Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Saturday November 06, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of John, chapters 13-16. In these chapters we will read about, Jesus washing the disciples feet, Jesus foretelling His betrayal, death, and second coming, the true vine, persecution to believers, Jesus promising to send a Comforter in His place, and peace through tribulation, all Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version. 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-november-6
Today's Message: Let Jesus Wash Your Feet
The word wash is defined as a cleansing to remove any dirt, stains, or matter, while we are aware of the things with our eyes that may need to be washed, we may not be as aware of anything that we need to wash that our eyes can not see. I remember when I was little that my mom would tell me I'm going to wash your mouth out with soap and if I said a bad word I got that soap in my mouth. It was awful, but it taught me not to say that word again and that my mom meant business. As Christians we can rejoice in the fact that by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior we were washed clean from all of our stains. “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” - Revelation 7:14.
The Passover has arrived and Jesus and His disciples were eating dinner, when Jesus finished eating, He did something that was surprising to the disciples, He began washing their feet. “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded....Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.” - John 13:3-5,8-10.
So, why was Jesus washing their feet and why only their feet? The washing of the disciples feet signified salvation, unless we are washed by the blood of the Lamb (Christ) we are not a part of Christ or God. The washing of only their feet signified that although we have been saved it is important to wash ourselves daily to remove any sin that we have encountered. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 5:19.
Just because we are saved that does not mean it will keep us from falling into sin. We can never lose our salvation, but, as long as we have this flesh attached to us and Satan is still around sin will be also. While being on our best behavior is not a requirement, if we want to see God's blessings here on earth we need to keep washing away the things that make us dirty. “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 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 3:3-6. Notice that the Scripture says God our Savior? This further proves that God and Jesus are one, by faith we are saved and washed, not by the works that we do.
Being washed by the blood is more than just cleansing us from sin, Jesus explains further, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.” - John 14:2-4,16-19.
No matter what situation we are in Jesus is with us and will comfort us in our time of need, no matter how many times that is, and even if we submit to authority when we know morally it is wrong. God will give us a way out of every situation we are in, but it is up to us to ask Him for help. He has chosen you to be a part of His life, He wants to wash your feet, cleanse you, and remove the debris that you have been trying to get rid of. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:15,16. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, November 6, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Bible Study: The Love of God Perfected
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Thursday November 04, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of John, chapters 9-10. In these chapters we will read about, Jesus healing a blind man, the Jews disbelief, the blind, the sheep, and Jesus the Good Shepherd, all Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version. 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-november-4
Today's Message: The Love of God Perfected
The word verily means absolutely, positively, the truth, the Bible says, “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” - I John 2:5. The word perfected means complete, in other words, God is telling those who keep His Word, “If you keep My Word with you then you will absolutely know how much I love you, it will complete you and people will see that I am with you.
Do you know what truly bothers people who live in the world? Seeing God working in your life. As you get God's Word in you you see just how much God does love you, He does not want to see us in pain or suffering, He just wants us to believe in Him and trust Him. As Jesus was walking by He saw a blind man sitting in the street. “And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” - John 9:2-7.
The disciples immediately asked Jesus what he or his parents did for him to be blind at birth, Jesus responded, “No one sinned, God allowed him to be born this way so that the works of God can be demonstrated through Him.” Sometimes God will place infirmities on people, not to punish them or their loved ones, but to draw them closer to Him. There is a spiritual purpose of God's love in much of human suffering, and this man's blindness was the very means of keeping him from being lost for eternity. By faith, he obeyed Jesus' command to wash in the Pool of Siloam. This man accurately illustrates the terrible condition of everyone without Jesus Christ. Until we see Christ as our Savior we are spiritually blind, nor can we see our need of a Savior, due to the hardness of our hearts. “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” - Ephesians 4:13-15.
One of the distinguishing marks of a Christian is recognizing the need for guidance and a desire to follow the Good Shepherd. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.......Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.” - John 10:1,2,7-12.
