King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Judgment Day
Date: Friday December 30,2011
Chapters: Revelation 19-20
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“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. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation...Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” -John 5:24-29,39,40.
Judgment Day is defined as the last day, the end of time, this is incorrect, Judgment Day is the day that Jesus will judge all mankind, but it is by far the end of time. The truth is, whether you know Christ or not your soul will spend eternity somewhere, if you know Christ that would be eternal life with God, if you do not know Christ that would be eternal damnation with Satan. There will be many that say they know Jesus, but it is not a matter of knowing who Jesus is, it is a matter of knowing Him personally, unless a person knows Him personally they will receive eternal damnation.
God's judgment is always just, meaning it is righteous, honest, and true, God is no respecter of persons, He judges everyone the same. Someone pointed out to me that there were 613 laws that the Jews were to live by in order to be justified. Can I tell you that there are probably hundreds of laws that we are to live by, laws that by common sense should not apply, but they are necessary because of the one person that did not use common sense. Through John Jesus reveals what will take place the day He returns to judge all mankind.
“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” - Revelation 19:1-6.
The word Alleluia is an Hebrew word, meaning "Praise ye the Lord". During this, time, known as the millennium, Jews will acknowledge Christ as the Messiah, all believing Jews and Gentiles will become one church state, and will worship and praise the Lord together. Saying "Alleluia" is an acknowledgment that we are really thanking Him, praising Him, and are satisfied with His arrangements, for the word is a call upon the saints to join together in solemn praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for His righteous judgments on His and His church's enemies. “Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” - II Corinthians 4:14,15.
Christ, the glorious Head of the church, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, returns on a white horse, ready to place judgment upon all. “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” - Revelation 19:11-16.
Christ, clothed in a robe, dipped in blood, His name is "The Word of God", Christ is the Word of God made flesh. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:1,14. He will not draw a sword or lift a hand, He will simply speak the Word of God and it will shoot out of His mouth like a sharp word, piercing right through the beast, Satan, and every false prophet, deceiver, and follower of the beast. “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” - Revelation 19:19,20.
Satan too will be judged and cast into the lake of fire, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season...And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured 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 20:1-3,9,10.
Then it will be our turn, every human being will be resurrected out of the grave, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:12-15.
The dead will be judged according to their works, meaning those who have not received Christ before their first death will be judged and sentenced immediately to a second death, a death far worse than the death of the body, eternal death in the lake of fire. Before we receive Christ we are dead spiritually, meaning although we are a creation of God we do not have His Spirit in us. Those who receive Christ receive the Spirit of God in them. “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...And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” - I John 5:12,13,20.
Those who have received Christ will be justified, acquitted of their second death sentence and will receive their reward of immortality in Christ's Kingdom. There is only one way to be justified and that is by believing in and accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
God,
You warn us that Your final judgment upon all mankind will come quickly, every tribe and nation will bow upon hearing Your Son. Every tongue will confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. We, as the redeemed, look forward to that glorious day when all of creation acknowledges You as Lord. But our hearts cry out to family members and other loved ones who, having denied Your power in this life, will be forced to acknowledge You as Lord on that final day. Renew our passion for reaching those in our generation with the Word of Life, so that they will joyfully proclaim Jesus is Lord in this life as well as the next. Open their hearts to receive Your Son as You opened ours. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Who Is A Liar?
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Who Is A Liar?
Date: Thursday December 29, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 17-18
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“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 have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” - 1 John 2:15-22.
The antichrist is a false Christ like figure who will come to reign over the world before Christ returns. Believe it or not, we do have antichrists walking around right now, preachers, teachers, churches, and religions are all over the world pretending that they know Christ, but deceiving many with worldly temptations, talks of world peace, and an end to all suffering. While many want to ignore the truth, we are closer than ever to Christ returning, we who know the truth must separate ourselves from people, churches, and religions that do not teach the truth. Antichrists are deceiving many, even those who have been saved, their lies are sending people straight to hell. Jesus said, “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect...Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only...Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” - Matthew 24:23,24,35,36,44.
Rome is one of the most religious countries in the world, proclaiming that Roman Catholics represent Christianity, they even have commercials promoting Catholicism as the true religion of God. The Roman Catholic church is one of the most deceitful religions there is, full of idolatry and the worship of the virgin Mary, among other things. How do I know? I was one. They know just enough Scripture to proclaim the Gospel, but distort it with these ridiculous laws and acts that God would not even come up with. The Roman Catholic church as well as every other church that distorts the Gospel or denies Christ as God will face judgment. Jesus shows John what will happen to these churches during the final stages of the tribulation.
“And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” - Revelation 17:1-5.
The scarlet colored beast represents the close alliance that exists between the world government and Babylon (Rome), who pretends to be the true Church. BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS illustrates the God-defying forces in politics and religion that will soon control the world. This apostate federation of churches and world religions will give full support to the one-world political and economic system which will be ruled by the Antichrist. Eventually, this false super church will fiercely oppose the true Christ, making himself as Christ. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” - II Corinthians 11:13,14.
Once the Antichrist has made a mess of things, the true Christ will return to claim His throne, “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful...For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” - Revelation 17:12-14,17.
Christ is the King of kings, the Lord of lords and has supreme dominion and power over all things, all the powers of earth and hell are subject to His control. His followers are called to this warfare, are fitted for it, and will be faithful in it. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” -John 15:16.
When Christ returns in His glory, vengeance is His and on every person who caused His people to be deceived by them. “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” - Revelation 18:1-6.
God's people shall be called out of Babylon while those that partake with wicked men in their sins, must receive of their plagues. As we consider these events which will surely come to pass, we need to set our hearts and minds on the things above, knowing that the Lord is able to sustain all who put their trust in Him. It's pretty scary to read these chapters and realize just how much this book is becoming a reality. However, we can be at peace knowing that in the midst of it all Jesus is with us and All who accept Him into their lives will be saved from all this destruction. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13.
We who know the truth must be ready, prepared, and on constant guard of those who are out to deceive those who do not know or are weak in the truth. Do you know how many people I have talked to in the past month that I have walked the plan of salvation with only to have them respond, “Faith without works is dead, unless we do the work of the law, we will not be saved.”? They twist the Gospel, twist God's Word, and twist your word, trying to place doubt in your mind and if we are not constantly living in God's Word, we who are strong will start believing these antichrists and will fall for it. Thank God for the Holy Spirit enabling us to know the truth, He is our only witness. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - 1 John 5:10-12.
Today's Prayer:
God,
Thank You for sending Your Son to save me, He is the only truth, the only life, and the only way to be saved, not by works shall any man boast, but by faith I am saved from death and hell. How You entrusted me to know that is beyond me, but I am grateful, thankful, and blessed to be one of Your children. Only by my faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Your Son am I saved. It is Your gift to me for believing in and trusting that Christ paid my sin debt for me, He purchased my life with His shed blood. God, keep me strong in Your Word, lead me and guide me in Your truths, and let me not fall into the deception of those who are out to put confusion and doubt in my mind. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Who Is A Liar?
Date: Thursday December 29, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 17-18
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“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 have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” - 1 John 2:15-22.
The antichrist is a false Christ like figure who will come to reign over the world before Christ returns. Believe it or not, we do have antichrists walking around right now, preachers, teachers, churches, and religions are all over the world pretending that they know Christ, but deceiving many with worldly temptations, talks of world peace, and an end to all suffering. While many want to ignore the truth, we are closer than ever to Christ returning, we who know the truth must separate ourselves from people, churches, and religions that do not teach the truth. Antichrists are deceiving many, even those who have been saved, their lies are sending people straight to hell. Jesus said, “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect...Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only...Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” - Matthew 24:23,24,35,36,44.
Rome is one of the most religious countries in the world, proclaiming that Roman Catholics represent Christianity, they even have commercials promoting Catholicism as the true religion of God. The Roman Catholic church is one of the most deceitful religions there is, full of idolatry and the worship of the virgin Mary, among other things. How do I know? I was one. They know just enough Scripture to proclaim the Gospel, but distort it with these ridiculous laws and acts that God would not even come up with. The Roman Catholic church as well as every other church that distorts the Gospel or denies Christ as God will face judgment. Jesus shows John what will happen to these churches during the final stages of the tribulation.
“And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” - Revelation 17:1-5.
The scarlet colored beast represents the close alliance that exists between the world government and Babylon (Rome), who pretends to be the true Church. BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS illustrates the God-defying forces in politics and religion that will soon control the world. This apostate federation of churches and world religions will give full support to the one-world political and economic system which will be ruled by the Antichrist. Eventually, this false super church will fiercely oppose the true Christ, making himself as Christ. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” - II Corinthians 11:13,14.
Once the Antichrist has made a mess of things, the true Christ will return to claim His throne, “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful...For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” - Revelation 17:12-14,17.
Christ is the King of kings, the Lord of lords and has supreme dominion and power over all things, all the powers of earth and hell are subject to His control. His followers are called to this warfare, are fitted for it, and will be faithful in it. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” -John 15:16.
When Christ returns in His glory, vengeance is His and on every person who caused His people to be deceived by them. “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” - Revelation 18:1-6.
