King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Comfort Through Sorrows
For: Friday December 25, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 6-8
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-25
Details of Today's Chapters: The seven seals, 144,000 Jews sealed, numberless multitudes thereafter sealed, four trumpets sounded, the great tribulation, and those who came out of the great tribulation.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Merry Christmas! Today we may be enjoying time with family, opening gifts, eating til our hearts content, and making wonderful or unforgettable memories. Perhaps some of us are celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He truly is the reason for the season, so, Happy Birthday Jesus, may we all take a little time today to thank You for being a part of our lives. More often than celebrating today, many are sad, depressed, angry, or bitter at God or someone else, perhaps even themselves, and are wasting away their sorrows in whatever they can find to comfort them. The Bible says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4.
There is no greater comfort than that of God, when life is not going the way you expect and it seems as though everyone is against you, God is with you. The amazing thing is that usually His comfort only comes through sorrow, that is after we have looked for it everywhere else. I will never forget the time I had one trial after another, so many that I would just sleep and dream about the life I would love to have, my comfort was in my dreams, I figured if I would dream it enough it would eventually happen. The truth is, as long as I was just laying there nothing I dreamt about would have ever had a chance to become a reality. It was through several trials that I realized it was God that I needed, in fact, the trials I was going through were God's hand upon me, correcting me. The Bible says, “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.” - Proverbs 29:17-19. How many times have you learned anything by having someone yell at you? I do not recall very often. How many times have you learned anything by punishment? Most of us learned a great deal. God does the same thing to us when we ignore His warnings and do what we want to do anyway, but when we repent He truly does give rest to our souls by removing all the guilt, shame, or whatever it is that keeps us sad, bitter, or angry.
One day Jesus will return and when He does, talk about a punishment, I am so glad that when that day does come I am heaven bound, whether I am resurrected from the dead or just taken away. Jesus revealed to John some amazing and frightful insight as to what is going to happen when He returns. John sees Jesus sitting upon a great throne surrounded by beasts, elders, and spirits. Jesus opens the Book of life, which contained several seals. “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;” - Revelation 5:6-9.
The Book of life contains every persons name who has been redeemed by the blood that was shed by Jesus Christ as He was slain for every sin. Those who are redeemed, that is only those whom have believed in and asked Jesus to save them, will escape the great tribulation that will take place when He returns. “Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” - Isaiah 51:11.
Since Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice it was fitting that He would be the one holding the Book, the judge of all, containing the seven seals that would release the ultimate destruction of the world. Jesus begins to open the seals, the seals denote events of a religious character, and contain the history of the church from the opening of the Christian era to the coming of Christ. “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” - Revelation 6:14-17.
There are seven groups of the unsaved mentioned hear, thus denoting all who are lost. There is no respect of persons with God, position, rank, title, and honor mean absolutely nothing to God, it will not bring salvation to any of them. When all heaven and the saints were interested in their salvation, they were not. When life was offered to them they were not interested, but now that they know they are going to reap what they have sown, they run to find safety, but can not find it. The wicked have rejected the call to stand for Christ, but now they are the ones who will cry, “Who shall be able to stand?” Those written in the Book of life will be able to stand. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:12,13.
Jesus announces who will be saved from the great tribulation, “And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel...After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb...And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 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 7:4,9,10,14-17.
God loves you and because He loves you expect to be chastised once in a while if you have gotten away from Him. If you have gotten away from Him it is time to reconnect with the joy and comfort that only He can bring. He does not want you to suffer, He wants you to grow and prosper, but first, He wants you to just humble yourself before Him and ask Him back into your life. He will not force Himself upon anyone, but willing receives all who call Him. “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” - Psalm 145:18,19.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Bible Study: Jesus is Knocking 12.24.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
For: Friday December 24, 2010
Message Title: Jesus is Knocking
Chapters: Revelation 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-24
Details of Today's Chapters: Dead churches, a pillar in the Temple of God, patient churches, lukewarm Christians, the seven Spirits of God, the Book of life, a new Jerusalem, and the Lamb.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Many churches boast on teaching the doctrine of the Bible, but they do not do anything to set an example for the church. As Christian's we not only represent the church we represent Christ as He is the Church. Jesus continues to speak to the seven churches of Asia. The Church in Sardis could boast that there were no false doctrines being taught, but something serious was going on, they stopped doing anything for God. “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” - Revelation 3:1-3.
This is an example of a church or person who teaches the Word of God, but does not follow what he teaches. If we preach the Word of God we must practice what we preach. I am a Sunday School teacher of kids 4-8 years of age, I must set an example for them to follow, if I do not do what I teach them then they will question why we even go to church and fall away from God before they reach high school. It is vital that we animate the word of God. “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone...For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:17,26.
The Church in Philadelphia probably seemed weak and insignificant as far as the world was concerned, their number was small and they had only a little strength within the church, but Jesus commended their little bit of strength. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name...Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth...Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” - Revelation 3:8,10,12.
