin of Mary, whom carried Jesus. He had been teaching people about repentance and baptizing them in a sense to cleanse away all the sin, now, Jesus has come to be baptized by him. So, why was Jesus baptized? Jesus was baptized for several reasons: 1. Since He was sinless and came to earth to give His life for sinners, He took upon Him all their sins. Getting baptized foretold what baptism represented, His death, burial, and resurrection. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” - Colossians 2:12.
2. He was publicly declaring His commitment to God and the beginning of His ministry, which we are to follow, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” - Romans 1:16.
3. He was setting an example for us to follow. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” - I Peter 2:21.
Jesus came here to show us how God wants us to live, He had the same flesh that we do, was faced with temptations, He got tired, hungry, and thirsty as well. He wanted to show people here in the flesh that they too can enjoy life and still live a righteous life in the will of God, but the most important reason of all for Jesus to come here was to save or heal those who were sick. “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”- Mark 2:15-17.
Sin is like a disease, the guilt and shame it carries alone will cause physical and mental illness to occur, just like a physician is needed to help heal the body, Jesus, our great physician, is needed to heal the sin sick soul. Sin Jesus had people surrounding Him 24/7 to be healed it was time that He enlisted some help, so, He ordained twelve men to help. “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.” - Mark 3:14-19.
Did you ever notice that Jesus chose people from all walks of life? Jesus wanted to show the Jews, Romans, and everyone else that it is not a specific religion or race that saves us, it is our belief in Him. “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:11-13. Why would Jesus choose someone who He knew would betray Him? He wanted to show us two things: 1. Not everyone that claims to be a Christian is one. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” - Acts 20:28-30.
2. It is not by works that we are saved, but only through our faith in Him that are we saved. “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.
Today, all whom have been saved are enlisted to help Jesus because there are many Judas Iscariot's out there keeping the lost from knowing and accepting the truth. Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;” -Matthew 9:38. We are but few, but we are blessed because we are sinners saved by grace. Praise God! Now, let's tell others so they too can have a least an opportunity to decide for themselves.
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? godsprice.com
Visit The I'm Following Jesus Website imfollowingjesus.com
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
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Today is Wednesday October 13, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Mark, chapters 1-3. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-13
In today's Bible reading we will read about, Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist, fishers of men, Jesus preaching the Gospel and healing in the towns of Galilee, Jesus choosing His disciples, and doing the will of God.
Today's Message: The Ministry of Jesus
The Gospel of Mark is the second book of the New Testament, the forty-first book of the Bible, and contains sixteen chapters. The Author of the book is Mark and it was written to all believers, however, the first intended audience was to the Romans to whom Jesus is represented as just a servant. The purpose of the book was to present the ministry of Jesus, stressing His role as a servant and the Son of man. What we are to learn from the book is that we should seek to minister to or serve others rather than to be ministered to. The purpose for all four Gospels was to appeal to both Jew and Gentile and to show that we are all to receive and minister the Gospel to everyone. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” - Mark 16:15.
Mark was a cousin to Barnabas, who is also known as John (not John the Baptist), and the son of Mary, a pious woman of Jerusalem, at whose house the apostles and first Christians assembled. Although in the book of Mark Jesus is recognized as just a servant of God, His Divinity is clearly beyond all doubt. Unlike the other Gospels, Mark begins with Jesus getting baptized by John the Baptist. “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins....And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” - Mark 1:1-5,9-11.
Jesus did not actually begin His ministry until He was about thirty years old, after He got baptized by John the Baptist. John was actually a type of cousin to Jesus, his mother was Elizabeth, a cousin of Mary, whom carried Jesus. He had been teaching people about repentance and baptizing them in a sense to cleanse away all the sin, now, Jesus has come to be baptized by him. So, why was Jesus baptized? Jesus was baptized for several reasons: 1. Since He was sinless and came to earth to give His life for sinners, He took upon Him all their sins. Getting baptized foretold what baptism represented, His death, burial, and resurrection. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” - Colossians 2:12.
2. He was publicly declaring His commitment to God and the beginning of His ministry, which we are to follow, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” - Romans 1:16.