God's people shall be called out of Babylon while those that partake with wicked men in their sins, must receive of their plagues. As we consider these events which will surely come to pass, we need to set our hearts and minds on the things above, knowing that the Lord is able to sustain all who put their trust in Him. It's pretty scary to read these chapters and realize just how much this book is becoming a reality. However, we can be at peace knowing that in the midst of it all Jesus is with us and All who accept Him into their lives will be saved from all this destruction. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13.
We who know the truth must be ready, prepared, and on constant guard of those who are out to deceive those who do not know or are weak in the truth. Do you know how many people I have talked to in the past month that I have walked the plan of salvation with only to have them respond, “Faith without works is dead, unless we do the work of the law, we will not be saved.”? They twist the Gospel, twist God's Word, and twist your word, trying to place doubt in your mind and if we are not constantly living in God's Word, we who are strong will start believing these antichrists and will fall for it. Thank God for the Holy Spirit enabling us to know the truth, He is our only witness. “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - 1 John 5:10-12.
Today's Prayer:
God,
Thank You for sending Your Son to save me, He is the only truth, the only life, and the only way to be saved, not by works shall any man boast, but by faith I am saved from death and hell. How You entrusted me to know that is beyond me, but I am grateful, thankful, and blessed to be one of Your children. Only by my faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Your Son am I saved. It is Your gift to me for believing in and trusting that Christ paid my sin debt for me, He purchased my life with His shed blood. God, keep me strong in Your Word, lead me and guide me in Your truths, and let me not fall into the deception of those who are out to put confusion and doubt in my mind. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Be Strong In The Lord
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Be Strong In The Lord
Date: Tuesday December 27, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 12-13
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” -Ephesians 6:10-17.
There is a battle going on, a battle like no other, a spiritual battle, much stronger and more destructive than any battle we will ever fight with the flesh. It is a battle that will never end until the day Christ returns and takes His throne as the King of kings. The closer we get to that day the bigger that battle will become, and like we learned yesterday, death is no escape, no one, not even Satan himself will escape Judgment Day, except those who have put on the whole armor of God. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God...And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” - 1 John 5:13,20.
As John has been given visions that foretell what will happen before, during, and after Christ returns, he is taken back to a time well before God even created the earth. A time when there was actually a war in heaven. “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” - Revelation 12:1-5,7-11.
The early prophecy fulfilled in which God said He would put enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15) is foretold here well before God created the heavens and earth. The woman about to give birth represents the Church, those who overcame Satan by applying the blood of the Lamb upon them. The attempts of Satan and his recruits to prevent the offspring of Israel and Jesus Himself from coming were and always will be unsuccessful. He can destroy as much as he wants, he can deceive as much as he wants, he can even bring death to the body, but what he cannot do is take away one soul that has been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” -1 Corinthians 6:20.
Satan knows his fate and because he knows his fate he is going to try everything to prolong his life and take as many people with him as possible until Christ returns. Since he has not idea when that will happen either he is going to do his best and will succeed in not only deceiving those who have not received Christ, but those who have as well. How is he going to deceive them? By passing himself off as Jesus, known as the antichrist, I guess you can say that antichrist is the off spring of Satan.
“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” -Revelation 13:13-18.
Satan is determined to try and destroy everything that Christ stands for, but in the end the King of kings, Lord of lords is the one who will prevail. Christ prevailed when He died on the cross and arose three days later, those who ask Jesus to save them are a part of the church of Christ. Those who are saved are not written out of the book of life! “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” -Revelation 3:5.
I remember growing up the horror stories I heard about the number 666, anyone seeing that number would freak out. We should be concerned, there are literally people out there working for the antichrist, these are false preachers, teachers, layman, working for this beast. They look good, sound as if they know what they are talking about, and have people eating right out of their hands. They are literally sending millions of people to hell through their deception. Their motive in none other than to do the dirty work for the antichrist, no, Obama is not the antichrist, but there are many today working for the antichrist. “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” - 1 John 4:3.
While we cannot know the hour that the antichrist will be here nor when Christ will come to save all who truly believe in Him, we can be prepared, we can know the difference, we can be ready and armed to handle those who come and try to deceive us. Only those who have put on the full armor of God can be strong enough to distinguish the truth from the lies. Those are salvation, faith, righteousness, truth, the peace of the Gospel, and the Word of God, which is our only defense against false doctrine. “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.
I often read commentaries from different people who read the same version I do so I can get some insight from others who would know more than I do. Let me tell you, there have been times in my early days of reading God's Word that I believed the things some of these people were saying. Now, I am stronger in the Lord and getting better at figuring out who has no idea what they are talking about. We cannot be strong in the Lord without His Word in us, we cannot know and live by the truth of God's Word without studying it for ourselves, and not just one time, it has to be constant. Even if you take two, five, or ten years, to read the Bible through you become stronger in the Lord, it just needs to be constant. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15.
This will be my sixth year of reading the Bible through, every year I become stronger in the Lord. I witnessed to someone last night through the internet and knew exactly which passage to turn to when he asked questions about the Bible, which obviously he had gotten from reading too many books or listening to too many people. That all comes from the power of God and the witness inside of me that gives me the strength to speak the truth. “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth...He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” - 1 John 5:5,6,10. Praise God for His Word!
Today's Prayer:
God,
Thank You for Your Word, it is just amazing to have Your Word readily available to us. While some of the contents can be a little confusing You slowly teach us through the Holy Spirit what You want us to learn. Thank You for the guides who help explain the more complex things and thank You for giving us the ability to discern the truth from the lies on our own as we study Your Word. The more we study it the more we are armed and ready for anything the devil throws at us. We can only be armed with the strength that comes from Christ, the Word in the flesh, who saves all who believe in Him. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Be Strong In The Lord
Date: Tuesday December 27, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 12-13
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” -Ephesians 6:10-17.
There is a battle going on, a battle like no other, a spiritual battle, much stronger and more destructive than any battle we will ever fight with the flesh. It is a battle that will never end until the day Christ returns and takes His throne as the King of kings. The closer we get to that day the bigger that battle will become, and like we learned yesterday, death is no escape, no one, not even Satan himself will escape Judgment Day, except those who have put on the whole armor of God. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God...And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” - 1 John 5:13,20.
As John has been given visions that foretell what will happen before, during, and after Christ returns, he is taken back to a time well before God even created the earth. A time when there was actually a war in heaven. “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” - Revelation 12:1-5,7-11.
The early prophecy fulfilled in which God said He would put enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent (Genesis 3:15) is foretold here well before God created the heavens and earth. The woman about to give birth represents the Church, those who overcame Satan by applying the blood of the Lamb upon them. The attempts of Satan and his recruits to prevent the offspring of Israel and Jesus Himself from coming were and always will be unsuccessful. He can destroy as much as he wants, he can deceive as much as he wants, he can even bring death to the body, but what he cannot do is take away one soul that has been purchased by the blood of the Lamb. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” -1 Corinthians 6:20.
Satan knows his fate and because he knows his fate he is going to try everything to prolong his life and take as many people with him as possible until Christ returns. Since he has not idea when that will happen either he is going to do his best and will succeed in not only deceiving those who have not received Christ, but those who have as well. How is he going to deceive them? By passing himself off as Jesus, known as the antichrist, I guess you can say that antichrist is the off spring of Satan.
“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” -Revelation 13:13-18.
Satan is determined to try and destroy everything that Christ stands for, but in the end the King of kings, Lord of lords is the one who will prevail. Christ prevailed when He died on the cross and arose three days later, those who ask Jesus to save them are a part of the church of Christ. Those who are saved are not written out of the book of life! “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” -Revelation 3:5.
I remember growing up the horror stories I heard about the number 666, anyone seeing that number would freak out. We should be concerned, there are literally people out there working for the antichrist, these are false preachers, teachers, layman, working for this beast. They look good, sound as if they know what they are talking about, and have people eating right out of their hands. They are literally sending millions of people to hell through their deception. Their motive in none other than to do the dirty work for the antichrist, no, Obama is not the antichrist, but there are many today working for the antichrist. “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” - 1 John 4:3.
While we cannot know the hour that the antichrist will be here nor when Christ will come to save all who truly believe in Him, we can be prepared, we can know the difference, we can be ready and armed to handle those who come and try to deceive us. Only those who have put on the full armor of God can be strong enough to distinguish the truth from the lies. Those are salvation, faith, righteousness, truth, the peace of the Gospel, and the Word of God, which is our only defense against false doctrine. “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.
I often read commentaries from different people who read the same version I do so I can get some insight from others who would know more than I do. Let me tell you, there have been times in my early days of reading God's Word that I believed the things some of these people were saying. Now, I am stronger in the Lord and getting better at figuring out who has no idea what they are talking about. We cannot be strong in the Lord without His Word in us, we cannot know and live by the truth of God's Word without studying it for ourselves, and not just one time, it has to be constant. Even if you take two, five, or ten years, to read the Bible through you become stronger in the Lord, it just needs to be constant. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15.
This will be my sixth year of reading the Bible through, every year I become stronger in the Lord. I witnessed to someone last night through the internet and knew exactly which passage to turn to when he asked questions about the Bible, which obviously he had gotten from reading too many books or listening to too many people. That all comes from the power of God and the witness inside of me that gives me the strength to speak the truth. “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth...He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” - 1 John 5:5,6,10. Praise God for His Word!