All who remain faithful to Jesus no matter what they face, and this includes times when all we have is the strength to say "Help Me, Jesus" can find comfort and peace as they patiently await for things to come to pass. Jesus will come in the blink of an eye and all whom have put their faith and trust in Him will be saved from all the deceitfulness and wickedness that Satan is going to place upon the people of the world. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” - Hebrews 12:1.
The church of the Laodiceans prided themselves on their ability to compromise with the world. The majority of church members probably congratulated themselves on being moderate and broad-minded, but Jesus saw nothing commendable about what they were doing. “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:14-16.
Jesus much rather us not be devoted to Him at all then to try fit Him into our schedule. If we want things to change in our lives it is time to take a serious look at how we are living them. If we are in anyway compromising our relationship with Jesus in order to satisfy the world things will never change. We can not compromise with the world in order to fit in or live in peace with those who do, there is going to be conflicts between believers and non-believers. I commend those whom are believers and are married to or live with loved ones that are not, it takes a lot of strength to endure those kind of circumstances. However, unless things change you nor your family will get very far and you will never grow. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17.
Today, Jesus is still knocking on the doors of those whom have backslid, He is right there waiting for them to open the door. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” - Revelation 3:20,21.
Are you looking for Jesus? He is right there, waiting for you, He wants to help you with your burdens. He says, “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.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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For: Friday December 24, 2010
Message Title: Jesus is Knocking
Chapters: Revelation 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-24
Details of Today's Chapters: Dead churches, a pillar in the Temple of God, patient churches, lukewarm Christians, the seven Spirits of God, the Book of life, a new Jerusalem, and the Lamb.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Many churches boast on teaching the doctrine of the Bible, but they do not do anything to set an example for the church. As Christian's we not only represent the church we represent Christ as He is the Church. Jesus continues to speak to the seven churches of Asia. The Church in Sardis could boast that there were no false doctrines being taught, but something serious was going on, they stopped doing anything for God. “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” - Revelation 3:1-3.
This is an example of a church or person who teaches the Word of God, but does not follow what he teaches. If we preach the Word of God we must practice what we preach. I am a Sunday School teacher of kids 4-8 years of age, I must set an example for them to follow, if I do not do what I teach them then they will question why we even go to church and fall away from God before they reach high school. It is vital that we animate the word of God. “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone...For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:17,26.
The Church in Philadelphia probably seemed weak and insignificant as far as the world was concerned, their number was small and they had only a little strength within the church, but Jesus commended their little bit of strength. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name...Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth...Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” - Revelation 3:8,10,12.
All who remain faithful to Jesus no matter what they face, and this includes times when all we have is the strength to say "Help Me, Jesus" can find comfort and peace as they patiently await for things to come to pass. Jesus will come in the blink of an eye and all whom have put their faith and trust in Him will be saved from all the deceitfulness and wickedness that Satan is going to place upon the people of the world. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” - Hebrews 12:1.
The church of the Laodiceans prided themselves on their ability to compromise with the world. The majority of church members probably congratulated themselves on being moderate and broad-minded, but Jesus saw nothing commendable about what they were doing. “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:14-16.
Jesus much rather us not be devoted to Him at all then to try fit Him into our schedule. If we want things to change in our lives it is time to take a serious look at how we are living them. If we are in anyway compromising our relationship with Jesus in order to satisfy the world things will never change. We can not compromise with the world in order to fit in or live in peace with those who do, there is going to be conflicts between believers and non-believers. I commend those whom are believers and are married to or live with loved ones that are not, it takes a lot of strength to endure those kind of circumstances. However, unless things change you nor your family will get very far and you will never grow. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17.
Today, Jesus is still knocking on the doors of those whom have backslid, He is right there waiting for them to open the door. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” - Revelation 3:20,21.
Are you looking for Jesus? He is right there, waiting for you, He wants to help you with your burdens. He says, “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.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Bible Study: Assurance Through Jesus 12.23.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Assurance Through Jesus
For: Thursday December 23, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-23
Details of Today's Chapters: John greets the seven churches, he sees a vision of Jesus, Jesus has a message for the seven churches, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, Nicolaitanes, and Jezebel.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word revelation means the act of revealing or disclosing, disclosure, the Book of Revelation is God's disclosure of His own nature and His purpose for all mankind. The Book of Revelation is the twenty-seventh and final book of the New Testament, the sixty-sixth and final book of the Bible and contains twenty-two chapters. The author of the book is the Apostle John and it was written to seven churches in Asia and to all believers in general. The purpose of the book was to give encouragement and assurance to persecuted and troubled Christians. It is also a clear warning to unbelievers of the coming judgment of God on sin and unbelief. What we are to learn from the book is that God always does what He promises and has a great promise for all, who have received His Son. “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 21:4.
One Sunday morning as John was praying and Jesus showed up, literally, in a vision as clear as the day, Jesus asks him to write letters to seven churches in Asia. “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea...The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”- Revelation 1:10-12, 20. The number seven is used to represent completion, “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” - Genesis 2:2. Therefore, Christ uses seven churches to represent God's completion of His purpose for all mankind.
