King James Bible Study:Book of Life
For: Saturday May 14, 2011
Chapters: I Chronicles 8-10
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-14
Details of Today's Reading: The sons of Benjamin, Saul, and Jonathan, the record of the Israelites, the duties of certain Levites, Saul’s overthrow and death, the triumph of the Philistines, and Saul’s sin that lead to his death.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 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 20:11-15.
One day Jesus will return and when He does He will sit upon His throne and every person will stand before Him to be judged. What is Jesus looking for in the Book of Life? The names of every person who has asked Him to save them before they physically died. Anyone's name not found in the Book will be cast into the lake of fire.
What about the people of the Old Testament? They also lived by the same faith, only their hope was in His coming. The people of the Old Testament knew just much about Jesus as we do, even His coming back to judge the world (found in Daniel), they too will be judged. “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” - Romans 2:9-13.
After Nebuchadnezzar took the remaining Jews to Babylon for seventy years they lived amongst the Babylonians and really had no idea where they came from. The Chronicle books were written to give an account of the history of the Israelites so they could find out what tribe they actually came from and see how they were actually taken into captivity.
“So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression. Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh;” - I Chronicles 9:1-3.
Names are very important to God, He wants to make sure everyone knows where they come from and how special they are to Him,especially those who will be a part of His Kingdom. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - I Peter 2:9,10.
The Nethinims were Temple servants, they were like janitors, a job that seems rather insignificant, but it was so important to God that He recorded them in the Bible. Their loyalty to God made them willing to work and to serve Him wherever they were need. God takes care to list the names and duties of all the Levites.
“And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief; Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi. And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry. And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the LORD was with him... And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices... And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the shewbread, to prepare it every sabbath. And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night.” - I Chronicles 9:17-20, 28,29,32,33.
The Levites set an example for all of us who serve God in the smallest ways from cleaning bathrooms to taking care of children, to being an usher, singer, or teacher, every little thing we do to serve God shows Him our loyalty to Him and just how important He means to us. The smallest task done wholeheartedly means more to God than anything. Our whole desire should be to hear God say, “She have done what she could.” “And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.“ - Mark 14:6-8.
Chapter ten begins with the end of King Saul, the first king of Israel's, reign through his death, God reminds us of the reasons why he was stripped of the crown and died such a painful death.
“And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers. Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it...So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.” - I Chronicles 10:2-4,13,14.
If you read the Book of II Samuel it explains this in more detail, Saul, after Samuel died went to a fortune teller to bring up Samuel's spirit. While the woman really did not have the ability to summon a spirit, God allowed it for the purpose of showing Saul his fate, Samuel's response, “Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me:” - II Samuel 28:19a. While Saul's wickedness cost him the throne and some suffering for his sin it still did not cost him his life.
This is a reminder to all who are saved, once saved always saved, even if you turn your back on God in the latter part of your earthly life it does not forfeit your name in the Book of Life. It is your faith and trust in Jesus Christ that saved you, not your works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10. While our works do not get us to heaven, they do determine the rewards we will receive in heaven. I always say, “If I am scrubbing floors in heaven at least it's better than burning in hell.” but imagine the gifts we receive simply by living the morally, godly lives that God would rather see us living. Praise God for His mercy and grace!
God Bless You, I am praying for you, enjoy your weekend,
Christina
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Saturday, May 14, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
King James Bible Study: A Soldier of Christ
King James Bible Study: A Soldier of Christ
For: Friday May 13, 2011
Chapters: I Chronicles 6-7
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-13
Details of Today's Reading: The descendents of Levi, the cities given to the priests and Levites, the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephriam, and Asher.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier...Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” - II Timothy 2:3,4,10-12.
A soldier gives up the only life he knows for his country, a soldier lays down his life to save people he will never know, a soldier leaves at a moments notice to go where he is called to be. While there are many, many people blessed to be able to walk in the Kingdom of God through their faith in Jesus Christ, only a select few will be soldiers of Christ. A soldier for Christ gives their lives, as a living sacrifice, for their country, the Kingdom of God, going wherever God will take them to save people they will never know. There will be lots of sacrifices and suffering, but all who endure will receive far more than any medal of honor can behold, the crown of life. “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. “ - Revelation 2:10.