Today's Prayer:
God,
Thank You for Your Word, it is just amazing to have Your Word readily available to us. While some of the contents can be a little confusing You slowly teach us through the Holy Spirit what You want us to learn. Thank You for the guides who help explain the more complex things and thank You for giving us the ability to discern the truth from the lies on our own as we study Your Word. The more we study it the more we are armed and ready for anything the devil throws at us. We can only be armed with the strength that comes from Christ, the Word in the flesh, who saves all who believe in Him. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
The Seal of God
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Seal of God
Date: Monday December 26, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 9-11
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” - Romans 6:3-7.
There are two types of baptism for a true Christian, one, spiritual baptism, meaning to cleanse or purify the soul by applying the blood of Christ upon it. And two, water baptism, meaning complete immersion in water by a baptizer as a public profession of faith in Christ redeeming the soul. Water baptism is not needed for salvation, it does not cleanse the body from sin, it is a mirror of what Jesus did (getting baptized by John the Baptist, which means one who baptizes) and is part of the great commission commanded by Jesus, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” - Matthew 28:19.
To be baptized into the death of Christ means to enter into a spiritual union with Him, as the sinless Christ died for sin, we die to sin through His death on the cross, as the Crucified Christ was buried, we who have died to sin are buried with Him. As Christ defeated death by His resurrection we who are buried with Him in death rise in the likeness of His resurrection as a new creature, freed from the sin. We are no long dead to sin, but alive in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” -II Corinthians 5:17.
Jesus continues to give John visions of the great Tribulation that will be God's final judgment upon the earth, as the fifth trumpet sounded hell literally broke loose as the bottomless pit opens and evil like you have never seen emerges from it. “And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.” - Revelation 9:1-6.
Imagine a torment so severe that the only way imaginable to escape it is death and even death cannot save them? As with any judgment that God casts upon mankind, He gives a way to escape it. The locusts had no power to hurt those who had the seal of God. Those who have the seal of God are those who have applied the blood of Christ upon their foreheads. God's all-powerful, distinguishing grace will keep His people from this total and final destruction. “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:” - II Corinthians 2:14,15.
Another angel comes down and hands John a little book, “And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” - Revelation 10:8-11.
The little book, is the symbol of God's Word, once it was digested, John was qualified to tell the world that the little book has a message that is exceedingly sweet to those who receive Christ as their Savior. Eating all of it speaks of understanding and living by all of the words in the powerful book. To those who have not received Christ those words will be bitter, indigestible, and cut through the heart like a sword. “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.
When these days shall come, God will send two messengers to earth to give the warning, they will be rejected, killed, and resurrected. Then the seventh trumpet will sound and Christ will take His throne here on earth and will judge the dead. “And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them...And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever...And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” - Revelation 11:9-11,15,18.
When Christ returns every body will be resurrected, the dead, meaning those who who have ejected Christ before their first death, will face a second death, eternal damnation. Those who received Him as their Savior before their first death will receive immortality. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” -Revelation 2:11.
Those who receive Christ need not fear this great tribulation or the day we are resurrected from the grave, we have a wonderful life awaiting us as we enjoy eternity with our King, the King of kings, Lord of lords in His kingdom here on earth. “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...Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” -John 5:24,28,29.
There is only one way to be redeemed, to receive the spiritual baptism needed to cleanse the soul and set us free from this horrible fate. Water baptism cannot save your soul, it cannot cleanse your soul, only Christ can. Why? Our salvation is dependent upon One person, who died for us, if we seek any other way to get saved, we are depending on ourselves to save us. No one can do enough to save themselves, the only way they can be saved is by believing in and receiving Christ as your Savior. “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...For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:9,10,13. This is the seal of God.
Today's Prayer:
God,
As the years go by it is devastating to witness the fall of our great nation, to see nation after nation fall. To think that it is only the beginning of sorrows is terrifying, but thank You for giving us a heads up on this and thank You for giving us a way to escape all this through Your Son. Only by putting our faith and trust in Him can we be saved. Lord, although things get crazy and life seems as though it is unbearable, keep my eyes looking up, remind me that this is only temporary and that You have a wonderful, sin free, sorrow free, pain free, life awaiting me as I endure all with my Savior by my side. In Jesus' name. Amen,
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: The Seal of God
Date: Monday December 26, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 9-11
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” - Romans 6:3-7.
There are two types of baptism for a true Christian, one, spiritual baptism, meaning to cleanse or purify the soul by applying the blood of Christ upon it. And two, water baptism, meaning complete immersion in water by a baptizer as a public profession of faith in Christ redeeming the soul. Water baptism is not needed for salvation, it does not cleanse the body from sin, it is a mirror of what Jesus did (getting baptized by John the Baptist, which means one who baptizes) and is part of the great commission commanded by Jesus, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” - Matthew 28:19.
To be baptized into the death of Christ means to enter into a spiritual union with Him, as the sinless Christ died for sin, we die to sin through His death on the cross, as the Crucified Christ was buried, we who have died to sin are buried with Him. As Christ defeated death by His resurrection we who are buried with Him in death rise in the likeness of His resurrection as a new creature, freed from the sin. We are no long dead to sin, but alive in Christ. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” -II Corinthians 5:17.
Jesus continues to give John visions of the great Tribulation that will be God's final judgment upon the earth, as the fifth trumpet sounded hell literally broke loose as the bottomless pit opens and evil like you have never seen emerges from it. “And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.” - Revelation 9:1-6.
Imagine a torment so severe that the only way imaginable to escape it is death and even death cannot save them? As with any judgment that God casts upon mankind, He gives a way to escape it. The locusts had no power to hurt those who had the seal of God. Those who have the seal of God are those who have applied the blood of Christ upon their foreheads. God's all-powerful, distinguishing grace will keep His people from this total and final destruction. “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:” - II Corinthians 2:14,15.
Another angel comes down and hands John a little book, “And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” - Revelation 10:8-11.
The little book, is the symbol of God's Word, once it was digested, John was qualified to tell the world that the little book has a message that is exceedingly sweet to those who receive Christ as their Savior. Eating all of it speaks of understanding and living by all of the words in the powerful book. To those who have not received Christ those words will be bitter, indigestible, and cut through the heart like a sword. “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.
When these days shall come, God will send two messengers to earth to give the warning, they will be rejected, killed, and resurrected. Then the seventh trumpet will sound and Christ will take His throne here on earth and will judge the dead. “And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them...And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever...And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” - Revelation 11:9-11,15,18.
When Christ returns every body will be resurrected, the dead, meaning those who who have ejected Christ before their first death, will face a second death, eternal damnation. Those who received Him as their Savior before their first death will receive immortality. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” -Revelation 2:11.
Those who receive Christ need not fear this great tribulation or the day we are resurrected from the grave, we have a wonderful life awaiting us as we enjoy eternity with our King, the King of kings, Lord of lords in His kingdom here on earth. “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...Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” -John 5:24,28,29.
There is only one way to be redeemed, to receive the spiritual baptism needed to cleanse the soul and set us free from this horrible fate. Water baptism cannot save your soul, it cannot cleanse your soul, only Christ can. Why? Our salvation is dependent upon One person, who died for us, if we seek any other way to get saved, we are depending on ourselves to save us. No one can do enough to save themselves, the only way they can be saved is by believing in and receiving Christ as your Savior. “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...For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:9,10,13. This is the seal of God.
Today's Prayer:
God,
As the years go by it is devastating to witness the fall of our great nation, to see nation after nation fall. To think that it is only the beginning of sorrows is terrifying, but thank You for giving us a heads up on this and thank You for giving us a way to escape all this through Your Son. Only by putting our faith and trust in Him can we be saved. Lord, although things get crazy and life seems as though it is unbearable, keep my eyes looking up, remind me that this is only temporary and that You have a wonderful, sin free, sorrow free, pain free, life awaiting me as I endure all with my Savior by my side. In Jesus' name. Amen,
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Monday, December 26, 2011
Who Shall Stand
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Who Shall Stand
Date: Sunday December 25, 2011 Merry Christmas!
Chapters: Revelation 6-8
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows...And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved...And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.” -Mark 13:7,8,13,20.
God's judgment upon all mankind will be marked by religious apostasy, wars and rumors of wars, upheavals among kingdoms, earthquakes, famines, and trouble, disregard of the law, and manifestations of hatred toward the preachers of the Gospel. When Jesus returns to claim His people and bring judgment upon the unbelieving, who will be able to stand, to be saved from God's wrath.
It was around 534BC that Daniel saw visions that are similar to those of John, it was then that God revealed to him the things that would come to pass before the great Tribulation, which is when Jesus will return to earth to claim His throne. In a more vivid and dramatic fashion John watches as Jesus breaks the seven seals one by one and reveals the contents and symbolism of each, the first for are horses.
“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” - Revelation 6:1-4-6,8.
One by one, just as Jesus foretold of the beginning of sorrows, the tribulation period will begin and it will not end until Satan and every unbeliever is cast into the lake of fire. When it will begin and how long it will take is unknown, but what is known is that it will be devastating and deadly to everyone except those who are saved. In the midst of His revealing the contents of the book, Jesus reveals to John the ones who will be saved.
“Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 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;..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 7:3,4,10,16,17.
Who will be able to stand? Only the people who will have applied the shed blood of the Lamb upon their souls, 144,000 Jews and a multitude of others from every nation will be saved. There is no respect of persons with God, position, rank, title, and honor mean absolutely nothing to God, it will not bring salvation to anyone. The only way to be saved from all this is by believing in and receiving Christ as your Savior. “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.