Thirty years earlier these churches were vibrant healthy churches that had received letters from Peter and Paul. There were other Churches too, but Jesus addresses these seven because they were the churches the apostles traveled to and visited when they were in those areas. He first starts with the church of Ephesus, “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” - Revelation 2:1-5.
Ephesus was the influential capital city of Asia Minor (now Turkey) on the Aegean Sea, the Apostle Paul spent a lot of time there, as well as Peter and Timothy, the Ephesians were doing well at serving God, they studied the Bible and taught the right doctrine so well that they could call out a false prophet, but somehow The Church lost the zeal they had for Jesus, thus having left its first love. We can as Christians get so busy doing the work of the Lord that we too lose the zeal for Jesus, the enthusiasm, liveliness, and desire to serve Him. When we get to that point we need to take a step back, remind ourselves that we are serving a great and living God, and He is the one we serve. “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” - Psalm 100:1-3.
Now, Jesus addressed the church of Smyrna, “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” - Revelation 2:8-10. Smyrna was located north of Ephesus in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. They were known as the persecuted church that suffered poverty and martyrdom. Jesus comforts them and assures them that they will be blessed and rewarded for their faithfulness. Jesus has the same message for every Christian who sticks it out and stand by Him through their tribulation. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.
Now, Jesus addresses the church in Pergamos, “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;..But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication...Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” - Revelation 2:12,14, 16. Pergamos is located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. It was considered a major city in Asia Minor since the 3rd century BC, and became a Greek and Roman hub for temple worship. They were known as the worldly church that mixed doctrines of Christ and Balaam (Numbers 22), now Jesus is warning them to repent before it is too late. This is a warning to all churches who worship idols, such as the virgin Mary, and allow immorality within the Church. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God, “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.” - Hebrews 4:12.
Now, Jesus addresses the church of Thyatira, “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not...And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ”-Revelation 2:18-21,23. Thyatira is located in western Asia Minor about 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. The ancient city was known for its textiles and dyeing trade, and is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar. They were known as the false church who allowed a seductive prophetess to come in bring idol worship and immorality into the Church. There are several churches that have been started by women, all of these churches face the same death. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10.
Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” - John 5:24. While we as Christians can not be certain which trials are before us, one thing we can be certain of is that we will not face the lake of fire, but bypass it all the way up to heaven. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: Assurance Through Jesus
For: Thursday December 23, 2010
Chapters: Revelation 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-23
Details of Today's Chapters: John greets the seven churches, he sees a vision of Jesus, Jesus has a message for the seven churches, seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, Nicolaitanes, and Jezebel.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word revelation means the act of revealing or disclosing, disclosure, the Book of Revelation is God's disclosure of His own nature and His purpose for all mankind. The Book of Revelation is the twenty-seventh and final book of the New Testament, the sixty-sixth and final book of the Bible and contains twenty-two chapters. The author of the book is the Apostle John and it was written to seven churches in Asia and to all believers in general. The purpose of the book was to give encouragement and assurance to persecuted and troubled Christians. It is also a clear warning to unbelievers of the coming judgment of God on sin and unbelief. What we are to learn from the book is that God always does what He promises and has a great promise for all, who have received His Son. “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 21:4.
One Sunday morning as John was praying and Jesus showed up, literally, in a vision as clear as the day, Jesus asks him to write letters to seven churches in Asia. “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea...The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”- Revelation 1:10-12, 20. The number seven is used to represent completion, “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” - Genesis 2:2. Therefore, Christ uses seven churches to represent God's completion of His purpose for all mankind.
Thirty years earlier these churches were vibrant healthy churches that had received letters from Peter and Paul. There were other Churches too, but Jesus addresses these seven because they were the churches the apostles traveled to and visited when they were in those areas. He first starts with the church of Ephesus, “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” - Revelation 2:1-5.
Ephesus was the influential capital city of Asia Minor (now Turkey) on the Aegean Sea, the Apostle Paul spent a lot of time there, as well as Peter and Timothy, the Ephesians were doing well at serving God, they studied the Bible and taught the right doctrine so well that they could call out a false prophet, but somehow The Church lost the zeal they had for Jesus, thus having left its first love. We can as Christians get so busy doing the work of the Lord that we too lose the zeal for Jesus, the enthusiasm, liveliness, and desire to serve Him. When we get to that point we need to take a step back, remind ourselves that we are serving a great and living God, and He is the one we serve. “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” - Psalm 100:1-3.
Now, Jesus addressed the church of Smyrna, “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” - Revelation 2:8-10. Smyrna was located north of Ephesus in a powerful trading position on the Aegean Sea known for its harbors, commerce, and marketplaces. They were known as the persecuted church that suffered poverty and martyrdom. Jesus comforts them and assures them that they will be blessed and rewarded for their faithfulness. Jesus has the same message for every Christian who sticks it out and stand by Him through their tribulation. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.