Christ is our Shepherd and the door that leads to the sheepfold. If any person tries to enter into God's sheepfold by any other way other then going through Christ, he is a thief and a robber. The sheepfold is a holding place where the shepherd houses the sheep for the night. It was a place for protection. When the Shepherd would open the gate, the shepherd would hold his rod out, and count the sheep as they passed under the rod. Then when all the sheep had entered in, the gate was shut, and the shepherd stood watch for the night. When you have Christ with you, you are safe not only inside the sheepfold, but outside the sheepfold. You can go out into the world, and you don't have to be afraid of someone taking away your salvation. You don't have to fear what will be said of you if you see the Word is not being taught and you voice your opinion. You don't have to be afraid of anything. When Jesus went to the cross, died, and rose again, He did that for each person that has the eyes to see and the ears to hear the voice of our Good Shepherd. “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” - I Peter 5:4.
When we have Jesus in us, God's love is perfected in us, we are absolutely without a doubt free and loved by God. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30. A yoke is a device that brings two things together to make it stronger. When we receive Jesus He attaches Himself to us to make us stronger. We do not have to carry the burdens of the world all on our own, Jesus is right there with us to carry them for us. 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
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Today is Thursday November 04, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of John, chapters 9-10. In these chapters we will read about, Jesus healing a blind man, the Jews disbelief, the blind, the sheep, and Jesus the Good Shepherd, all Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version. 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-november-4
Today's Message: The Love of God Perfected
The word verily means absolutely, positively, the truth, the Bible says, “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” - I John 2:5. The word perfected means complete, in other words, God is telling those who keep His Word, “If you keep My Word with you then you will absolutely know how much I love you, it will complete you and people will see that I am with you.
Do you know what truly bothers people who live in the world? Seeing God working in your life. As you get God's Word in you you see just how much God does love you, He does not want to see us in pain or suffering, He just wants us to believe in Him and trust Him. As Jesus was walking by He saw a blind man sitting in the street. “And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” - John 9:2-7.
The disciples immediately asked Jesus what he or his parents did for him to be blind at birth, Jesus responded, “No one sinned, God allowed him to be born this way so that the works of God can be demonstrated through Him.” Sometimes God will place infirmities on people, not to punish them or their loved ones, but to draw them closer to Him. There is a spiritual purpose of God's love in much of human suffering, and this man's blindness was the very means of keeping him from being lost for eternity. By faith, he obeyed Jesus' command to wash in the Pool of Siloam. This man accurately illustrates the terrible condition of everyone without Jesus Christ. Until we see Christ as our Savior we are spiritually blind, nor can we see our need of a Savior, due to the hardness of our hearts. “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” - Ephesians 4:13-15.
One of the distinguishing marks of a Christian is recognizing the need for guidance and a desire to follow the Good Shepherd. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.......Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.” - John 10:1,2,7-12.
Christ is our Shepherd and the door that leads to the sheepfold. If any person tries to enter into God's sheepfold by any other way other then going through Christ, he is a thief and a robber. The sheepfold is a holding place where the shepherd houses the sheep for the night. It was a place for protection. When the Shepherd would open the gate, the shepherd would hold his rod out, and count the sheep as they passed under the rod. Then when all the sheep had entered in, the gate was shut, and the shepherd stood watch for the night. When you have Christ with you, you are safe not only inside the sheepfold, but outside the sheepfold. You can go out into the world, and you don't have to be afraid of someone taking away your salvation. You don't have to fear what will be said of you if you see the Word is not being taught and you voice your opinion. You don't have to be afraid of anything. When Jesus went to the cross, died, and rose again, He did that for each person that has the eyes to see and the ears to hear the voice of our Good Shepherd. “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” - I Peter 5:4.