3. He was setting an example for us to follow. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” - I Peter 2:21.
Jesus came here to show us how God wants us to live, He had the same flesh that we do, was faced with temptations, He got tired, hungry, and thirsty as well. He wanted to show people here in the flesh that they too can enjoy life and still live a righteous life in the will of God, but the most important reason of all for Jesus to come here was to save or heal those who were sick. “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”- Mark 2:15-17.
Sin is like a disease, the guilt and shame it carries alone will cause physical and mental illness to occur, just like a physician is needed to help heal the body, Jesus, our great physician, is needed to heal the sin sick soul. Sin Jesus had people surrounding Him 24/7 to be healed it was time that He enlisted some help, so, He ordained twelve men to help. “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.” - Mark 3:14-19.
Did you ever notice that Jesus chose people from all walks of life? Jesus wanted to show the Jews, Romans, and everyone else that it is not a specific religion or race that saves us, it is our belief in Him. “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:11-13. Why would Jesus choose someone who He knew would betray Him? He wanted to show us two things: 1. Not everyone that claims to be a Christian is one. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” - Acts 20:28-30.
2. It is not by works that we are saved, but only through our faith in Him that are we saved. “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.
Today, all whom have been saved are enlisted to help Jesus because there are many Judas Iscariot's out there keeping the lost from knowing and accepting the truth. Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;” -Matthew 9:38. We are but few, but we are blessed because we are sinners saved by grace. Praise God! Now, let's tell others so they too can have a least an opportunity to decide for themselves.
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? godsprice.com
Visit The I'm Following Jesus Website imfollowingjesus.com
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Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Bible Study: Christ Suffered For All
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Tuesday October 12, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Matthew, chapters 27-28. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-12
In today's Bible reading we will read about, Jesus being judged, crucified, buried, and resurrected, and the great commission.
Today's Message: Christ Suffered For All
When we call on Jesus to save us from our sins, it can take a little while before we comprehend exactly what Jesus went through so we would not have to end up in hell. Oh, we learn that He died, was buried, and resurrected three days later, but we do not realize all the pain and torture He went through for all people, regardless of whether or not they accept or reject Him. Jesus loved everyone and died for everyone, but sadly not everyone will accept Him. The key to knowing Christ is not about how much we can do for Him, it is about having faith in Him. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6.
Most religions try to pretend that they know Christ, but they have no clue who He is, all those parables that Jesus was telling regarding His return and those who would be cast into hell all start with religious leaders. Religion is what killed Jesus and still kills Him in the church even today. The religious leaders did not have the authority to give Jesus a death sentence, however, they had much influence on the people that they brought Jesus over to Pontius Pilate, who was the Roman Governor at Jerusalem, so, that he might give the death sentence. “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor....And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” - Matthew 27:1,2,11-14.
These men were under the leadership of the chief priests and elders of the people and are now delivering Jesus to the governmental body that has the right to put one to death. Jesus was the same person that they had sat under teaching a few days prior, and now they are tying Him up like a criminal. These hypocrites, these actors, are playing the part, as they carry out their role of religious leader in order to protect the traditions of men. Jesus did not claim that He was, the King of Jews, He uttered not a word, except to say, that is what you say. Why? Because Jesus was the sacrificial Lamb that would be slain, on this day, and this hour, to bring in the dispensation of grace that would be offered to all men, of every race. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Jude 4
Since it was a feast day, on this day the Roman governor would pardon a prisoner, one that the people agreed on to be released. He brought out a ruthless prisoner called Barabbas. Pilate just knew that the people would pardon Christ over Barabbas because he was a murderer of the worst degree, but instead the people cried out to pardon Barabbas instead. “Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” - Matthew 27:15-20.
Notice how the religious leaders got the crowd to side with them? Pilate knew that the only reason that the religious leaders delivered Jesus to be killed was their jealousy and envy over their religious factions. It was the guarding of territorial rights that they had built up their traditions, and nothing would stop them, not even the Christ. They were proud of the false religious traditions that they lived by and were not about to have anyone, including Jesus prove them to be liars. The last thing that false religion leaders want to admit is that they are the ones lying and deceiving the people so, they will do whatever they have to do to eliminate those who will expose them. “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” - James 1:26,27.