Now, Jesus addresses the church in Pergamos, “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;..But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication...Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” - Revelation 2:12,14, 16. Pergamos is located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus River in Western Turkey. It was considered a major city in Asia Minor since the 3rd century BC, and became a Greek and Roman hub for temple worship. They were known as the worldly church that mixed doctrines of Christ and Balaam (Numbers 22), now Jesus is warning them to repent before it is too late. This is a warning to all churches who worship idols, such as the virgin Mary, and allow immorality within the Church. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of God, “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.” - Hebrews 4:12.
Now, Jesus addresses the church of Thyatira, “And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not...And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ”-Revelation 2:18-21,23. Thyatira is located in western Asia Minor about 42 miles inland from the Aegean Sea. The ancient city was known for its textiles and dyeing trade, and is now known as the Turkish city of Akhisar. They were known as the false church who allowed a seductive prophetess to come in bring idol worship and immorality into the Church. There are several churches that have been started by women, all of these churches face the same death. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10.
Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” - John 5:24. While we as Christians can not be certain which trials are before us, one thing we can be certain of is that we will not face the lake of fire, but bypass it all the way up to heaven. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Bible Study: The True Elect 12.22.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The True Elect
For: Wednesday December 22, 2010
Chapters: The Books of 2,3 John and Jude
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-22
Details of Today's Chapters: II John, stand up for the truth, love and live in the truth, false teachers lead to evil ways and are not welcome. III John, work for the truth, walk in the truth, be hospitable to all, and have a good personal report. Jude, contend for the faith, warning against falling away from the truth, and and teach what believers should do to remain in the truth and faithful.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Truth, there is nothing like it in the world, the word truth is defined as the true or actual state of a matter, the actual existence. The Bible says, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies...The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” - Psalm 25:9,10,14. To be meek means to be humble, to realize that you just can not do everything on your own. We all have weaknesses, the strongest man alive has a weakness, but when he humbles himself before God has the strength to move mountains. Jesus said, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” - Mark 11:23.
A covenant is an agreement, a truth between you and God alone, no one can break that covenant, except you. When you humbly bowed your head and put your faith in Jesus Christ to save you from a burning hell you made a covenant with God. God's promise, eternal life and heaven, your promise is trusting in Him to fulfill His promise. While many people call themselves Christians, the truth is, only a majority of them are actually Christians. A Christian is someone who makes a covenant with God to allow Him to come into their lives, not just save them from hell, but to make a difference in their lives. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:20,21.
The Books of II John, III John, and Jude are the twenty-fourth, fifth, and sixth books of the New Testament and sixty-third, fourth, and fifth books of the Bible. The Book of II John was an epistle (letter) written by the Apostle John to the elect lady and her children. The purpose of this letter was to caution believers to be faithful to sound doctrine and to warn against false teachers. What we are to learn from the letter is that we must guard ourselves against false teachers who cause us to lose the spiritual qualities we have developed and who make us partakers of their evil. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” - II John 10,11. In his brief letter the Apostle John reminds Christians that they are the elect, the selected few that are chosen by God Himself to represent the church. “The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.” - II John 1-5.
The elect lady is the Church of Christ, the Church is always addressed in the feminine gender because she is called the bride of Christ. Her children are the men, women, and children who make up the body of the Church. While anyone can get saved, God chooses specific people to represent Him in the Christ. Why? To love one another. John is quoting what Jesus said while He was walking on earth in the flesh. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” - John 13:34. What Jesus means by this is to show brotherly kindness to all, by doing so it shows the world who true Christians are and that it is a wonderful thing to know the Lord. Praise God!
The Book of III John was also written by the Apostle John was addressed to a man named Gaius. It is written to both him and the church with which he was connected and cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent spirit, but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent character. The truths of the letter are applicable to all believers. The purpose of this letter was to commend Gaius and Demetrius for their Christian testimony and to reprove the unchristian behavior of Diotrephes. What we are to learn from the book is that our lives are examples of what others follow, whether it be good or evil. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” - III John 4. Whether we are Christian's or not we set an example for others, if we are doing things that are immoral and or malicious others will mimic us and do them also. It is important that we as the elect children remain moral and set a good example for others to mimic. “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” - III John 11.
The Book of Jude was written by Jude (the brother of James and another earthly brother of Jesus by Mary and Joseph) and it was written to all Christians, although the specific audience at the time were members of churches in Palestine and/or Asia. The purpose of the letter was to warn against false teachers and what we are to learn from the letter is that we must always be alert for false teachers who divert believers from the truth of God's Word. “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” - Jude 21. Jude expresses the importance of holding on to the truths of God's Word and being careful not to let people get around them who will corrupt their way of thinking. Jude addresses the issue of bringing false doctrine into the Church. “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.