The Levites were among the tribes of Israel, unlike the other eleven tribes they did not receive the blessings that the rest of the tribes got. While they were receiving their inheritance according to the number of people in each tribe the Levites were setting up the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place. I imagine some may have thought that they deserved to get a part of the promised land too, but what the Levites inherited was far greater than any piece of land, they got God, they got to serve God, and because they served God in the ministry they received whatever they needed.
“The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar...And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order...Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot. And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it.” - I Chronicles 6:1-3,31,32,54,55.
In gratitude for their spiritual leadership, the other tribes were given the responsibility of sustaining the Levites who lived within their communities through their tithes and offerings. Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar were devoted to their calling as priests, but Aaron's two oldest sons Nadab and Abihu were struck dead when they ignored Commandments of God and did not reach the promised land because of it. This brings up a point that one may be serving God, but not following God's rules. Even some Christians can take us in the wrong direction, that is why it is important that we get around people who are like minded. “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” - Philippians 2:1,2.
While God enlists some just for the service of the ministry He also enlists actual soldiers to serve in the military. All the wars throughout the years and even those today are organized by God, the world is just too blinded to see that God's hand is in all of this. The tribes of Issachar and Benjamin were listed specifically as mighty men of valor.
“And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men. And with them, by their generations, after the house of their fathers, were bands of soldiers for war, six and thirty thousand men: for they had many wives and sons...The sons of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three. And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour; and were reckoned by their genealogies twenty and two thousand and thirty and four.” - I Chronicles 7:3,4,6,7.
As soldiers of Christ we are to faithfully fulfill the duty God enlists for us to do, whether a teacher, cook, janitor, salesman, mother, or father, whatever job you are doing God has enlisted do it wholeheartedly for Christ. “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” - I Corinthians 7:20-23.
Now, do not quit your job or be disrespectful to your boss, rather do your job knowing that whatever you do you are representing Christ. Everything we do needs to be done in a morally, godly way, you can work in the world and keep yourself separated from them, you just need to stand by your faith. Jesus said, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.“ - Luke 14:26. What this means is that we need to keep the JOY in our lives, Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. Jesus must be first above everything else.
The amazing thing about putting Jesus first is that everything else we do from that foundation will prosper. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” - I Corinthians 3:11-14. Even if we fail, Christ is with us and will never leave us. Praise God!
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the cities of refuge given to the Levites as a place where criminals would be safe while awaiting trial. Jesus is our refuge, He saves all who believe in Him from hell. “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.” - Romans 5:8,9.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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For: Friday May 13, 2011
Chapters: I Chronicles 6-7
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-13
Details of Today's Reading: The descendents of Levi, the cities given to the priests and Levites, the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephriam, and Asher.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier...Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” - II Timothy 2:3,4,10-12.
A soldier gives up the only life he knows for his country, a soldier lays down his life to save people he will never know, a soldier leaves at a moments notice to go where he is called to be. While there are many, many people blessed to be able to walk in the Kingdom of God through their faith in Jesus Christ, only a select few will be soldiers of Christ. A soldier for Christ gives their lives, as a living sacrifice, for their country, the Kingdom of God, going wherever God will take them to save people they will never know. There will be lots of sacrifices and suffering, but all who endure will receive far more than any medal of honor can behold, the crown of life. “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. “ - Revelation 2:10.
The Levites were among the tribes of Israel, unlike the other eleven tribes they did not receive the blessings that the rest of the tribes got. While they were receiving their inheritance according to the number of people in each tribe the Levites were setting up the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place. I imagine some may have thought that they deserved to get a part of the promised land too, but what the Levites inherited was far greater than any piece of land, they got God, they got to serve God, and because they served God in the ministry they received whatever they needed.
“The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar...And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and then they waited on their office according to their order...Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot. And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it.” - I Chronicles 6:1-3,31,32,54,55.
In gratitude for their spiritual leadership, the other tribes were given the responsibility of sustaining the Levites who lived within their communities through their tithes and offerings. Aaron, Eleazar, and Ithamar were devoted to their calling as priests, but Aaron's two oldest sons Nadab and Abihu were struck dead when they ignored Commandments of God and did not reach the promised land because of it. This brings up a point that one may be serving God, but not following God's rules. Even some Christians can take us in the wrong direction, that is why it is important that we get around people who are like minded. “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” - Philippians 2:1,2.