Pilate looked out over that mob of people and with the religious leaders working them over he began to get a little nervous. Seeing the madness that was taking place, he wanted nothing to do with what was happening, and in public, washed his hands before the mob as to say, it is out of my hands and handed Jesus over to the mob, which then lead to His crucifixion. “Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.” - Matthew 27:22-24.
Jesus was beaten, mocked, and spit on even before He was crucified, “And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.” - Matthew 27:28-31.
Yes, Jesus suffered great humiliation and pain for all of us, but He prevailed and three days later resurrected up out of that tomb and is alive today, proving that not even death can keep those who put their faith and trust in God through Jesus Christ down for long. “And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.........And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” - Matthew 28:2,8-10.
Praise God for those are saved because we can say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” -Galatians 2:20. 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? godsprice.com
Visit The I'm Following Jesus Website imfollowingjesus.com
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Today is Tuesday October 12, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Matthew, chapters 27-28. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-12
In today's Bible reading we will read about, Jesus being judged, crucified, buried, and resurrected, and the great commission.
Today's Message: Christ Suffered For All
When we call on Jesus to save us from our sins, it can take a little while before we comprehend exactly what Jesus went through so we would not have to end up in hell. Oh, we learn that He died, was buried, and resurrected three days later, but we do not realize all the pain and torture He went through for all people, regardless of whether or not they accept or reject Him. Jesus loved everyone and died for everyone, but sadly not everyone will accept Him. The key to knowing Christ is not about how much we can do for Him, it is about having faith in Him. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6.
Most religions try to pretend that they know Christ, but they have no clue who He is, all those parables that Jesus was telling regarding His return and those who would be cast into hell all start with religious leaders. Religion is what killed Jesus and still kills Him in the church even today. The religious leaders did not have the authority to give Jesus a death sentence, however, they had much influence on the people that they brought Jesus over to Pontius Pilate, who was the Roman Governor at Jerusalem, so, that he might give the death sentence. “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor....And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” - Matthew 27:1,2,11-14.
These men were under the leadership of the chief priests and elders of the people and are now delivering Jesus to the governmental body that has the right to put one to death. Jesus was the same person that they had sat under teaching a few days prior, and now they are tying Him up like a criminal. These hypocrites, these actors, are playing the part, as they carry out their role of religious leader in order to protect the traditions of men. Jesus did not claim that He was, the King of Jews, He uttered not a word, except to say, that is what you say. Why? Because Jesus was the sacrificial Lamb that would be slain, on this day, and this hour, to bring in the dispensation of grace that would be offered to all men, of every race. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Jude 4
Since it was a feast day, on this day the Roman governor would pardon a prisoner, one that the people agreed on to be released. He brought out a ruthless prisoner called Barabbas. Pilate just knew that the people would pardon Christ over Barabbas because he was a murderer of the worst degree, but instead the people cried out to pardon Barabbas instead. “Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.” - Matthew 27:15-20.
Notice how the religious leaders got the crowd to side with them? Pilate knew that the only reason that the religious leaders delivered Jesus to be killed was their jealousy and envy over their religious factions. It was the guarding of territorial rights that they had built up their traditions, and nothing would stop them, not even the Christ. They were proud of the false religious traditions that they lived by and were not about to have anyone, including Jesus prove them to be liars. The last thing that false religion leaders want to admit is that they are the ones lying and deceiving the people so, they will do whatever they have to do to eliminate those who will expose them. “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” - James 1:26,27.
Pilate looked out over that mob of people and with the religious leaders working them over he began to get a little nervous. Seeing the madness that was taking place, he wanted nothing to do with what was happening, and in public, washed his hands before the mob as to say, it is out of my hands and handed Jesus over to the mob, which then lead to His crucifixion. “Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.” - Matthew 27:22-24.
Jesus was beaten, mocked, and spit on even before He was crucified, “And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.” - Matthew 27:28-31.
Yes, Jesus suffered great humiliation and pain for all of us, but He prevailed and three days later resurrected up out of that tomb and is alive today, proving that not even death can keep those who put their faith and trust in God through Jesus Christ down for long. “And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.........And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” - Matthew 28:2,8-10.