Every time we start a new book I go to last years message that I wrote to get the book info from it, I happened to read through a message I wrote one day and saw something I quoted from another site I used when ever I got stuck trying to explain a verse. It was something that was completely opposite of what God teaches in His Word. That is when I discovered that that site was corrupting people, he knew just enough to make you think he knew what he was talking about, I hate to think of the numerous amount of people who believe that garbage, but pray they figure it out as I did. The only way I was able to even figure out that he was destroying God's Word was by continuing to read it for myself. God reveals everything a little at a time so we learn the truth. The only way to know the truth is to know Christ, “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.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: The True Elect
For: Wednesday December 22, 2010
Chapters: The Books of 2,3 John and Jude
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-22
Details of Today's Chapters: II John, stand up for the truth, love and live in the truth, false teachers lead to evil ways and are not welcome. III John, work for the truth, walk in the truth, be hospitable to all, and have a good personal report. Jude, contend for the faith, warning against falling away from the truth, and and teach what believers should do to remain in the truth and faithful.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
Truth, there is nothing like it in the world, the word truth is defined as the true or actual state of a matter, the actual existence. The Bible says, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies...The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” - Psalm 25:9,10,14. To be meek means to be humble, to realize that you just can not do everything on your own. We all have weaknesses, the strongest man alive has a weakness, but when he humbles himself before God has the strength to move mountains. Jesus said, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” - Mark 11:23.
A covenant is an agreement, a truth between you and God alone, no one can break that covenant, except you. When you humbly bowed your head and put your faith in Jesus Christ to save you from a burning hell you made a covenant with God. God's promise, eternal life and heaven, your promise is trusting in Him to fulfill His promise. While many people call themselves Christians, the truth is, only a majority of them are actually Christians. A Christian is someone who makes a covenant with God to allow Him to come into their lives, not just save them from hell, but to make a difference in their lives. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:20,21.
The Books of II John, III John, and Jude are the twenty-fourth, fifth, and sixth books of the New Testament and sixty-third, fourth, and fifth books of the Bible. The Book of II John was an epistle (letter) written by the Apostle John to the elect lady and her children. The purpose of this letter was to caution believers to be faithful to sound doctrine and to warn against false teachers. What we are to learn from the letter is that we must guard ourselves against false teachers who cause us to lose the spiritual qualities we have developed and who make us partakers of their evil. “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” - II John 10,11. In his brief letter the Apostle John reminds Christians that they are the elect, the selected few that are chosen by God Himself to represent the church. “The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.” - II John 1-5.
The elect lady is the Church of Christ, the Church is always addressed in the feminine gender because she is called the bride of Christ. Her children are the men, women, and children who make up the body of the Church. While anyone can get saved, God chooses specific people to represent Him in the Christ. Why? To love one another. John is quoting what Jesus said while He was walking on earth in the flesh. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” - John 13:34. What Jesus means by this is to show brotherly kindness to all, by doing so it shows the world who true Christians are and that it is a wonderful thing to know the Lord. Praise God!
The Book of III John was also written by the Apostle John was addressed to a man named Gaius. It is written to both him and the church with which he was connected and cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent spirit, but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent character. The truths of the letter are applicable to all believers. The purpose of this letter was to commend Gaius and Demetrius for their Christian testimony and to reprove the unchristian behavior of Diotrephes. What we are to learn from the book is that our lives are examples of what others follow, whether it be good or evil. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” - III John 4. Whether we are Christian's or not we set an example for others, if we are doing things that are immoral and or malicious others will mimic us and do them also. It is important that we as the elect children remain moral and set a good example for others to mimic. “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” - III John 11.
The Book of Jude was written by Jude (the brother of James and another earthly brother of Jesus by Mary and Joseph) and it was written to all Christians, although the specific audience at the time were members of churches in Palestine and/or Asia. The purpose of the letter was to warn against false teachers and what we are to learn from the letter is that we must always be alert for false teachers who divert believers from the truth of God's Word. “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” - Jude 21. Jude expresses the importance of holding on to the truths of God's Word and being careful not to let people get around them who will corrupt their way of thinking. Jude addresses the issue of bringing false doctrine into the Church. “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.
Every time we start a new book I go to last years message that I wrote to get the book info from it, I happened to read through a message I wrote one day and saw something I quoted from another site I used when ever I got stuck trying to explain a verse. It was something that was completely opposite of what God teaches in His Word. That is when I discovered that that site was corrupting people, he knew just enough to make you think he knew what he was talking about, I hate to think of the numerous amount of people who believe that garbage, but pray they figure it out as I did. The only way I was able to even figure out that he was destroying God's Word was by continuing to read it for myself. God reveals everything a little at a time so we learn the truth. The only way to know the truth is to know Christ, “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.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Bible Study: “LET THERE BE LIFE!” 12.20.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: “LET THERE BE LIFE!”
For: Monday December 20, 2010
Chapters: I John 1-3
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-20
Details of Today's Chapters: Christ is the Word of Life, Christ is the light of every Christian, without Christ we walk in darkness, He is faithful and just to forgive all, the Word of God abides in all believers, and Christ came to destroy the works of the devil.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of I John is the twenty-third book of the New Testament, sixty-second book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is John (the same John who wrote the Gospel of John as well as Revelation) and it was written to Christians who were falling into satanic deception which was breaking their fellowship with God and other believers. The purpose of this letter was to remind believers how they might know they have eternal life and that true fellowship with Christ is the evidence of a joyful life . What we are to learn from the letter is that the born again believer does not sin habitually, though he may not be perfect he does not continually live in sin, which is evident in true fellowship with Christ and maintained by the principle of confession of sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9.