While God enlists some just for the service of the ministry He also enlists actual soldiers to serve in the military. All the wars throughout the years and even those today are organized by God, the world is just too blinded to see that God's hand is in all of this. The tribes of Issachar and Benjamin were listed specifically as mighty men of valor.
“And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men. And with them, by their generations, after the house of their fathers, were bands of soldiers for war, six and thirty thousand men: for they had many wives and sons...The sons of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three. And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour; and were reckoned by their genealogies twenty and two thousand and thirty and four.” - I Chronicles 7:3,4,6,7.
As soldiers of Christ we are to faithfully fulfill the duty God enlists for us to do, whether a teacher, cook, janitor, salesman, mother, or father, whatever job you are doing God has enlisted do it wholeheartedly for Christ. “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” - I Corinthians 7:20-23.
Now, do not quit your job or be disrespectful to your boss, rather do your job knowing that whatever you do you are representing Christ. Everything we do needs to be done in a morally, godly way, you can work in the world and keep yourself separated from them, you just need to stand by your faith. Jesus said, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.“ - Luke 14:26. What this means is that we need to keep the JOY in our lives, Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. Jesus must be first above everything else.
The amazing thing about putting Jesus first is that everything else we do from that foundation will prosper. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” - I Corinthians 3:11-14. Even if we fail, Christ is with us and will never leave us. Praise God!
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the cities of refuge given to the Levites as a place where criminals would be safe while awaiting trial. Jesus is our refuge, He saves all who believe in Him from hell. “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.” - Romans 5:8,9.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Thursday, May 12, 2011
King James Bible Study: Children Of The Living God
King James Bible Study: Children Of The Living God
For: Thursday May 12, 2011
Chapters: I Chronicles 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-12
Details of Today's Reading: Genealogy of David, the posterity of Judah and Simeon, the genealogies of Reuben, Gad, the half tribe of Manasseh, and their captivity for their sins.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.” - Romans 9:21-26.
There are just some people in the world who were born wicked and no matter how much you try to find the good in them it will never happen. Why? God is the Creator of both the righteous and wicked, now, God Himself does not make a person wicked, but He does allow Satan to. It's kind of scary to think that a wicked person is born just to bring havoc on the righteous, but it's all done for one purpose and one purpose only. To bring God's children to Him. While we are all capable of doing some wicked things, God molds us little by little preparing us for His glory.
Since God created the world, He has been guiding chosen faithful men and women to lead blessed, prosperous lives. Of all the families of Israel, none were so illustrious as the family of David mainly due to the fact that from this family, as concerning the flesh, Christ would descend from. Further account is given of Judah, the most numerous and famous of all the tribes.
“Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess: The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith: The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife. These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.” - I Chronicles 3:1-4.
If you have learned anything about David's life he was the father of both righteous and wicked children, which all stemmed back to the to the women he married. Believe it or not, women play a big part in the influence of men, if a woman is wicked in her ways the child is more likely to be wicked as well. It is very important as Christian's that we marry a person who is not only a Christian, but a like minded Christian. It will save a lot of heartache for everyone. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17,18.
The most remarkable person in this chapter is Jabez, we are not told much about him, but what we are told is that he was more honorable than his brothers and that his mother had him under difficult circumstances, instead of letting the circumstances control his fate he let God.
“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” - I Chronicles 4:9,10.
Jabez put all his faith and trust in God, pretty much saying, “Not my will, but thy will be done.” Without much wording here you can see that if God granted Jabez's request that Jabez probably had a good relationship with God, praying daily, following His commands. If we set ourselves to acknowledge God in all our ways we put ourselves under His divine blessing and protection and will be prospered accordingly. “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.
According to law the first born son would be rightful heir to the blessings passed down from their father, but due to circumstances Reuben, the first born son of Israel (Jacob) forfeited his birthright and the blessing was actually passed all the way down to his second to last son, Joseph. While Judah became ruler of the tribes, Joseph or rather his son Manasseh received the birthright.
“Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:)...And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.” - I Chronicles 5:1,2,25,26.
The tribe of Reuben preferred to live in the rich, fertile lands across the Jordan, outside the promised land. They chose what seemingly would bring them success. However, with the river separating them from their kindred, the Reubenites were among the first tribes to be conquered and taken as slaves to Assyria. However, while the Reubenites did forfeit their birthright to receive his fathers blessings God chose His righteous from that tribe also to be a part of His family. This passage brings to mind the parable that Jesus spoke to His disciples.
“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. “ - Matthew 19:28-30.
All who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ are a part of God's family, many, many people will wait until they are on their death bed before accepting Him, but as long as they, with the bottom of their heart, repented and asked Jesus to save them they do not forfeit their birthright into the Kingdom of God. “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.
While we can not avoid the exposure to wicked people in our lives we can be at peace knowing that God we are a sinner saved by grace and a child of the living God. “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:36-39. Praise God!
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the genealogy of David, Jesus, who is the Son of God was also called the son of David. “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” - Matthew 1:1.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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For: Thursday May 12, 2011
Chapters: I Chronicles 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-12
Details of Today's Reading: Genealogy of David, the posterity of Judah and Simeon, the genealogies of Reuben, Gad, the half tribe of Manasseh, and their captivity for their sins.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.” - Romans 9:21-26.
There are just some people in the world who were born wicked and no matter how much you try to find the good in them it will never happen. Why? God is the Creator of both the righteous and wicked, now, God Himself does not make a person wicked, but He does allow Satan to. It's kind of scary to think that a wicked person is born just to bring havoc on the righteous, but it's all done for one purpose and one purpose only. To bring God's children to Him. While we are all capable of doing some wicked things, God molds us little by little preparing us for His glory.
Since God created the world, He has been guiding chosen faithful men and women to lead blessed, prosperous lives. Of all the families of Israel, none were so illustrious as the family of David mainly due to the fact that from this family, as concerning the flesh, Christ would descend from. Further account is given of Judah, the most numerous and famous of all the tribes.
“Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess: The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith: The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife. These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.” - I Chronicles 3:1-4.
If you have learned anything about David's life he was the father of both righteous and wicked children, which all stemmed back to the to the women he married. Believe it or not, women play a big part in the influence of men, if a woman is wicked in her ways the child is more likely to be wicked as well. It is very important as Christian's that we marry a person who is not only a Christian, but a like minded Christian. It will save a lot of heartache for everyone. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - II Corinthians 6:14,17,18.
The most remarkable person in this chapter is Jabez, we are not told much about him, but what we are told is that he was more honorable than his brothers and that his mother had him under difficult circumstances, instead of letting the circumstances control his fate he let God.
“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” - I Chronicles 4:9,10.
Jabez put all his faith and trust in God, pretty much saying, “Not my will, but thy will be done.” Without much wording here you can see that if God granted Jabez's request that Jabez probably had a good relationship with God, praying daily, following His commands. If we set ourselves to acknowledge God in all our ways we put ourselves under His divine blessing and protection and will be prospered accordingly. “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.
According to law the first born son would be rightful heir to the blessings passed down from their father, but due to circumstances Reuben, the first born son of Israel (Jacob) forfeited his birthright and the blessing was actually passed all the way down to his second to last son, Joseph. While Judah became ruler of the tribes, Joseph or rather his son Manasseh received the birthright.
“Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:)...And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.” - I Chronicles 5:1,2,25,26.
The tribe of Reuben preferred to live in the rich, fertile lands across the Jordan, outside the promised land. They chose what seemingly would bring them success. However, with the river separating them from their kindred, the Reubenites were among the first tribes to be conquered and taken as slaves to Assyria. However, while the Reubenites did forfeit their birthright to receive his fathers blessings God chose His righteous from that tribe also to be a part of His family. This passage brings to mind the parable that Jesus spoke to His disciples.
“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. “ - Matthew 19:28-30.
All who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ are a part of God's family, many, many people will wait until they are on their death bed before accepting Him, but as long as they, with the bottom of their heart, repented and asked Jesus to save them they do not forfeit their birthright into the Kingdom of God. “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.