Praise God for those are saved because we can say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” -Galatians 2:20. 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? godsprice.com
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Monday, October 11, 2010
Bible Study: Entering The Kingdom of God
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Monday October 11, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Matthew, chapters 25-26. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-11
In today's Bible reading we will read about, the wise and foolish virgins, the men with the talents, Jesus last supper with His disciples, Jesus being betrayed by Judas Iscariot and captured by the chief priests and elders.
Today's Message: Entering The Kingdom of God
As a Christian it is not always easy to follow the path that Christ is leading you on, there is so much opposition from the world and even our own families, who are supposed to be Christians as well. In fact, the stronger your faith in Christ, the more opposition you face. Why? “because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” - I Peter 5:8. Satan hates that we are holding on to Jesus and he will try anything he can to break us away from Him. Can I tell you that, if you know Jesus Christ personally as your Savior than Satan can not break you away from Him. Oh, we could fall off the path from time to time, but Christ is still with you. Even His own disciples had doubts and sinned, but that did not change the fact that they would one day see Him in the Kingdom of God, as those whom have put their faith and trust in Jesus to save them will. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11.
Amazingly many people say that they do believe in Jesus Christ, that He died on the cross, and arose from the dead, but many will not enter the kingdom. Why? Jesus explains through this parable, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:...And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”- Matthew 25:1-2,10-12.
This is not an actual marriage between a man and woman, it is a spiritual marriage, Jesus is the bridegroom, the wise virgins are the ones who received Christ as their Savior and were prepared for His coming. The foolish virgins are the ones who believed in Christ, but had not received Him as their Savior so, when He arrived they were too late because they were not prepared. When we are saved, we are cleansed and made pure in the eyes of God through the blood of Christ. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” -I John 1:7.
To further explain who can enter the kingdom of God, Jesus speaks through another parable, this one is about three servants who were given talents. “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.”- Matthew 25:14-18.
Talents are weights in measure, such and silver and gold, these talents did not belong to the servants, but were entrusted to them by their master. The only thing the master required was that they take care of his goods, to the best of their ability and if they did they were blessed. “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”-Matthew 25:21. Everyone complied except for the servant who received one talent, instead of taking what he had and doing something with it he decided to bury it and do nothing with it at all. The masters response, “Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”- Matthew 25:26-30.
Why did the master get so upset and cast him away? Well, let's take a deeper look at the parable, the master represents Jesus Christ and the talents represent the Gospel of Christ and the means to be able to reach the lost with the Gospel. This is not about making money, it's about the knowledge and awareness that Christ has entrusted those who serve Him with until He returns. Those whom have that knowledge and continue to tell others increase their talent, in other words become prosperous. The man with one talent represents a person who has heard the Gospel, but did not receive it and just buried it, never knowing Jesus personally. He is the one who will be cast into outer darkness. “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” -I Peter 4:10.
Jesus, who knew no sin, took on every sin committed by every person that was, is, and will be born so we do not have to be cast into outer darkness and hell. Everyone has the choice to accept or ignore the fact that there is a heaven and hell and we go to one of two places when our flesh gives out or we die prematurely. Those who choose Christ get heaven and the Kingdom of God. It is not by works, even if you never tell anyone about Christ you will get to heaven, it is about taking the time to receive Him as your Savior yourself. No one can get you in heaven, only you can by praying and asking Jesus to save you. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” - Titus 3:5,6. 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? http://www.godsprice.com
Visit The I'm Following Jesus Website http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Today is Monday October 11, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Matthew, chapters 25-26. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-11
In today's Bible reading we will read about, the wise and foolish virgins, the men with the talents, Jesus last supper with His disciples, Jesus being betrayed by Judas Iscariot and captured by the chief priests and elders.
Today's Message: Entering The Kingdom of God
As a Christian it is not always easy to follow the path that Christ is leading you on, there is so much opposition from the world and even our own families, who are supposed to be Christians as well. In fact, the stronger your faith in Christ, the more opposition you face. Why? “because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” - I Peter 5:8. Satan hates that we are holding on to Jesus and he will try anything he can to break us away from Him. Can I tell you that, if you know Jesus Christ personally as your Savior than Satan can not break you away from Him. Oh, we could fall off the path from time to time, but Christ is still with you. Even His own disciples had doubts and sinned, but that did not change the fact that they would one day see Him in the Kingdom of God, as those whom have put their faith and trust in Jesus to save them will. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11.