It is amazing to think that God's voice is so powerful that He say “LET THERE BE LIGHT!” and it instantly appear. How sad it must be for people who can not grasp the fact that the world did not just form from some speck. The Bible says, “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.” - John 1:1-3. There is not one thing on this earth that has not been made from something that God has made, everything from rubber to plastic to metal to gasoline is made from things that God has made. God is life and the only way we will truly enjoy life is to have His life in us. Until we know Christ all we do is live by sight, we long for the things that the world thinks we can not live without. Can I tell you that the world has nothing to offer, but corruption, lies, deception, and immorality, which destroys a life, not better it.
If we truly want an enjoyable life, we need to fellowship with Christ. The Apostle John reassures Christian's that when they accepted Christ as their Savior they have fellowship with Christ, who is the light. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;..That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ...This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 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 1:1,35-7.
Just as powerful as that voice can say “LET THERE BE LIGHT!” and it instantly appear the instant we say to Jesus, I believe I am a sinner, I believe in You and the Gospel (His death, burial, and resurrection), I ask You to save me, and I am depending on You for my salvation God instantly says, “LET THERE BE LIFE!” “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth...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 10:4,9,10.
The majority of people who reject Christ are the ones who want to live that corruptible and immoral life without feeling guilty about it. I had a man tell me once, I know Jesus, but I have a lot of partying to do before I give it all up for Him. See, the mentality is this, “If I have Christ in my life I will not enjoy my life.” The truth is there is no joy in worldly living. Oh, one might think they are having fun for a little while, but get rid of the beer, the pot, the lovers, the superficial friends, and what is left? A sad, wasted life, with nothing to show for it. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” - I John 2:15-20.
The word unction means an act of anointing, something soothing or comforting, the shedding of a divine or spiritual influence upon a person. Those who truly walk in the light receive an anointing from God, that anointing enables us to eliminate the corruptible things and replace them with godly things, which are evident to the eye.“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” - I John 2:27. Once in a while I will run into someone I know that use to know me before I walked with Christ and the first question they ask is, “What happened to you?” My response, “Christ happened to me.” Christ changes us for the better and I am proof of that. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” - Romans 5:1-5.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and an awesome week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: “LET THERE BE LIFE!”
For: Monday December 20, 2010
Chapters: I John 1-3
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-20
Details of Today's Chapters: Christ is the Word of Life, Christ is the light of every Christian, without Christ we walk in darkness, He is faithful and just to forgive all, the Word of God abides in all believers, and Christ came to destroy the works of the devil.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of I John is the twenty-third book of the New Testament, sixty-second book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is John (the same John who wrote the Gospel of John as well as Revelation) and it was written to Christians who were falling into satanic deception which was breaking their fellowship with God and other believers. The purpose of this letter was to remind believers how they might know they have eternal life and that true fellowship with Christ is the evidence of a joyful life . What we are to learn from the letter is that the born again believer does not sin habitually, though he may not be perfect he does not continually live in sin, which is evident in true fellowship with Christ and maintained by the principle of confession of sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9.
It is amazing to think that God's voice is so powerful that He say “LET THERE BE LIGHT!” and it instantly appear. How sad it must be for people who can not grasp the fact that the world did not just form from some speck. The Bible says, “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.” - John 1:1-3. There is not one thing on this earth that has not been made from something that God has made, everything from rubber to plastic to metal to gasoline is made from things that God has made. God is life and the only way we will truly enjoy life is to have His life in us. Until we know Christ all we do is live by sight, we long for the things that the world thinks we can not live without. Can I tell you that the world has nothing to offer, but corruption, lies, deception, and immorality, which destroys a life, not better it.
If we truly want an enjoyable life, we need to fellowship with Christ. The Apostle John reassures Christian's that when they accepted Christ as their Savior they have fellowship with Christ, who is the light. “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;..That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ...This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 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 1:1,35-7.
Just as powerful as that voice can say “LET THERE BE LIGHT!” and it instantly appear the instant we say to Jesus, I believe I am a sinner, I believe in You and the Gospel (His death, burial, and resurrection), I ask You to save me, and I am depending on You for my salvation God instantly says, “LET THERE BE LIFE!” “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth...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 10:4,9,10.
The majority of people who reject Christ are the ones who want to live that corruptible and immoral life without feeling guilty about it. I had a man tell me once, I know Jesus, but I have a lot of partying to do before I give it all up for Him. See, the mentality is this, “If I have Christ in my life I will not enjoy my life.” The truth is there is no joy in worldly living. Oh, one might think they are having fun for a little while, but get rid of the beer, the pot, the lovers, the superficial friends, and what is left? A sad, wasted life, with nothing to show for it. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.” - I John 2:15-20.
The word unction means an act of anointing, something soothing or comforting, the shedding of a divine or spiritual influence upon a person. Those who truly walk in the light receive an anointing from God, that anointing enables us to eliminate the corruptible things and replace them with godly things, which are evident to the eye.“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” - I John 2:27. Once in a while I will run into someone I know that use to know me before I walked with Christ and the first question they ask is, “What happened to you?” My response, “Christ happened to me.” Christ changes us for the better and I am proof of that. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” - Romans 5:1-5.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and an awesome week.