When we have Jesus in us, God's love is perfected in us, we are absolutely without a doubt free and loved by God. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30. A yoke is a device that brings two things together to make it stronger. When we receive Jesus He attaches Himself to us to make us stronger. We do not have to carry the burdens of the world all on our own, Jesus is right there with us to carry them for us. 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
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Bible Study: The Mind of Christ 11.03.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Wednesday November 03, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of John, chapters 6-8. In these chapters we will read about, Jesus feeding 5000 men, the Bread of life, Jesus walking on water, the Feast of Tabernacles, the disciples disbelief, the Light of the world, Jesus teaching in the Temple, Jesus forgiving an adulteress, righteous judgment, the Jews disbelief, and Abraham, all Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version. 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-november-3
Today's Message: The Mind of Christ
A disciple is defined as a follower of the doctrines of a teacher, as Christians, we follow the doctrine of our teacher, Jesus Christ. Now, here is where many who say they follow the doctrine of Christ falter. The doctrine that we are to follow, is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, who is the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin, is God in the flesh, and the only way to eternal life. Many religions say they know God and Jesus, but they only know the name, they do not Him. “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” - I Timothy 6:3-5. The truth is this, any religion or religious group that does not preach the words spoken by Jesus Himself, which is the Word of God, is false and will always become offended by those who speak the truth.
We know that Jesus chose twelve men to follow Him around, but Jesus had more than just twelve disciples. When Jesus began showing His miracles in the flesh, He had many followers, but it did not necessarily mean that they all believed in His doctrine. As Jesus was teaching in the Temple He was questioned by many when He began telling them that He was the Bread of life. “When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” - John 6:61-69.
Jesus knows in the midst of all the people who claim to know Him which ones truly do believe in Him and follow His doctrine. People get offended when they live by the flesh and not the spirit. Since God is a Spirit, feeding the flesh does not do anything for Him, but feeding the spirit does when we believe in Him and follow His truths. Of course, we are not always going to understand some of the things that God places before us, but by yielding to the spirit and putting our faith in His Word we can see that all things work together for God's glory and our own good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28.
Giving glory to God is what it is all about, Jesus who is God, when He came down in the flesh did not give glory to Himself, He gave all the glory to God. “Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” -John 7:1-18.
You say, if Jesus is God and He gave glory to God than isn't He glorifying Himself? He is not. Jesus is part of the triune God, meaning God is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. When God came down to earth He made Himself as one of us so, Jesus the Son, gave all the power and glory to God the Father. “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,” -Hebrews 2:9-11. Just like an ordinary man can be a father, a brother, and an uncle, three different people, with different roles, yet one person, God can be the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
No one is perfect, yet we have all been quick to judge others for their faults before fixing our own, as Jesus was preaching He was interrupted. “They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”- John 8:4-11.
Jesus attended to the great work in which He came into the world, that was, to bring sinners to repentance, not to destroy, but to save. He aimed to bring, not only the accused to repentance, by showing her His mercy, but the prosecutors also, by showing them their sins, He sought to convince and convert them. When Christ sent her away, it was with this caution, Go, and sin no more. God does give us the right to judge people, but we are to judge them righteously, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.” - I Corinthians 2:14-16.
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 This Devotion in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Today is Wednesday November 03, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of John, chapters 6-8. In these chapters we will read about, Jesus feeding 5000 men, the Bread of life, Jesus walking on water, the Feast of Tabernacles, the disciples disbelief, the Light of the world, Jesus teaching in the Temple, Jesus forgiving an adulteress, righteous judgment, the Jews disbelief, and Abraham, all Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version. 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-november-3
Today's Message: The Mind of Christ
A disciple is defined as a follower of the doctrines of a teacher, as Christians, we follow the doctrine of our teacher, Jesus Christ. Now, here is where many who say they follow the doctrine of Christ falter. The doctrine that we are to follow, is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, who is the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin, is God in the flesh, and the only way to eternal life. Many religions say they know God and Jesus, but they only know the name, they do not Him. “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” - I Timothy 6:3-5. The truth is this, any religion or religious group that does not preach the words spoken by Jesus Himself, which is the Word of God, is false and will always become offended by those who speak the truth.