Amazingly many people say that they do believe in Jesus Christ, that He died on the cross, and arose from the dead, but many will not enter the kingdom. Why? Jesus explains through this parable, “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:...And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”- Matthew 25:1-2,10-12.
This is not an actual marriage between a man and woman, it is a spiritual marriage, Jesus is the bridegroom, the wise virgins are the ones who received Christ as their Savior and were prepared for His coming. The foolish virgins are the ones who believed in Christ, but had not received Him as their Savior so, when He arrived they were too late because they were not prepared. When we are saved, we are cleansed and made pure in the eyes of God through the blood of Christ. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” -I John 1:7.
To further explain who can enter the kingdom of God, Jesus speaks through another parable, this one is about three servants who were given talents. “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.”- Matthew 25:14-18.
Talents are weights in measure, such and silver and gold, these talents did not belong to the servants, but were entrusted to them by their master. The only thing the master required was that they take care of his goods, to the best of their ability and if they did they were blessed. “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”-Matthew 25:21. Everyone complied except for the servant who received one talent, instead of taking what he had and doing something with it he decided to bury it and do nothing with it at all. The masters response, “Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”- Matthew 25:26-30.
Why did the master get so upset and cast him away? Well, let's take a deeper look at the parable, the master represents Jesus Christ and the talents represent the Gospel of Christ and the means to be able to reach the lost with the Gospel. This is not about making money, it's about the knowledge and awareness that Christ has entrusted those who serve Him with until He returns. Those whom have that knowledge and continue to tell others increase their talent, in other words become prosperous. The man with one talent represents a person who has heard the Gospel, but did not receive it and just buried it, never knowing Jesus personally. He is the one who will be cast into outer darkness. “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” -I Peter 4:10.
Jesus, who knew no sin, took on every sin committed by every person that was, is, and will be born so we do not have to be cast into outer darkness and hell. Everyone has the choice to accept or ignore the fact that there is a heaven and hell and we go to one of two places when our flesh gives out or we die prematurely. Those who choose Christ get heaven and the Kingdom of God. It is not by works, even if you never tell anyone about Christ you will get to heaven, it is about taking the time to receive Him as your Savior yourself. No one can get you in heaven, only you can by praying and asking Jesus to save you. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” - Titus 3:5,6. 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? http://www.godsprice.com
Visit The I'm Following Jesus Website http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Bible Study: Be Prepared & Ready
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Sunday October 10, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Matthew, chapters 23-24. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-10
In today's Bible reading we will read about, Jesus calling out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, Jesus foretelling the destruction of the Temple, Jesus foretelling, His second coming, the tribulation before and destruction after He returns, and warning everyone to be ready for His return.
Today's Message: Be Prepared & Ready
Whether you know Christ or not, we all know that one day there will be an end to the world. It is amazing, we do so much to preserve our planet, but do nothing to be prepared for the day that Christ will return. I imagine people think that if they ignore the warnings or that God even exists that they can stop everything from coming to pass. How many times have we tried to avoid something, knowing that it was coming, but that did not stop it from coming, in fact, it might have made things worse? The truth is this, we can not ignore the fact that Jesus is coming, we need to be prepared because when He does come we are all going to be judged. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” -I Peter 1:13.
To gird up your loins means to be prepared and ready, in other words, we are to prepare ourselves and be ready for the tribulation that has, in fact, already begun. Remember, the most important step we can take in being prepared is knowing Christ personally as our Savior. If we do not have Christ in our lives than anything we do to be prepared and ready is all in vain. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” -Colossians 2:8.
Knowing that the scribes and Pharisees were deceiving the people, Jesus warned them about their vain works. “But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”-Matthew 23:5-11.
Jesus us addressing the false religious leaders, He is referring to the Jewish Temples and Catholic churches, a phylactery is an amulet, ever see someone wear the star of David or a crucifix? And the garments Jesus is referring to are those embroidered robes you see the priests and rabbis wearing. There is only One God and every time a person seeks to be or follows these false leaders they are making them to be equal to God. Christ is not religion, He is life and those who follow these false religions are giving dominion to them rather then God. Many of us have been deceived, I have been deceived as well, I grew up Catholic, but thank God that I learned the truth because if I would have died in my early years I would be in hell right now because they never once told me once that I needed to personally ask Jesus to save me. Religion does not get us out of hell, only Jesus does. “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:12,13.