Upon the opening of the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for half an hour, then follows a vision of seven angels, who stood before God, and had seven trumpets given to them. “And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets...And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up...And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” - Revelation 8:1,2,6,13.
God bless those days of the great Tribulation, when God in all His wrath pours out His final judgment upon the earth. We can all thank God for His longsuffering, not willing to see anyone in hell, and while we who are saved can praise God for not coming before we got saved, those who are not are only facing the beginning of their sorrows. They not only have to face this tribulation alone, they face a second death much worse than the first. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” -John 5:28,29.
Since it is Christmas, one would wonder why we are reading about the end of the world when we should be reading about the birth of Christ. The truth is, it's all about Christ. While we are rejoicing and giving praise to God for the birth of His Son, we should also be reminding ourselves that He was born to die for us, to save sinners. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” -Matthew 1:21.
Without the pure birth of Christ we would not have the perfect sacrifice, without the perfect sacrifice we would not have redemption for our sins, without redemption for our sins, we will not be saved from hell and the second death. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” - Romans 5:8-11. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Jesus,
Happy Birthday, the love that You have for us is just astounding, those who truly believe in You with all their heart, mind, and soul will never really understand how You willfully gave Your life to save our wretched souls. However, we do understand that we are redeemed by Your precious blood. You were born to die for us, but You rose up in victory and returned to Your Father to sit at His right hand to rightfully judge us accordingly. When we consider the depth of Your love let us be more determined to be faithful to You until You come to get us. Help us to endure the afflictions that come our way by keeping our eyes, not on that which is seen, but on the unseen future rewards that You promise to those who love You. In your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Who Shall Stand
Date: Sunday December 25, 2011 Merry Christmas!
Chapters: Revelation 6-8
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows...And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved...And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.” -Mark 13:7,8,13,20.
God's judgment upon all mankind will be marked by religious apostasy, wars and rumors of wars, upheavals among kingdoms, earthquakes, famines, and trouble, disregard of the law, and manifestations of hatred toward the preachers of the Gospel. When Jesus returns to claim His people and bring judgment upon the unbelieving, who will be able to stand, to be saved from God's wrath.
It was around 534BC that Daniel saw visions that are similar to those of John, it was then that God revealed to him the things that would come to pass before the great Tribulation, which is when Jesus will return to earth to claim His throne. In a more vivid and dramatic fashion John watches as Jesus breaks the seven seals one by one and reveals the contents and symbolism of each, the first for are horses.
“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” - Revelation 6:1-4-6,8.
One by one, just as Jesus foretold of the beginning of sorrows, the tribulation period will begin and it will not end until Satan and every unbeliever is cast into the lake of fire. When it will begin and how long it will take is unknown, but what is known is that it will be devastating and deadly to everyone except those who are saved. In the midst of His revealing the contents of the book, Jesus reveals to John the ones who will be saved.
“Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 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;..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 7:3,4,10,16,17.
Who will be able to stand? Only the people who will have applied the shed blood of the Lamb upon their souls, 144,000 Jews and a multitude of others from every nation will be saved. There is no respect of persons with God, position, rank, title, and honor mean absolutely nothing to God, it will not bring salvation to anyone. The only way to be saved from all this is by believing in and receiving Christ as your Savior. “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.
Upon the opening of the seventh seal there was silence in heaven for half an hour, then follows a vision of seven angels, who stood before God, and had seven trumpets given to them. “And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets...And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up...And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” - Revelation 8:1,2,6,13.
God bless those days of the great Tribulation, when God in all His wrath pours out His final judgment upon the earth. We can all thank God for His longsuffering, not willing to see anyone in hell, and while we who are saved can praise God for not coming before we got saved, those who are not are only facing the beginning of their sorrows. They not only have to face this tribulation alone, they face a second death much worse than the first. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” -John 5:28,29.
Since it is Christmas, one would wonder why we are reading about the end of the world when we should be reading about the birth of Christ. The truth is, it's all about Christ. While we are rejoicing and giving praise to God for the birth of His Son, we should also be reminding ourselves that He was born to die for us, to save sinners. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” -Matthew 1:21.
Without the pure birth of Christ we would not have the perfect sacrifice, without the perfect sacrifice we would not have redemption for our sins, without redemption for our sins, we will not be saved from hell and the second death. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” - Romans 5:8-11. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Jesus,
Happy Birthday, the love that You have for us is just astounding, those who truly believe in You with all their heart, mind, and soul will never really understand how You willfully gave Your life to save our wretched souls. However, we do understand that we are redeemed by Your precious blood. You were born to die for us, but You rose up in victory and returned to Your Father to sit at His right hand to rightfully judge us accordingly. When we consider the depth of Your love let us be more determined to be faithful to You until You come to get us. Help us to endure the afflictions that come our way by keeping our eyes, not on that which is seen, but on the unseen future rewards that You promise to those who love You. In your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Labor In Vain
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Labor In Vain
Date: Saturday December 24, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 3-5
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” - Psalm 127:1,2.
The word labor means to work, to exert or use one's powers of the body or mind, whether using our mind or body, we exert ourselves, to work the body we exert our muscles, to work the mind we exert our brain. There are many ways in which labor can be in vain, which means worthless exertion, or working for nothing. For example, someone hollering and throwing things out of anger is worthless exertion of the body. Someone devising a scheme to steal someone's identity is worthless exertion of the mind. Nothing gets accomplished when we labor in vain, but everything gets accomplished when we build it upon the foundation of the Lord. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 3:11.
As Jesus continues telling John what to write in His letters to the seven churches of Asia, He sternly rebukes them for their vain works. The Church in Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. They would boast that there were no false doctrines being taught, but something serious was going on, they were not teaching anything. “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.
There are churches that talk about Jesus, parade on good works, but they are dead, meaning they do not know Jesus and are laboring in vain, they are teaching people that they need to work their way to heaven. Very few people who are brought up in false religion will receive Christ, but there are a few that will escape and be saved. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” - Revelation 3:5.
The only church that did not receive any warnings of repentance was the Church in Philadelphia. The Church in Philadelphia was seated upon the borders of Mysia and Lydia, and would probably seem 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 them for that little bit of strength and also gave them an assurance that their labor was not in vain. “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.” - Revelation 3:8,10.
All who serve 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 through Him as they patiently wait for their trials to come to pass. Jesus will come in the blink of an eye, only those who are saved will be a part of His Kingdom. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 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 3:11,12.
The Church of the Laodiceans was once a famous city near the river Lycus, had a wall of vast compass, and three marble theatres, and, like Rome, was built on seven hills. They prided themselves on their ability to compromise with the world. The majority of the church members probably congratulated themselves on being moderate and broad-minded, but Jesus saw nothing commendable about what they were doing, He gave nothing, but rebuke to this church and a stern warning too. “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. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” - Revelation 3:15-19.
The quickest way to get God angry is to make compromises, I was watching a movie yesterday and a daughter was commending her parents on their relationship for not compromising, but respecting each other. I can tell you from experience that compromise causes a lot of pain and suffering and destroys relationships. Had I been truthful and honest about how I felt and did not do the things I knew were wrong for that sake of compromise I would have saved myself from a lot vain labor that only caused me pain and suffering. Can I tell you that if a person is or is trying to get you to do something you do not want to do, God will give you the strength and power to overcome it. “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.” - Matthew 11:28,29.
After John writes down everything that Jesus dictated to him to the seven churches he sees a second vision. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.” -Revelation 4:1-3.
The day is quickly approaching when God shall prepare to execute all His judgment upon the earth. Thundering black clouds shall gather, but even in the darkness of that day a bow in the cloud will be seen reflecting the glory of God in the storm and reminding the ones who received His Son that God has not forsaken them. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” - John 10:28.
Then John sees something even more amazing, a throne, with four beasts, a counsel of men, and in the center stood a Lamb that looked like it had been slaughtered. “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 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; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” -Revelation 5:6,9,10.
It will be none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, Who as the Lamb of God, was slain and rejected of men, Who will be the Judge of all mankind. He alone is the only One worthy and able to redeem a soul through His precious blood that was shed for all, but He will only redeem those who believe in and receive Him. Those who do are branded with His blood and sealed with God's promise of everlasting life. “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed...All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” - John 6:27,37. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, our hearts are warmed and encouraged when we remember that our labor for You is never in vain. You see our hearts and equip us to carry out the mission of serving You faithfully and wholeheartedly. You never fail to bless us as we are faithful to You and remain steadfast in our commitment to You. May we not rely on just the immediate results, but rather recognize that You are storing up treasures from our work here on earth, many that will only be revealed to us in heaven. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Labor In Vain
Date: Saturday December 24, 2011
Chapters: Revelation 3-5
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” - Psalm 127:1,2.
The word labor means to work, to exert or use one's powers of the body or mind, whether using our mind or body, we exert ourselves, to work the body we exert our muscles, to work the mind we exert our brain. There are many ways in which labor can be in vain, which means worthless exertion, or working for nothing. For example, someone hollering and throwing things out of anger is worthless exertion of the body. Someone devising a scheme to steal someone's identity is worthless exertion of the mind. Nothing gets accomplished when we labor in vain, but everything gets accomplished when we build it upon the foundation of the Lord. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” - I Corinthians 3:11.