We know that Jesus chose twelve men to follow Him around, but Jesus had more than just twelve disciples. When Jesus began showing His miracles in the flesh, He had many followers, but it did not necessarily mean that they all believed in His doctrine. As Jesus was teaching in the Temple He was questioned by many when He began telling them that He was the Bread of life. “When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” - John 6:61-69.
Jesus knows in the midst of all the people who claim to know Him which ones truly do believe in Him and follow His doctrine. People get offended when they live by the flesh and not the spirit. Since God is a Spirit, feeding the flesh does not do anything for Him, but feeding the spirit does when we believe in Him and follow His truths. Of course, we are not always going to understand some of the things that God places before us, but by yielding to the spirit and putting our faith in His Word we can see that all things work together for God's glory and our own good. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28.
Giving glory to God is what it is all about, Jesus who is God, when He came down in the flesh did not give glory to Himself, He gave all the glory to God. “Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” -John 7:1-18.
You say, if Jesus is God and He gave glory to God than isn't He glorifying Himself? He is not. Jesus is part of the triune God, meaning God is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. When God came down to earth He made Himself as one of us so, Jesus the Son, gave all the power and glory to God the Father. “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,” -Hebrews 2:9-11. Just like an ordinary man can be a father, a brother, and an uncle, three different people, with different roles, yet one person, God can be the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
No one is perfect, yet we have all been quick to judge others for their faults before fixing our own, as Jesus was preaching He was interrupted. “They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”- John 8:4-11.
Jesus attended to the great work in which He came into the world, that was, to bring sinners to repentance, not to destroy, but to save. He aimed to bring, not only the accused to repentance, by showing her His mercy, but the prosecutors also, by showing them their sins, He sought to convince and convert them. When Christ sent her away, it was with this caution, Go, and sin no more. God does give us the right to judge people, but we are to judge them righteously, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.” - I Corinthians 2:14-16.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Bible Study: Times of Refreshing 11.02.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Tuesday November 02, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of John, chapters 4-5. In these chapters we will read about, Jesus and the Samaritan woman, Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath and confronting the Jews who were condeming Him for it, all Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version. 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: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-2
Today's Message: Times of Refreshing
An amazing transformation happens when one meets Christ, whether we accept or reject Him our lives do change. You can not meet Jesus and remain the same. He pierces right through you and while a few will humble themselves to accept Him and enjoy life with Him in it, most will get offended, reject Him, and spend life pretending that they are enjoying life without Him in it. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebews 4:12.
As Jesus was walking through Samaria He and His disciples stopped there for some rest, while the disciples went to get food Jesus remained by the well to get some water, where He met a woman. “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” - John 4:9-15.
The Jews despised the Samaritans so when Jesus approached this loud mouthed woman she could not believe that He even spoke to her let alone asked her to give Him some water. Jesus' response was, “I know you are thirsty for something that water can not provide and if you knew who you were talking to I would have given it to you.” The flesh is 85% water, you can go several days without food, but if you go one day without water you can die, So, water is vital to give us life. Just like we need water to keep us alive in the flesh, we also need water to keep us alive spiritually. “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” - Revelation 7:17.
Now, her interest is peaked and she wants to know how she can get this water. “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” - John 4:21-26.
Jesus is telling this woman that before now, salvation was thought of as only for the Jews, but the time has come for all to know that salvation is for everyone who believes. God is not the God of the Jews, or the Mormons, or the Jehovah's Witness, or the Muslims, or the Christians, He is the God of all and it is only when one believes in Christ, the true Christ, that they receive salvation and He becomes our God. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:28.
After Jesus revealed to this woman that He knew who she was, she immediately left the well, told people about Him, and brought them to Him. “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” - John 4:39-42.