Jesus has a warning also for those who are trusting in these false religions, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”- Matthew 24:5-8.
I know how upsetting it is to realize that you have been lied to all these years, it's okay to be angry with them, but we can not do anything about the wasted years. We can however do something about today, we can prepare ourselves and be ready by warning those who have been deceived as well. “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” - Ephesians 4:26-30.
If you have not been preparing yourself, now is the time to do so, Jesus said, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” - Matthew 24:42-47.
Look around the world today, we are literally seeing many of these things come to pass. False prophets are everywhere claiming they know Christ and people are buying into it. Nations are lining up against each other, just waiting for the sign of attack. The economy is spiraling down quickly, poverty is everywhere, not to mention all the natural disasters taking place, we need to be prepared and ready for His return. The amazing thing is that those are true to Christ will be saved from all the destruction that is about to take place. We can not know the hour in which Jesus will return, but we can be ready when that day does come. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” - I Peter 5:2-4. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night, Lord's Day, and have a great week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going to Heaven? http://www.godsprice.com
Visit The I'm Following Jesus Website http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Want To Receive These Devotions in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Today is Sunday October 10, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the Book of Matthew, chapters 23-24. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-october-10
In today's Bible reading we will read about, Jesus calling out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, Jesus foretelling the destruction of the Temple, Jesus foretelling, His second coming, the tribulation before and destruction after He returns, and warning everyone to be ready for His return.
Today's Message: Be Prepared & Ready
Whether you know Christ or not, we all know that one day there will be an end to the world. It is amazing, we do so much to preserve our planet, but do nothing to be prepared for the day that Christ will return. I imagine people think that if they ignore the warnings or that God even exists that they can stop everything from coming to pass. How many times have we tried to avoid something, knowing that it was coming, but that did not stop it from coming, in fact, it might have made things worse? The truth is this, we can not ignore the fact that Jesus is coming, we need to be prepared because when He does come we are all going to be judged. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” -I Peter 1:13.
To gird up your loins means to be prepared and ready, in other words, we are to prepare ourselves and be ready for the tribulation that has, in fact, already begun. Remember, the most important step we can take in being prepared is knowing Christ personally as our Savior. If we do not have Christ in our lives than anything we do to be prepared and ready is all in vain. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” -Colossians 2:8.
Knowing that the scribes and Pharisees were deceiving the people, Jesus warned them about their vain works. “But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”-Matthew 23:5-11.
Jesus us addressing the false religious leaders, He is referring to the Jewish Temples and Catholic churches, a phylactery is an amulet, ever see someone wear the star of David or a crucifix? And the garments Jesus is referring to are those embroidered robes you see the priests and rabbis wearing. There is only One God and every time a person seeks to be or follows these false leaders they are making them to be equal to God. Christ is not religion, He is life and those who follow these false religions are giving dominion to them rather then God. Many of us have been deceived, I have been deceived as well, I grew up Catholic, but thank God that I learned the truth because if I would have died in my early years I would be in hell right now because they never once told me once that I needed to personally ask Jesus to save me. Religion does not get us out of hell, only Jesus does. “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:12,13.
Jesus has a warning also for those who are trusting in these false religions, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”- Matthew 24:5-8.
I know how upsetting it is to realize that you have been lied to all these years, it's okay to be angry with them, but we can not do anything about the wasted years. We can however do something about today, we can prepare ourselves and be ready by warning those who have been deceived as well. “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” - Ephesians 4:26-30.
If you have not been preparing yourself, now is the time to do so, Jesus said, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” - Matthew 24:42-47.
Look around the world today, we are literally seeing many of these things come to pass. False prophets are everywhere claiming they know Christ and people are buying into it. Nations are lining up against each other, just waiting for the sign of attack. The economy is spiraling down quickly, poverty is everywhere, not to mention all the natural disasters taking place, we need to be prepared and ready for His return. The amazing thing is that those are true to Christ will be saved from all the destruction that is about to take place. We can not know the hour in which Jesus will return, but we can be ready when that day does come. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” - I Peter 5:2-4. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night, Lord's Day, and have a great week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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