As Jesus continues telling John what to write in His letters to the seven churches of Asia, He sternly rebukes them for their vain works. The Church in Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. They would boast that there were no false doctrines being taught, but something serious was going on, they were not teaching anything. “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.
There are churches that talk about Jesus, parade on good works, but they are dead, meaning they do not know Jesus and are laboring in vain, they are teaching people that they need to work their way to heaven. Very few people who are brought up in false religion will receive Christ, but there are a few that will escape and be saved. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” - Revelation 3:5.
The only church that did not receive any warnings of repentance was the Church in Philadelphia. The Church in Philadelphia was seated upon the borders of Mysia and Lydia, and would probably seem 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 them for that little bit of strength and also gave them an assurance that their labor was not in vain. “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.” - Revelation 3:8,10.
All who serve 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 through Him as they patiently wait for their trials to come to pass. Jesus will come in the blink of an eye, only those who are saved will be a part of His Kingdom. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 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 3:11,12.
The Church of the Laodiceans was once a famous city near the river Lycus, had a wall of vast compass, and three marble theatres, and, like Rome, was built on seven hills. They prided themselves on their ability to compromise with the world. The majority of the church members probably congratulated themselves on being moderate and broad-minded, but Jesus saw nothing commendable about what they were doing, He gave nothing, but rebuke to this church and a stern warning too. “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. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” - Revelation 3:15-19.
The quickest way to get God angry is to make compromises, I was watching a movie yesterday and a daughter was commending her parents on their relationship for not compromising, but respecting each other. I can tell you from experience that compromise causes a lot of pain and suffering and destroys relationships. Had I been truthful and honest about how I felt and did not do the things I knew were wrong for that sake of compromise I would have saved myself from a lot vain labor that only caused me pain and suffering. Can I tell you that if a person is or is trying to get you to do something you do not want to do, God will give you the strength and power to overcome it. “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.” - Matthew 11:28,29.
After John writes down everything that Jesus dictated to him to the seven churches he sees a second vision. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.” -Revelation 4:1-3.
The day is quickly approaching when God shall prepare to execute all His judgment upon the earth. Thundering black clouds shall gather, but even in the darkness of that day a bow in the cloud will be seen reflecting the glory of God in the storm and reminding the ones who received His Son that God has not forsaken them. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” - John 10:28.
Then John sees something even more amazing, a throne, with four beasts, a counsel of men, and in the center stood a Lamb that looked like it had been slaughtered. “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 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; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” -Revelation 5:6,9,10.
It will be none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, Who as the Lamb of God, was slain and rejected of men, Who will be the Judge of all mankind. He alone is the only One worthy and able to redeem a soul through His precious blood that was shed for all, but He will only redeem those who believe in and receive Him. Those who do are branded with His blood and sealed with God's promise of everlasting life. “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed...All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” - John 6:27,37. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, our hearts are warmed and encouraged when we remember that our labor for You is never in vain. You see our hearts and equip us to carry out the mission of serving You faithfully and wholeheartedly. You never fail to bless us as we are faithful to You and remain steadfast in our commitment to You. May we not rely on just the immediate results, but rather recognize that You are storing up treasures from our work here on earth, many that will only be revealed to us in heaven. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Friday, December 23, 2011
Guarded In The Word
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Guarded In The Word
Date: Thursday December 22, 2011
Chapters: The Books of II John, II John, 7 Jude
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” - Matthew 24:4-8,14,44,46.
To be ready means to be quick; prompt; not hesitating; prepared; furnished with what is necessary. Jesus is coming, and although it seems as though we have a long way to go for His return, one day over is one day closer to His return. All the things we read about that will happen before Jesus returns could be a hundred or a thousand years from now, but it can also happen in the blink of an eye. While we may not know the hour in which Jesus will return we can be ready, prepared, and furnished with the things necessary for His return. In order to be ready we need to be guarded in the Word of God, it's our only escape from deception.
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 written by the Apostle John, about 90AD 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 them against false teachers. What we are to learn from the letter is that believers must guard themselves against false teachers who cause them to lose their Christlike qualities and who make them 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 this brief letter the Apostle John reminds the elect lady, which is the true Church of Christ and her children, who are His believers, that they are the select few chosen by God Himself to represent the church as it should be. “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...For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” - II John 1:1-3,7-9.
The Church is always addressed as a female 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 Church. Why? Because not all confess that Christ is God in the flesh or that He has risen. Some religions severely distort the Gospel and if we are not careful, if we are not abiding in the true doctrine, we too can fall into the same deception just like Jesus warns. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” -Matthew 24:24.
The Book of III John was also written by the Apostle John, around 90AD and it was written to a man named Gaius as well his church. The purpose of the letter was to commend him for teaching the truth and to warn him against fellowship with those who teach the wrong doctrine. What we are to learn from the letter is that our lives are examples of what others follow, whether it be good or evil, we as Christians need to set the right example. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” - III John 1:4.
“The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth...I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 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. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.” - III John 1:1-3,9-12.
I went to a store yesterday with my nephew, we were outside of it waiting for my mother when a lady noticed my nephew's t-shirt as she was walking out of the store. She commented on his t-shirt and I said to my nephew, “You see, people are always watching us.” It does not matter where we are or who we are with people are always watching us and whether we are Christians or not we set an example for others. If we are Christians then we need to present ourselves as such, if we are doing things that are immoral or malicious than it does not just reflect us, it reflects God. It is important that we as the elect children of God remain moral and set a good example for others to follow. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” - I Peter 2:11,12.
The Book of Jude was written by Jude around 66AD (the brother of James and another earthly brother of Jesus by Mary and Joseph) and this letter 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 them against false teachers trying to corrupt them. What we are to learn from the letter is that we must always be on 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.
In Jude's letter he 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 also 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...These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.” -Jude 1:4,16-18.
True Christians must be on constant guard of those who seem godly, but are out to deceive them and get them away from God. You know, even if that happens God will give you the power, guidance, and strength to escape any situation. I will tell you that I was one who was deceived by someone I thought really wanted God in their lives as much as I do. God showed me the truth, separated me from the person, and even gave me the power and strength to say good-bye for good. Sometimes we let our hearts make decisions even though God warns us, but His armor will guard, protect, and strengthen us.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:12,13.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I want to be ready as I battle the spiritual forces of evil that are constantly trying to deceive me. Though I wage war in this present and evil generation I have a body guard in the presence of the Holy Spirit Who gives me power over the enemy of my soul. Today, I stand against the devil’s schemes because I take on the full armor of God; the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. As I prayerfully take on this spiritual armor I am fully equipped with the necessary provisions to overcome discouragement and defeat, I am a conqueror who stands triumphant by Your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Guarded In The Word
Date: Thursday December 22, 2011
Chapters: The Books of II John, II John, 7 Jude
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” - Matthew 24:4-8,14,44,46.
To be ready means to be quick; prompt; not hesitating; prepared; furnished with what is necessary. Jesus is coming, and although it seems as though we have a long way to go for His return, one day over is one day closer to His return. All the things we read about that will happen before Jesus returns could be a hundred or a thousand years from now, but it can also happen in the blink of an eye. While we may not know the hour in which Jesus will return we can be ready, prepared, and furnished with the things necessary for His return. In order to be ready we need to be guarded in the Word of God, it's our only escape from deception.
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 written by the Apostle John, about 90AD 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 them against false teachers. What we are to learn from the letter is that believers must guard themselves against false teachers who cause them to lose their Christlike qualities and who make them 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 this brief letter the Apostle John reminds the elect lady, which is the true Church of Christ and her children, who are His believers, that they are the select few chosen by God Himself to represent the church as it should be. “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...For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” - II John 1:1-3,7-9.
The Church is always addressed as a female 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 Church. Why? Because not all confess that Christ is God in the flesh or that He has risen. Some religions severely distort the Gospel and if we are not careful, if we are not abiding in the true doctrine, we too can fall into the same deception just like Jesus warns. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” -Matthew 24:24.
The Book of III John was also written by the Apostle John, around 90AD and it was written to a man named Gaius as well his church. The purpose of the letter was to commend him for teaching the truth and to warn him against fellowship with those who teach the wrong doctrine. What we are to learn from the letter is that our lives are examples of what others follow, whether it be good or evil, we as Christians need to set the right example. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” - III John 1:4.
“The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth...I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 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. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.” - III John 1:1-3,9-12.
I went to a store yesterday with my nephew, we were outside of it waiting for my mother when a lady noticed my nephew's t-shirt as she was walking out of the store. She commented on his t-shirt and I said to my nephew, “You see, people are always watching us.” It does not matter where we are or who we are with people are always watching us and whether we are Christians or not we set an example for others. If we are Christians then we need to present ourselves as such, if we are doing things that are immoral or malicious than it does not just reflect us, it reflects God. It is important that we as the elect children of God remain moral and set a good example for others to follow. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” - I Peter 2:11,12.
The Book of Jude was written by Jude around 66AD (the brother of James and another earthly brother of Jesus by Mary and Joseph) and this letter 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 them against false teachers trying to corrupt them. What we are to learn from the letter is that we must always be on 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.
In Jude's letter he 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 also 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...These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.” -Jude 1:4,16-18.