The people did not believe in Jesus because of this woman's testimony, they believed because when they heard her testimony they longed to see for themselves what He was all about and heard the truth from His own Word. It is great to hear testimonies and study God's Word as a group, but we are all human and we err, but God's Word does not, it will confirm truth or expose any lies that one has been told. That is why it is very important to read it for ourselves, if you are just starting to read the Bible and not sure where to start, the Book of John and Romans will help you get started. Just like the Samaritan woman ran and told the people about Jesus after she got saved, we too can do the same. Jesus is the Savior of the World and we need to at least give someone the opportunity to know the truth, if they do not accept it than you have done all you could, God will take care of it. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:9,10.
You can enjoy the things of this world for a season, but you will always remain thirsty for more, Jesus is changing your life as you speak, you can go with the flow, remain thirsty and never be satisfied or you can refresh yourself in the living waters of Christ. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” - Acts 3:19. 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 This Devotion in Your Email?
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Today is Tuesday November 02, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of John, chapters 4-5. In these chapters we will read about, Jesus and the Samaritan woman, Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath and confronting the Jews who were condeming Him for it, all Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version. 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: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-2
Today's Message: Times of Refreshing
An amazing transformation happens when one meets Christ, whether we accept or reject Him our lives do change. You can not meet Jesus and remain the same. He pierces right through you and while a few will humble themselves to accept Him and enjoy life with Him in it, most will get offended, reject Him, and spend life pretending that they are enjoying life without Him in it. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebews 4:12.
As Jesus was walking through Samaria He and His disciples stopped there for some rest, while the disciples went to get food Jesus remained by the well to get some water, where He met a woman. “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” - John 4:9-15.
The Jews despised the Samaritans so when Jesus approached this loud mouthed woman she could not believe that He even spoke to her let alone asked her to give Him some water. Jesus' response was, “I know you are thirsty for something that water can not provide and if you knew who you were talking to I would have given it to you.” The flesh is 85% water, you can go several days without food, but if you go one day without water you can die, So, water is vital to give us life. Just like we need water to keep us alive in the flesh, we also need water to keep us alive spiritually. “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” - Revelation 7:17.
Now, her interest is peaked and she wants to know how she can get this water. “Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.” - John 4:21-26.
Jesus is telling this woman that before now, salvation was thought of as only for the Jews, but the time has come for all to know that salvation is for everyone who believes. God is not the God of the Jews, or the Mormons, or the Jehovah's Witness, or the Muslims, or the Christians, He is the God of all and it is only when one believes in Christ, the true Christ, that they receive salvation and He becomes our God. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:28.
After Jesus revealed to this woman that He knew who she was, she immediately left the well, told people about Him, and brought them to Him. “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” - John 4:39-42.
The people did not believe in Jesus because of this woman's testimony, they believed because when they heard her testimony they longed to see for themselves what He was all about and heard the truth from His own Word. It is great to hear testimonies and study God's Word as a group, but we are all human and we err, but God's Word does not, it will confirm truth or expose any lies that one has been told. That is why it is very important to read it for ourselves, if you are just starting to read the Bible and not sure where to start, the Book of John and Romans will help you get started. Just like the Samaritan woman ran and told the people about Jesus after she got saved, we too can do the same. Jesus is the Savior of the World and we need to at least give someone the opportunity to know the truth, if they do not accept it than you have done all you could, God will take care of it. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” - Galatians 6:9,10.
You can enjoy the things of this world for a season, but you will always remain thirsty for more, Jesus is changing your life as you speak, you can go with the flow, remain thirsty and never be satisfied or you can refresh yourself in the living waters of Christ. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” - Acts 3:19. 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
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Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Bible Study: Eternal Life 11.01.10
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Monday November 01, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of John, chapters 1-3. In these chapters we will read about, the Deity of Christ, John the Baptist, Jesus as the Lamb of God, Jesus turning water into wine, Jesus cleansing the Temple, Nicodemus, and being born again, all Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
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-november-1
Today's Message: Eternal Life
The book of John is the 43rd book of the Bible, the 4th book of the New Testament, and contains twenty-one chapters. The author of the book is John, a disciple of Jesus (not John the Baptist), and it was written to All believers, to whom John portrays Jesus as the Son of God. The purpose of the book was to show All that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and the only way to everlasting life. What we are to learn from the book is Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, who is God in the flesh, and the only source of salvation and everlasting life. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6.