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Sunday, December 19, 2010
Bible Study: God's Provisionsc12.19.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: God's Provisions
For: Sunday December 19, 2010
Chapters: The Book of II Peter
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-19
Details of Today's Chapters: God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, therefore, if a Christian wants to receive God's promises he must walk in the Spirit of God and not the flesh. Walking in the flesh only leads to destruction and suffering, but God gives all the opportunity to repent.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of II Peter is the twenty-second book of the New Testament, the sixty-first book of the Bible, and contains three chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Peter and it was written to the Christian exiles. The purpose of the letter was to warn them of the dangers from within the church, their apostasy and false teaching. What we are to learn from the book too is that the greatest dangers from within the church are apostasy and false teaching. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” - II Peter 2:1
The word apostasy or heresy is defined as total rejection of Christianity by a person who, having at one time professed the Christian faith. There is only one thing that causes apostasy and that is living in the flesh. The Bible says, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” - Galatians 5:19-21.
As Christian's we are prone to think that all Christian's have the same beliefs, sadly we do not. Now, I am not talking about different culture, I am talking about their view on Jesus Christ and who He truly is. Good people are being deceived all over the world by men and their false teaching, claiming that they got their instructions from God. In this letter, the Apostle Peter addresses this situation and the people who have been deceiving them. First, Peter encourages those who have escaped the lies and now know the truth, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - II Peter 1:3-8.
God has made full provision for every Christian to live a victorious Christian life. The Holy Spirit enables us to endure temptation, suffering, failure, sin, and even success or pride as we stay in the Bible and learn more through obedience to His Word. “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.” - Isaiah 25:8.
However, when people take advantage of God's good graces and want to twist His rules and Word to suit their flesh that is when He gets angry. Peter has a warning to the ones who have been teaching false doctrine in His name. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;..The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - II Peter 2:4-6,9. If God will not spare the angles that have sinned and will cast them into hell He certainly will not hesitate to cast false prophets and teachers down there with them. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10.
These false prophets and teachers within the church somehow had the people questioning whether or not Christ was even coming. However, Peter assures them that there are many more to be saved yet before He returns. “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up...Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” - II Peter 3:8-10,13.
God is a patient God, so patient that He is willing to wait years for a person to come around and repent. The word longsuffering means long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation, that is why He sees a thousand years as one, it is our injury, trouble, or provoking that He waits patiently for. He does not want to cast anyone into hell, but He will if they continue to reject Him and deceive others. Therefore, we are to walk in the spirit, not the flesh, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” - Galatians 5:22-26.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: God's Provisions
For: Sunday December 19, 2010
Chapters: The Book of II Peter
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-19
Details of Today's Chapters: God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, therefore, if a Christian wants to receive God's promises he must walk in the Spirit of God and not the flesh. Walking in the flesh only leads to destruction and suffering, but God gives all the opportunity to repent.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The Book of II Peter is the twenty-second book of the New Testament, the sixty-first book of the Bible, and contains three chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Peter and it was written to the Christian exiles. The purpose of the letter was to warn them of the dangers from within the church, their apostasy and false teaching. What we are to learn from the book too is that the greatest dangers from within the church are apostasy and false teaching. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” - II Peter 2:1
The word apostasy or heresy is defined as total rejection of Christianity by a person who, having at one time professed the Christian faith. There is only one thing that causes apostasy and that is living in the flesh. The Bible says, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” - Galatians 5:19-21.
As Christian's we are prone to think that all Christian's have the same beliefs, sadly we do not. Now, I am not talking about different culture, I am talking about their view on Jesus Christ and who He truly is. Good people are being deceived all over the world by men and their false teaching, claiming that they got their instructions from God. In this letter, the Apostle Peter addresses this situation and the people who have been deceiving them. First, Peter encourages those who have escaped the lies and now know the truth, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - II Peter 1:3-8.
God has made full provision for every Christian to live a victorious Christian life. The Holy Spirit enables us to endure temptation, suffering, failure, sin, and even success or pride as we stay in the Bible and learn more through obedience to His Word. “He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.” - Isaiah 25:8.
However, when people take advantage of God's good graces and want to twist His rules and Word to suit their flesh that is when He gets angry. Peter has a warning to the ones who have been teaching false doctrine in His name. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;..The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - II Peter 2:4-6,9. If God will not spare the angles that have sinned and will cast them into hell He certainly will not hesitate to cast false prophets and teachers down there with them. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” - Revelation 20:10.
These false prophets and teachers within the church somehow had the people questioning whether or not Christ was even coming. However, Peter assures them that there are many more to be saved yet before He returns. “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up...Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” - II Peter 3:8-10,13.