True Christians must be on constant guard of those who seem godly, but are out to deceive them and get them away from God. You know, even if that happens God will give you the power, guidance, and strength to escape any situation. I will tell you that I was one who was deceived by someone I thought really wanted God in their lives as much as I do. God showed me the truth, separated me from the person, and even gave me the power and strength to say good-bye for good. Sometimes we let our hearts make decisions even though God warns us, but His armor will guard, protect, and strengthen us.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:12,13.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I want to be ready as I battle the spiritual forces of evil that are constantly trying to deceive me. Though I wage war in this present and evil generation I have a body guard in the presence of the Holy Spirit Who gives me power over the enemy of my soul. Today, I stand against the devil’s schemes because I take on the full armor of God; the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. As I prayerfully take on this spiritual armor I am fully equipped with the necessary provisions to overcome discouragement and defeat, I am a conqueror who stands triumphant by Your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Because He First Loved Us
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Because He First Loved Us
Date: Wednesday December 21, 2011
Chapters: I John 4-5
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10.
Every saved, born again, believer of Christ who lives in the Word of God has some verse that they hold on to that reminds them of their salvation. Mine is Romans 5:8 - “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God loves us so much that He gave His own life, through His Son, to save us from wrath, which is eternal death, hell, and the lake of fire. Christ came here on a mission, to save sinners. You can say that you are not a sinner, but until you realize that you have done wrong in your lifetime Christ cannot save you from wrath. Christ saves sinners. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” -Luke 5:32.
The Bible says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” - Psalm 51:10. When we call on Jesus Christ to save us the Spirit of God moves in us and gives us a clean heart, He is our mediator that gives life to our body and soul and lets us know that He is always with us. When the cares and hustle and bustle of life get us down it can be easy to start doubting God, even His existence. The truth is, if we are saved, God is always with us, but in order to find Him sometimes we need to check our spirit, are we living in the Spirit of God, our own, or the devils. Yes, there other spirits that linger about, which are what gives us doubts in the first place and they all lead to the devil. John reminds us that not every spirit we hear is God's.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” - I John 4:1-6.
God is much stronger and greater in power than the devil ever will be, in fact, even the devil has to answer to God, and he knows that, that is why he tries to put so much doubt in our heads. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” -James 2:19. When you have the Spirit of God in you He will remind you of just how much God does exist, how much He loves you, and how He shows His love for you. John reminds us that His love is shown through Christ and not only that through every believe that loves Him.
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us...Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.” - I John 4:9-12,17-19.
God loves us so much that He came down here as a man, through Christ, dwelt among us, sinless and perfect, yet took every persons sin to the cross when He became the ultimate sacrifice that would save all who believe in Him. If that is not love, we truly have no idea what love is and will never overcome the devils control. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16.
Jesus in His death had a double purpose, not only to save us, but to cleanse us, we were once defiled by the pollutants of sin until we asked the Savior to come in. He cleanses us, reconciles us with God, and renews our spirit to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. John reminds us that keeping God's commands is what renews our heart and shows our love of God in return.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” -I John 5:3-8.
A lot of people believe that Christ existed, but when you tell them that He is God in the flesh, they cannot believe it. Let me tell you,Christ didn't just exist then, He existed before He came here in the flesh, and exists now in the form of the Holy Spirit. I tell my kids in my Sunday school class that since God is omnipresent, meaning He can be everywhere at the same time, He can be God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit at the same time. Then I ask them this question, “If God came up to you in a ghost form and told you to believe in Him what would you do? Most of them said they would scream and run. That is what most of us would do as well and why it was important for Him to come to earth as a man would. Had He come any other way and not been our perfect sacrifice, our spotless lamb, then we would still be placing animals upon an altar, hoping that God is still with us. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” - I Peter 1:18,19.
While God would love to save everyone, He will not save anyone who does not want to be saved. There is only one way to be saved and that is by personally receiving Christ as you Savior. Only those who have asked Him to save them will be saved, receive heaven, and eternal life. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” - I John 5:11-15.
We ask Him to save us and He does it instantly, likewise, He will give us everything we ask Him for, in His time. I always say to my kids if they asked God for a car to drive would He give it to them now or wait until they are older and can drive. “These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.” - Psalm 104:27.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, it is just amazing and so incredible to think that You loved me so much that You willingly came here through Your Son Jesus to die for me. Not only am I forgiven, I am cleansed, reconciled with You, and am even one of Your very own children. Thank You, for saving this sinner and making me a part of Your family. As a child of God never let me lose sight of You, when things seem to be falling apart, keep my eyes, ears, and heart on You, who enables me to endure all things. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Because He First Loved Us
Date: Wednesday December 21, 2011
Chapters: I John 4-5
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10.
Every saved, born again, believer of Christ who lives in the Word of God has some verse that they hold on to that reminds them of their salvation. Mine is Romans 5:8 - “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God loves us so much that He gave His own life, through His Son, to save us from wrath, which is eternal death, hell, and the lake of fire. Christ came here on a mission, to save sinners. You can say that you are not a sinner, but until you realize that you have done wrong in your lifetime Christ cannot save you from wrath. Christ saves sinners. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” -Luke 5:32.
The Bible says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” - Psalm 51:10. When we call on Jesus Christ to save us the Spirit of God moves in us and gives us a clean heart, He is our mediator that gives life to our body and soul and lets us know that He is always with us. When the cares and hustle and bustle of life get us down it can be easy to start doubting God, even His existence. The truth is, if we are saved, God is always with us, but in order to find Him sometimes we need to check our spirit, are we living in the Spirit of God, our own, or the devils. Yes, there other spirits that linger about, which are what gives us doubts in the first place and they all lead to the devil. John reminds us that not every spirit we hear is God's.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” - I John 4:1-6.
God is much stronger and greater in power than the devil ever will be, in fact, even the devil has to answer to God, and he knows that, that is why he tries to put so much doubt in our heads. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” -James 2:19. When you have the Spirit of God in you He will remind you of just how much God does exist, how much He loves you, and how He shows His love for you. John reminds us that His love is shown through Christ and not only that through every believe that loves Him.
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us...Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.” - I John 4:9-12,17-19.
God loves us so much that He came down here as a man, through Christ, dwelt among us, sinless and perfect, yet took every persons sin to the cross when He became the ultimate sacrifice that would save all who believe in Him. If that is not love, we truly have no idea what love is and will never overcome the devils control. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16.
Jesus in His death had a double purpose, not only to save us, but to cleanse us, we were once defiled by the pollutants of sin until we asked the Savior to come in. He cleanses us, reconciles us with God, and renews our spirit to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. John reminds us that keeping God's commands is what renews our heart and shows our love of God in return.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” -I John 5:3-8.
A lot of people believe that Christ existed, but when you tell them that He is God in the flesh, they cannot believe it. Let me tell you,Christ didn't just exist then, He existed before He came here in the flesh, and exists now in the form of the Holy Spirit. I tell my kids in my Sunday school class that since God is omnipresent, meaning He can be everywhere at the same time, He can be God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit at the same time. Then I ask them this question, “If God came up to you in a ghost form and told you to believe in Him what would you do? Most of them said they would scream and run. That is what most of us would do as well and why it was important for Him to come to earth as a man would. Had He come any other way and not been our perfect sacrifice, our spotless lamb, then we would still be placing animals upon an altar, hoping that God is still with us. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” - I Peter 1:18,19.
While God would love to save everyone, He will not save anyone who does not want to be saved. There is only one way to be saved and that is by personally receiving Christ as you Savior. Only those who have asked Him to save them will be saved, receive heaven, and eternal life. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” - I John 5:11-15.
We ask Him to save us and He does it instantly, likewise, He will give us everything we ask Him for, in His time. I always say to my kids if they asked God for a car to drive would He give it to them now or wait until they are older and can drive. “These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.” - Psalm 104:27.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, it is just amazing and so incredible to think that You loved me so much that You willingly came here through Your Son Jesus to die for me. Not only am I forgiven, I am cleansed, reconciled with You, and am even one of Your very own children. Thank You, for saving this sinner and making me a part of Your family. As a child of God never let me lose sight of You, when things seem to be falling apart, keep my eyes, ears, and heart on You, who enables me to endure all things. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Seasoned To Perfection
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Seasoned To Perfection
Date: Sunday December 18, 2011
Chapters: I Peter 3-5
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“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.
The word season means 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. 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 will be prosperity. Peter encourages Christians to study the Word to be ready to handle every situation they face.
“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. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” - I Peter 3:8-17.
God blesses us the more we live in His will, little by little we are being seasoned to His perfection as we study His Word and put it into practice. Even when living in the will of God we are going to face some trials and persecution, but it is better to suffer for doing right than for living in sin. We prosper when we suffer in God's will, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10.
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 of being His. The motions do not save us, believing in and asking Christ to save us is what saves us. Peter reminds us that it is the suffering we face in that brings upon salvation.
“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. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” - I Peter 4:1-6.
Christ suffered the cross, the humiliation, the pain, the lashings, the mocking, and death although He was a sinless man. You can be sure that if a person simply got saved in vain God, meaning they did not really receive Christ that they will not be in heaven. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” -Mark 16:16.