The word eternal means without a beginning or an end, lasting forever, and always existing. Now, we can say that God without a beginning or an end, lasts forever, and always exists. The second a person calls upon Jesus Christ to save them, he receives eternal life, meaning, he lasts forever, and always exists. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:13.
All of creation, every character from the Bible, the Gospels, the Commandments, the Old and New Testaments are all apart of the eternal God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not....That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not....And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1-5,9,10,14.
Since God is eternal and God is the Word, that means God's Word is eternal too, meaning it is without beginning or an end, lasts forever, and always exists. God made everything, and what He did not make with His hands was made by the hands of others from the things that He made. Wood comes from trees, glass comes from sand, metal comes from rocks, gas comes from oil, plastic comes from oil, coal, and natural gas, everything that was made by man comes from things that God has made. Then God and the Word was made into flesh, who is also His only begotten Son, the word begotten means male offspring, Jesus was the only male offspring of God. Since God is His Word & Jesus is His flesh, that means He is one almighty God. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” - Revelation 1:8.
So, how was God able to come down to earth in the flesh and make Himself like a normal person and still be in heaven? God is omnipotent, meaning He is almighty and has infinite power. He is also omnipresent, meaning He can be everywhere at the same time. “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” -Revelation 19:6.
God must truly love us if He was willing to bring Himself down to heaven in the flesh, endure pain He had never known, and live a beggars life in order to be the sacrifice that would save all mankind? It is truly a miracle to have eternal life through Him. Jesus performed many miracles here on earth, the first one was when He turned water into wine at a wedding. “And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” - John 2:3-10.
The wine that Jesus made was not the alcoholic version that most people think it is, it was simply grape juice. How do I know? First, wine means, the juice, fermented or unfermented, of various other fruits or plants, used as a beverage, to ferment means to add things make it alcoholic. Jesus could not have made it alcoholic otherwise it would have gotten people drunk and that would have made people commit sin. Then He would have been committing sin and since Jesus had to remain sinless to save us He turned it into non-alcoholic grape juice. “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” - Romans 14:21.
Incidentally, Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding was a foreshadow of Jesus Himself, who is our bridegroom, those whom have received Him are His bride and when we drink of His wine we are blessed with eternal life. John the Baptist said, “He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.” - John 3:29. When we receive Christ into our lives we will be fulfilled with much joy as we are not only saved for a day, but for life eternal. “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 3:22,23. 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 This Devotion in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Today is Monday November 01, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of John, chapters 1-3. In these chapters we will read about, the Deity of Christ, John the Baptist, Jesus as the Lamb of God, Jesus turning water into wine, Jesus cleansing the Temple, Nicodemus, and being born again, all Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
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-november-1
Today's Message: Eternal Life
The book of John is the 43rd book of the Bible, the 4th book of the New Testament, and contains twenty-one chapters. The author of the book is John, a disciple of Jesus (not John the Baptist), and it was written to All believers, to whom John portrays Jesus as the Son of God. The purpose of the book was to show All that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and the only way to everlasting life. What we are to learn from the book is Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, who is God in the flesh, and the only source of salvation and everlasting life. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6.
The word eternal means without a beginning or an end, lasting forever, and always existing. Now, we can say that God without a beginning or an end, lasts forever, and always exists. The second a person calls upon Jesus Christ to save them, he receives eternal life, meaning, he lasts forever, and always exists. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:13.
All of creation, every character from the Bible, the Gospels, the Commandments, the Old and New Testaments are all apart of the eternal God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not....That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not....And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1-5,9,10,14.