God is a patient God, so patient that He is willing to wait years for a person to come around and repent. The word longsuffering means long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation, that is why He sees a thousand years as one, it is our injury, trouble, or provoking that He waits patiently for. He does not want to cast anyone into hell, but He will if they continue to reject Him and deceive others. Therefore, we are to walk in the spirit, not the flesh, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” - Galatians 5:22-26.
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Bible Study: Seasoned To Perfection 12.18.10
King James Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Seasoned To Perfection
For: Saturday December 18, 2010
Chapters: I Peter 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-18
Details of Today's Chapters: Husbands and wives in subjection, modesty, suffering for righteousness, Christ suffered once for all, living according to God in the Spirit, giving glory to God through suffering, the flock of God, and perfection through suffering.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word season is defined as a time to prepare, mature, or discipline. Everything has a season, for instance, we have four seasons, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Every season is important because it allows certain vegetation to grow so that we as humans or animals are able to survive through the different types of weather. I live in Florida and it has actually been pretty cold here for the past couple of weeks, even some freezing temps at night. I laugh when I see everyone covering up their plants in fear that they will be destroyed. Can I tell you that God knows what He is doing. While some of those plants may wither and look dead, come spring new life grows from them and they become even stronger and bigger as long as someone takes the time to remove the dead leaves so they are able to grow, the same is true for us as well. The Bible says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalm 1:1-3.
To meditate means to dwell in God's Word day and night, this does not mean that you have to sit and read the Bible 24/7, but it does mean that you keep God's Word with you throughout the day and night. God's Word is the seasoning we need, it prepares us, matures us, and perfects us to live in His will, the result prosperity. Peter encourages Christians, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” - I Peter 3:8-12.
God blesses us the more we live in His will, little by little we are being seasoned to His perfection. God sees and knows all that we do, He sees beyond the surface into the heart, He knows who are truly His and who are just going through the motions in hopes to be saved from hell. The motions do not save us, believing in and asking Christ to save us is what saves us. “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.” - I Peter 4:1-5.
Christ suffered the cross, the humiliation, the pain, the lashings, the mocking, and death for all. You can be sure that if a person simply got saved in vain God will cause that person to suffer here on earth before He takes them to heaven. No one is perfect, we unknowingly sin every day, but when we humble ourselves before God He will bless us for our effort. His grace is sufficient enough to season us to perfection. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - I Peter 5:6-10.
All of life has seasons, the Bible says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:..A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;..A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;..A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1,4,6,8. Everything that we go through in life, from the joys to the sorrows to the pains to the healings to the peace we receive after is used to season us to His perfection. The more we endure through our faith in Him the more we are prepared to handle the next season, the more we are prepared the more blessed we will prosper simply by living in His will. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not...From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” - Galatians 6:9,17. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Message Title: Seasoned To Perfection
For: Saturday December 18, 2010
Chapters: I Peter 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-december-18
Details of Today's Chapters: Husbands and wives in subjection, modesty, suffering for righteousness, Christ suffered once for all, living according to God in the Spirit, giving glory to God through suffering, the flock of God, and perfection through suffering.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word season is defined as a time to prepare, mature, or discipline. Everything has a season, for instance, we have four seasons, spring, summer, fall, and winter. Every season is important because it allows certain vegetation to grow so that we as humans or animals are able to survive through the different types of weather. I live in Florida and it has actually been pretty cold here for the past couple of weeks, even some freezing temps at night. I laugh when I see everyone covering up their plants in fear that they will be destroyed. Can I tell you that God knows what He is doing. While some of those plants may wither and look dead, come spring new life grows from them and they become even stronger and bigger as long as someone takes the time to remove the dead leaves so they are able to grow, the same is true for us as well. The Bible says, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalm 1:1-3.
To meditate means to dwell in God's Word day and night, this does not mean that you have to sit and read the Bible 24/7, but it does mean that you keep God's Word with you throughout the day and night. God's Word is the seasoning we need, it prepares us, matures us, and perfects us to live in His will, the result prosperity. Peter encourages Christians, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” - I Peter 3:8-12.
God blesses us the more we live in His will, little by little we are being seasoned to His perfection. God sees and knows all that we do, He sees beyond the surface into the heart, He knows who are truly His and who are just going through the motions in hopes to be saved from hell. The motions do not save us, believing in and asking Christ to save us is what saves us. “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.” - I Peter 4:1-5.
Christ suffered the cross, the humiliation, the pain, the lashings, the mocking, and death for all. You can be sure that if a person simply got saved in vain God will cause that person to suffer here on earth before He takes them to heaven. No one is perfect, we unknowingly sin every day, but when we humble ourselves before God He will bless us for our effort. His grace is sufficient enough to season us to perfection. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - I Peter 5:6-10.
All of life has seasons, the Bible says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:..A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;..A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;..A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1,4,6,8. Everything that we go through in life, from the joys to the sorrows to the pains to the healings to the peace we receive after is used to season us to His perfection. The more we endure through our faith in Him the more we are prepared to handle the next season, the more we are prepared the more blessed we will prosper simply by living in His will. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not...From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” - Galatians 6:9,17. Praise God!
Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend
Merry Christmas, Praise God, Jesus is the reason for the season.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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