No one is perfect, we all sin, sometimes even when trying to do God's will, but when we humble ourselves before God He will bless us for our effort. We will face some trials, we will face some affliction, we will even face some chastisement, but God's 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 be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
Everything that we go through in life, from the joys, to the sorrows, to the pains, to the healing, to the peace, to the prosperity, is used to season us to God's 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 to handle the next season the more blessed we become simply by living in His will. The greatest reward of all is eternal life, Jesus said, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed...And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day...No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day...Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” - John 6:27,39,40,44,47. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, as I draw near to You in reading Your Word and in lifting my voice to You this day there is a renewal in my spirit. I recognize that my joy and satisfaction will not be determined by the events of this day, but by the state of my heart. When human love is fleeting and disappointments arise help me to look to You beyond my present circumstance and for ongoing fulfillment to meet my every longing. Thank you that Your joy does not last for a season, but for a lifetime on earth and an eternity in heaven. Despite my affliction, help me to press forward in victory with You leading the way. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Seasoned To Perfection
Date: Sunday December 18, 2011
Chapters: I Peter 3-5
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“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.
The word season means 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. 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 will be prosperity. Peter encourages Christians to study the Word to be ready to handle every situation they face.
“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. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” - I Peter 3:8-17.
God blesses us the more we live in His will, little by little we are being seasoned to His perfection as we study His Word and put it into practice. Even when living in the will of God we are going to face some trials and persecution, but it is better to suffer for doing right than for living in sin. We prosper when we suffer in God's will, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10.
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 of being His. The motions do not save us, believing in and asking Christ to save us is what saves us. Peter reminds us that it is the suffering we face in that brings upon salvation.
“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. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” - I Peter 4:1-6.
Christ suffered the cross, the humiliation, the pain, the lashings, the mocking, and death although He was a sinless man. You can be sure that if a person simply got saved in vain God, meaning they did not really receive Christ that they will not be in heaven. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” -Mark 16:16.
No one is perfect, we all sin, sometimes even when trying to do God's will, but when we humble ourselves before God He will bless us for our effort. We will face some trials, we will face some affliction, we will even face some chastisement, but God's 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 be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
Everything that we go through in life, from the joys, to the sorrows, to the pains, to the healing, to the peace, to the prosperity, is used to season us to God's 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 to handle the next season the more blessed we become simply by living in His will. The greatest reward of all is eternal life, Jesus said, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed...And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day...No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day...Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” - John 6:27,39,40,44,47. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, as I draw near to You in reading Your Word and in lifting my voice to You this day there is a renewal in my spirit. I recognize that my joy and satisfaction will not be determined by the events of this day, but by the state of my heart. When human love is fleeting and disappointments arise help me to look to You beyond my present circumstance and for ongoing fulfillment to meet my every longing. Thank you that Your joy does not last for a season, but for a lifetime on earth and an eternity in heaven. Despite my affliction, help me to press forward in victory with You leading the way. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Merry Christmas!
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Friday, December 16, 2011
Making Good Judgment
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Making Good Judgment
Date: Friday December 16, 2011
Chapters: The Book of James
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.” - Matthew 7:1-5.
Do you know how many people are quick to utter the phrase “the Bible says, don't judge me” or something similar? It is usually people not living by the Word of God that utter that phrase after they have been caught doing something. I use to have this person say to me quite often, “Do you think you are a better Christian than me?” No one is better than anyone else, Christians or not, we are all sinners, we all have faults, we all have things in our lives that we need to work on. The difference between those living by the Word of God and those not is our ability to make the right judgment based on God's Word. There is a big difference between judging someone and making the right judgment of others. “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” - John 7:24.
The Book of James is the twentieth book of the New Testament, the fifty-ninth book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is James and it was first written to the Jewish believers who were among the twelve tribes of Israel, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” - James 1:1. He wrote the letter around 60AD, the purpose of it was to comfort believers who were undergoing trials for their faith. What we are to learn from the book is that faith is the foundation of good works, but without good works faith is dead. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:26.
To judge means to form an opinion of; to bring to issue the reasoning or deliberations of the mind. To make the right judgment is the act or process of the mind in comparing its ideas, to find their agreement or disagreement, and to ascertain truth. We all have done thins, formed an opinion of someone based on how they were dressed or looked, the world loves to judge a person by the clothes they are wearing, possessions they have, or the people the are around. But think about it, haven't we as Christians done the same thing to people in our church, maybe not intentionally, but we all have been quick to judge by sight first. James stresses the importance of remembering that we, who are saved, born again Christians, are to treat everyone the same, regardless of what they look like.
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” - James 2:1-10.
If I have learned one thing as Christian, it is this, God will place all sorts of people in your life, some are quite a challenge to deal with, but He places everyone in our lives to teach us to be more like Christ. Do you think Jesus did not want to avoid certain people that were annoying? He loved everyone and treated everyone the same, He used good judgment and judged accordingly. When a group of men brought a woman to Him that they caught in adultery, He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” -John 8:7b. Every one of them took off, knowing they had some kind of sin in their lives. We are all sinners, we all grow at different levels in our Christianity, and no matter how much we try to do the right thing we are going to mess it up sometimes, that is where Christ come in. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one...For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” -Romans 3:10-12,23,24.
Perhaps the thing that gets us in the most trouble is our tongue, when we do not use good judgment before we speak we are quick to speak what is on our minds, rather than give a rational response. James stresses the importance of controlling our tongue.
“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body...Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be...Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom...But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” - James 3:2,5-10,13,17.
The Christian who is not affected by the sins of the tongue, but takes care to avoid them, has an undoubted sign of true grace. The wisdom and grace of God which enables one to control the tongue, will enable them also to control all other actions. I will admit that I still have a hard time controlling my tongue when I get aggravated with someone, especially when they do not care if they are doing the right thing or not. However, I am learning to think before I say anything that is going to haunt me later. Wicked people will always try to twist what you say to their advantage, but when we allow God to intervene we will see the victory and the blessings. “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:27,28.
We cannot always control who we get around, but we can make good judgment in how we handle the people we get around. I do not care how strong your faith someone from your past is going to put you to the test, the key to passing that test is drawing close to God, lots of prayer, mediating on the Bible, and listening to how God wants you to handle them. “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.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, You’ve appointed us to live in a decadent age where the hearts of men are turned away from the true living God and live instead by the world’s principles. But we who have the indwelling Holy Spirit must continue to build our lives on the foundation of our holy faith as we spread the gospel message, “Jesus is the first and final answer to all of life’s problems.” We seek to be directed by Your Spirit and live in such a way that we honor You even as scoffers ridicule us. May we show mercy to those whose faith is wavering and rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. In the process of daily living, as we reach out to the lost and dying, help us not to stumble so that on Your appointed day we will be brought into Your glorious presence innocent of sin. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Making Good Judgment
Date: Friday December 16, 2011
Chapters: The Book of James
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.” - Matthew 7:1-5.
Do you know how many people are quick to utter the phrase “the Bible says, don't judge me” or something similar? It is usually people not living by the Word of God that utter that phrase after they have been caught doing something. I use to have this person say to me quite often, “Do you think you are a better Christian than me?” No one is better than anyone else, Christians or not, we are all sinners, we all have faults, we all have things in our lives that we need to work on. The difference between those living by the Word of God and those not is our ability to make the right judgment based on God's Word. There is a big difference between judging someone and making the right judgment of others. “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” - John 7:24.
The Book of James is the twentieth book of the New Testament, the fifty-ninth book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is James and it was first written to the Jewish believers who were among the twelve tribes of Israel, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.” - James 1:1. He wrote the letter around 60AD, the purpose of it was to comfort believers who were undergoing trials for their faith. What we are to learn from the book is that faith is the foundation of good works, but without good works faith is dead. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:26.
To judge means to form an opinion of; to bring to issue the reasoning or deliberations of the mind. To make the right judgment is the act or process of the mind in comparing its ideas, to find their agreement or disagreement, and to ascertain truth. We all have done thins, formed an opinion of someone based on how they were dressed or looked, the world loves to judge a person by the clothes they are wearing, possessions they have, or the people the are around. But think about it, haven't we as Christians done the same thing to people in our church, maybe not intentionally, but we all have been quick to judge by sight first. James stresses the importance of remembering that we, who are saved, born again Christians, are to treat everyone the same, regardless of what they look like.
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” - James 2:1-10.
If I have learned one thing as Christian, it is this, God will place all sorts of people in your life, some are quite a challenge to deal with, but He places everyone in our lives to teach us to be more like Christ. Do you think Jesus did not want to avoid certain people that were annoying? He loved everyone and treated everyone the same, He used good judgment and judged accordingly. When a group of men brought a woman to Him that they caught in adultery, He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” -John 8:7b. Every one of them took off, knowing they had some kind of sin in their lives. We are all sinners, we all grow at different levels in our Christianity, and no matter how much we try to do the right thing we are going to mess it up sometimes, that is where Christ come in. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one...For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” -Romans 3:10-12,23,24.
Perhaps the thing that gets us in the most trouble is our tongue, when we do not use good judgment before we speak we are quick to speak what is on our minds, rather than give a rational response. James stresses the importance of controlling our tongue.
“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body...Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be...Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom...But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” - James 3:2,5-10,13,17.
The Christian who is not affected by the sins of the tongue, but takes care to avoid them, has an undoubted sign of true grace. The wisdom and grace of God which enables one to control the tongue, will enable them also to control all other actions. I will admit that I still have a hard time controlling my tongue when I get aggravated with someone, especially when they do not care if they are doing the right thing or not. However, I am learning to think before I say anything that is going to haunt me later. Wicked people will always try to twist what you say to their advantage, but when we allow God to intervene we will see the victory and the blessings. “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:27,28.