Since God is eternal and God is the Word, that means God's Word is eternal too, meaning it is without beginning or an end, lasts forever, and always exists. God made everything, and what He did not make with His hands was made by the hands of others from the things that He made. Wood comes from trees, glass comes from sand, metal comes from rocks, gas comes from oil, plastic comes from oil, coal, and natural gas, everything that was made by man comes from things that God has made. Then God and the Word was made into flesh, who is also His only begotten Son, the word begotten means male offspring, Jesus was the only male offspring of God. Since God is His Word & Jesus is His flesh, that means He is one almighty God. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” - Revelation 1:8.
So, how was God able to come down to earth in the flesh and make Himself like a normal person and still be in heaven? God is omnipotent, meaning He is almighty and has infinite power. He is also omnipresent, meaning He can be everywhere at the same time. “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” -Revelation 19:6.
God must truly love us if He was willing to bring Himself down to heaven in the flesh, endure pain He had never known, and live a beggars life in order to be the sacrifice that would save all mankind? It is truly a miracle to have eternal life through Him. Jesus performed many miracles here on earth, the first one was when He turned water into wine at a wedding. “And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” - John 2:3-10.
The wine that Jesus made was not the alcoholic version that most people think it is, it was simply grape juice. How do I know? First, wine means, the juice, fermented or unfermented, of various other fruits or plants, used as a beverage, to ferment means to add things make it alcoholic. Jesus could not have made it alcoholic otherwise it would have gotten people drunk and that would have made people commit sin. Then He would have been committing sin and since Jesus had to remain sinless to save us He turned it into non-alcoholic grape juice. “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” - Romans 14:21.
Incidentally, Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding was a foreshadow of Jesus Himself, who is our bridegroom, those whom have received Him are His bride and when we drink of His wine we are blessed with eternal life. John the Baptist said, “He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.” - John 3:29. When we receive Christ into our lives we will be fulfilled with much joy as we are not only saved for a day, but for life eternal. “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 3:22,23. 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 This Devotion in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Monday, November 1, 2010
Bible Study: Paradise 10.31.10
I apologize for this getting sent out a day late and for any inconvenience this has caused.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Sunday October 31, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of Luke, chapters 23-24. In these chapters we will read about, Jesus standing before Pilate and Herod, the chief priests insisting that Jesus be crucified, the walk to Calvary, Jesus saves one of the men being crucified, Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus appears and teaches in the Temple, all Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version. 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-31
Today's Message: Paradise
As I was reading the chapters for today, this thought came to mind, I have an intolerance to processed food so I've been experimenting in cooking and baking with organic ingredients. I finally got the process right in baking and have been making some pretty decadent desserts. I said to someone, if this is as close as heaven is on earth, can you imagine how delicious the food up there will be. No matter how good something here on earth is, it can not even compare to what we will see in heaven. Imagine, no more pain, no more suffering, no more sin. Praise God! “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” - Revelation 21:3,4.
The time had come for the prophecies to be fulfilled, the sinless, Son of God, would now face ridicule, judgment, and death. As Jesus walked up to Calvary people followed, some believers, some wanted to be believers, and some just wanted to see Him die. “Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required....Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” - Luke 23:20-24, 32-34.
Through all the humiliation, pain, and anguish that Jesus was going through He said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Often, people truly think they are doing the right thing, but really have no idea that they are causing more harm than good. These people however, were out to cause harm, they wanted to eliminate the one person who could see right through them and was exposing them for the frauds that they were. Jesus had the power to destroy them, instead, He prayed for them and forgave them. “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.” -Proverbs 25:21,22.
The people continued to mock Him, they thought, if He is God than why is He hanging from that tree. There were two other men among Jesus being crucified that day, one joined the crowd, the other stood by Jesus. “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left....And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God....And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?...And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”- Luke 23:33,35,39,40,42,43.
At any time Jesus could have jumped off of that tree and perhaps they would have believed, but He chose to stay there. Why? It's all about the blood sacrifice. Jesus chose to remain on that cross to die for not only the sins that these people were committing, but the sins of all people yesterday, today, and forever. It was not enough to believe, it was believing in the sacrifice that He made for all. One of the men hanging next to Him knew this and was saved instantly, proving that it is not by works or baptism that get you to paradise, it is believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “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.
Jesus died on the cross, was taken down, and was buried in a tomb, they thought they prevailed, they thought they killed the man they despised. Jesus proved that not even death can prevail the Almighty God, three days later, just as prophesied, Jesus resurrected from the dead and began appearing all over town. “And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done....And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.” - Luke 24:15-21,30,31.
What a wonderful comfort and thought it is to know that Jesus gave His life for us so we can join Him in paradise. Have you trusted in Him? Then I will see you in paradise. Praise God! If you have not trusted in Him yet, the time is now, He saved the man next to Him on the cross just before He died, He can save you too, but you must call Him, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great and blessed 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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Hello My Friend/Guest,
Today is Sunday October 31, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of Luke, chapters 23-24. In these chapters we will read about, Jesus standing before Pilate and Herod, the chief priests insisting that Jesus be crucified, the walk to Calvary, Jesus saves one of the men being crucified, Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus appears and teaches in the Temple, all Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version. 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-31
Today's Message: Paradise
As I was reading the chapters for today, this thought came to mind, I have an intolerance to processed food so I've been experimenting in cooking and baking with organic ingredients. I finally got the process right in baking and have been making some pretty decadent desserts. I said to someone, if this is as close as heaven is on earth, can you imagine how delicious the food up there will be. No matter how good something here on earth is, it can not even compare to what we will see in heaven. Imagine, no more pain, no more suffering, no more sin. Praise God! “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” - Revelation 21:3,4.
The time had come for the prophecies to be fulfilled, the sinless, Son of God, would now face ridicule, judgment, and death. As Jesus walked up to Calvary people followed, some believers, some wanted to be believers, and some just wanted to see Him die. “Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required....Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” - Luke 23:20-24, 32-34.
Through all the humiliation, pain, and anguish that Jesus was going through He said, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Often, people truly think they are doing the right thing, but really have no idea that they are causing more harm than good. These people however, were out to cause harm, they wanted to eliminate the one person who could see right through them and was exposing them for the frauds that they were. Jesus had the power to destroy them, instead, He prayed for them and forgave them. “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.” -Proverbs 25:21,22.
The people continued to mock Him, they thought, if He is God than why is He hanging from that tree. There were two other men among Jesus being crucified that day, one joined the crowd, the other stood by Jesus. “And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left....And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God....And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?...And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”- Luke 23:33,35,39,40,42,43.
At any time Jesus could have jumped off of that tree and perhaps they would have believed, but He chose to stay there. Why? It's all about the blood sacrifice. Jesus chose to remain on that cross to die for not only the sins that these people were committing, but the sins of all people yesterday, today, and forever. It was not enough to believe, it was believing in the sacrifice that He made for all. One of the men hanging next to Him knew this and was saved instantly, proving that it is not by works or baptism that get you to paradise, it is believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “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.
Jesus died on the cross, was taken down, and was buried in a tomb, they thought they prevailed, they thought they killed the man they despised. Jesus proved that not even death can prevail the Almighty God, three days later, just as prophesied, Jesus resurrected from the dead and began appearing all over town. “And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done....And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.” - Luke 24:15-21,30,31.
What a wonderful comfort and thought it is to know that Jesus gave His life for us so we can join Him in paradise. Have you trusted in Him? Then I will see you in paradise. Praise God! If you have not trusted in Him yet, the time is now, He saved the man next to Him on the cross just before He died, He can save you too, but you must call Him, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13. Praise God!
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great and blessed 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 This Devotion in Your Email?
Subscribe By Sending A Blank Email With the Subject Subscribe to: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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