We cannot always control who we get around, but we can make good judgment in how we handle the people we get around. I do not care how strong your faith someone from your past is going to put you to the test, the key to passing that test is drawing close to God, lots of prayer, mediating on the Bible, and listening to how God wants you to handle them. “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.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, You’ve appointed us to live in a decadent age where the hearts of men are turned away from the true living God and live instead by the world’s principles. But we who have the indwelling Holy Spirit must continue to build our lives on the foundation of our holy faith as we spread the gospel message, “Jesus is the first and final answer to all of life’s problems.” We seek to be directed by Your Spirit and live in such a way that we honor You even as scoffers ridicule us. May we show mercy to those whose faith is wavering and rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. In the process of daily living, as we reach out to the lost and dying, help us not to stumble so that on Your appointed day we will be brought into Your glorious presence innocent of sin. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Fearing God With Godly Fear
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Fearing God With Godly Fear
Date: Thursday December 15, 2011
Chapters: Hebrews 11-13
Click Here To Read The Chapters:
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” - Galatians 6:7-9. Christian or not, we all have desires and dreams, and it is perfectly fine to have them, the difference between Christians and non-Christians is that Christians look to God for help in obtaining those desires and dreams. “He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” -Psalm 145:19.
The problem that we can all run into is this, we all carry around this flesh that wants things right away, doesn't always look for the proper way to obtain them, and often those desires and dreams are things to fulfill the flesh. The majority of people who reject Christ do so because they want to satisfy their flesh. Likewise, the majority of Christians who stop living for Christ. You know, I will admit that it can be really easy to get the things I want living in the world, I made a lot more money living in the world than I do now. The hard part is living with yourself after you get them, and unless you are a really wicked person you know what I am talking about. You will reap what you sow, we can receive the things we desire and dream of, they key, fearing God. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” -Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Godly fear is simply treating God with respect, living by faith that He is able to do what He promises, and treating the body He gave us with respect. God has never gone back on His promises and He never will. While we may not understand why God does some of the things He does, everything He does is for our own good and benefits not only us, but future generations as well. Paul reminds the Jews that is was only living by faith that their fathers before them obtained a good report.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear...By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;..And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens...And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” - Hebrews 11:1-3,25,25,32-34,39,40.
If we can learn anything about living by faith it is through the men and women God used thousands of years before Christ came to earth. They did not have all of the Bible that we have today, in fact, it was Moses that God used to write down the words to the Book of Genesis, which was given to him hundreds to thousands of years after all the events of that time took place, so, everyone from Adam to Moses did not have God's written word to guide them, they had to live by faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” -Hebrews 11:6.
God wants us to have things, He is not mean, cruel, and out to strike you every time you have find joy in your life. People drive me crazy when they knock God for allowing evil, sickness, and disasters in the world. It's not God doing it, we are doing it, we get in the predicaments we get into all by ourselves. God created us, He made us in His image, and He died for us. Excuse Him for wanting the people He created to live a moral life, to have respect for their bodies, themselves, and for Him. You know, no matter what you do you have rules to follow, some rules sound strange and worthless, but they are there because someone did something stupid first. You think God did not see how wicked people were living? Even after the flood, when God used only eight godly people to sustain life, they managed to mess that up. We need rules, rules keep us out of trouble.
“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, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds...Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby...Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” - Hebrews 12:1-3,9-11,28.
Christians have a race to run, of service and sufferings, a course of active and passive obedience, in all of which they need to keep their eyes fixed upon the Lord Jesus. The best of God’s children may need chastisement, but afflictions rightly endured, though they be the fruits of God’s displeasure are yet proofs of His paternal love and designed to fit us better for His service and to bring us closer into Him. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” -II Corinthians 7:1.
God will give us our desires and dreams, when they line up with His will. I was watching a movie, the people were abundantly blessed by what they did for others, not to satisfy their desires, but the desires of others. If the world, through a movie, can teach us that we receive a greater reward by doing things for others without merit how much more will God truly bless us for living by the same concept.
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee...Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein...By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 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 13:5,8,9,15,16,20,21.
Our Lord Jesus purchased us with His blood that He might set us apart, a peculiar people zealous of good works. Let us therefore seek to excel in those duties becoming to Christians, living in Godly fear, such as brotherly love, generosity, contentment, obedience to those over us, fixed in the faith, patient suffering with Him and continual praise. “Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven:” - Luke 6:20-23a. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I boldly declare that You are the living God whom I serve. Only a God like You can turn evil into good, exchange sorrow for joy, or offer life beyond the grave. May I fearlessly proclaim You to be the Lord and Savior of my life and fear You with Godly fear. Though I am called to go through many hardships, there isn’t one that I face alone. For in my weakness You are made strong, in my folly You are the God of infinite wisdom, and in my fear I take hold of the hope offered to me which is firm and secure. You will not abandon the work of Your hands, but fulfill Your purpose for me as You strengthen, sustain, and instruct me during times of testing, chastening, and patience. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Fearing God With Godly Fear
Date: Thursday December 15, 2011
Chapters: Hebrews 11-13
Click Here To Read The Chapters:
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version, words in red are quoted by Jesus.
Hello My Friend,
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” - Galatians 6:7-9. Christian or not, we all have desires and dreams, and it is perfectly fine to have them, the difference between Christians and non-Christians is that Christians look to God for help in obtaining those desires and dreams. “He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.” -Psalm 145:19.
The problem that we can all run into is this, we all carry around this flesh that wants things right away, doesn't always look for the proper way to obtain them, and often those desires and dreams are things to fulfill the flesh. The majority of people who reject Christ do so because they want to satisfy their flesh. Likewise, the majority of Christians who stop living for Christ. You know, I will admit that it can be really easy to get the things I want living in the world, I made a lot more money living in the world than I do now. The hard part is living with yourself after you get them, and unless you are a really wicked person you know what I am talking about. You will reap what you sow, we can receive the things we desire and dream of, they key, fearing God. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” -Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.
Godly fear is simply treating God with respect, living by faith that He is able to do what He promises, and treating the body He gave us with respect. God has never gone back on His promises and He never will. While we may not understand why God does some of the things He does, everything He does is for our own good and benefits not only us, but future generations as well. Paul reminds the Jews that is was only living by faith that their fathers before them obtained a good report.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear...By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;..And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens...And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” - Hebrews 11:1-3,25,25,32-34,39,40.
If we can learn anything about living by faith it is through the men and women God used thousands of years before Christ came to earth. They did not have all of the Bible that we have today, in fact, it was Moses that God used to write down the words to the Book of Genesis, which was given to him hundreds to thousands of years after all the events of that time took place, so, everyone from Adam to Moses did not have God's written word to guide them, they had to live by faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” -Hebrews 11:6.
God wants us to have things, He is not mean, cruel, and out to strike you every time you have find joy in your life. People drive me crazy when they knock God for allowing evil, sickness, and disasters in the world. It's not God doing it, we are doing it, we get in the predicaments we get into all by ourselves. God created us, He made us in His image, and He died for us. Excuse Him for wanting the people He created to live a moral life, to have respect for their bodies, themselves, and for Him. You know, no matter what you do you have rules to follow, some rules sound strange and worthless, but they are there because someone did something stupid first. You think God did not see how wicked people were living? Even after the flood, when God used only eight godly people to sustain life, they managed to mess that up. We need rules, rules keep us out of trouble.
“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, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds...Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby...Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:” - Hebrews 12:1-3,9-11,28.
Christians have a race to run, of service and sufferings, a course of active and passive obedience, in all of which they need to keep their eyes fixed upon the Lord Jesus. The best of God’s children may need chastisement, but afflictions rightly endured, though they be the fruits of God’s displeasure are yet proofs of His paternal love and designed to fit us better for His service and to bring us closer into Him. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” -II Corinthians 7:1.
God will give us our desires and dreams, when they line up with His will. I was watching a movie, the people were abundantly blessed by what they did for others, not to satisfy their desires, but the desires of others. If the world, through a movie, can teach us that we receive a greater reward by doing things for others without merit how much more will God truly bless us for living by the same concept.
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee...Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein...By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 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 13:5,8,9,15,16,20,21.
Our Lord Jesus purchased us with His blood that He might set us apart, a peculiar people zealous of good works. Let us therefore seek to excel in those duties becoming to Christians, living in Godly fear, such as brotherly love, generosity, contentment, obedience to those over us, fixed in the faith, patient suffering with Him and continual praise. “Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven:” - Luke 6:20-23a. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I boldly declare that You are the living God whom I serve. Only a God like You can turn evil into good, exchange sorrow for joy, or offer life beyond the grave. May I fearlessly proclaim You to be the Lord and Savior of my life and fear You with Godly fear. Though I am called to go through many hardships, there isn’t one that I face alone. For in my weakness You are made strong, in my folly You are the God of infinite wisdom, and in my fear I take hold of the hope offered to me which is firm and secure. You will not abandon the work of Your hands, but fulfill Your purpose for me as You strengthen, sustain, and instruct me during times of testing, chastening, and patience. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
Missed A Devotional? Visit: The King James Bible Study Blog
Subscribe To This Devotional Through Google Groups: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)