While we can not avoid the exposure to wicked people in our lives we can be at peace knowing that God we are a sinner saved by grace and a child of the living God. “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:36-39. Praise God!
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the genealogy of David, Jesus, who is the Son of God was also called the son of David. “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.” - Matthew 1:1.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Wednesday, May 11, 2011
King James Bible Study: From A Creation To A Child
King James Bible Study: From A Creation To A Child
For: Wednesday May 11, 2011
Chapters: I Chronicles 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-11
Details of Today's Reading: Genealogy from Adam to David
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” - Galatians 4:3-7.
It is amazing to see all of God's creations, all one really has to do is stop and look at what is around them to see what a great and mighty God we have. While we are a creation of God we are not all children of God, creation is the formation of something made from nothing, children are descendents, offspring of the father. The only way a person can go from being a creation of God to a child of God is through Jesus Christ.
The book of I Chronicles is the thirteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-nine chapters. The author of the book is Ezra, the prophet. The purpose of the book was to record the religious history of Judah. Except for the genealogies, the time line for these events took place approximately 1056 BC to 1015 BC. What we are to learn from the book is that God blesses those who exalt Him. The Chronicles focus on Judah and Temple Worship and the prophetic promises of the Messiah centered on them. “And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.” - I Chronicles 17:11
I Chronicles opens with the longest genealogical record in the Bible and covers about 4000 years before Christ, it lists the genealogy from Adam to the Israelites captivity into Babylon. It may first appear to be an unimportant list of names, but every name was important as it not only shows how the Israelites came about, it also explains the division of tribes all the way back to Noah, including the Canaanites and Philistines. This ancient genealogy reveals the exact plan of our Creator in selecting the people whom He had chosen to be His heirs.
“Adam, Sheth, Enosh,.. Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.” - I Chronicles 1:1,4-8.
We are all descendents of Noah, Jews are descendents of Shem, Gentiles are descendents of Japheth, and the Egyptians, Babylonians, Africans, etc. are descendents of Ham. “These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread... And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.” - Genesis 9:19,25-27.
The second chapter is devoted to the descendants of Judah, this is because the promised Messiah would descend from this tribe. First, we learn of all twelve tribes that would descend from Jacob also known as Israel, which is how God's people came to be know as the Israelite's.
“These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah: which three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD; and he slew him. And Tamar his daughter in law bare him Pharez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five.” - I Chronicles 2:1-4.
Jesus Christ is known to many as the seed of David, this does not mean that Jesus was actually an heir to David, it means that Jesus would descend from this tribe through the seed of David. David himself acknowledged that the Messiah was not his own seed, but God's. “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” - Psalm 110:1-4.
This was confirmed when the Pharisees tried to say that Jesus was the son of David. “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.” - Matthew 22:41-46.
Today, you no longer have to be of a special tribe to be a part of the family of God. Those who believe in and accept Jesus Christ into their hearts become part of the genealogy of Christ. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." -I Peter 2:9-10.
God decides who would be one of His children, through their faith in His Son, Jesus Christ is personally involved in every Christian's life, desiring to guide us through every detail, but He gave everyone a free will either to follow Him or the deception of the world. God has a purpose for every one of us, but much too often we actually hinder God from doing the work that He has prepared for us. However, no matter how long it takes He gets us to see that we are His and we have a job to do for Him. How does He do it? He sends His Shepherd to find His lost sheep. “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. “ - John 10:14-16.
Jesus finds all His lost sheep and the second they ask Him to save them they go from merely a creation of God to a child of God and become a part of the Kingdom of God. “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” - Galatians 4:6,7. Prasie God!
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the first Adam, who is also the last Adam. “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” - I Corinthians 15:45.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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For: Wednesday May 11, 2011
Chapters: I Chronicles 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-11
Details of Today's Reading: Genealogy from Adam to David
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” - Galatians 4:3-7.
It is amazing to see all of God's creations, all one really has to do is stop and look at what is around them to see what a great and mighty God we have. While we are a creation of God we are not all children of God, creation is the formation of something made from nothing, children are descendents, offspring of the father. The only way a person can go from being a creation of God to a child of God is through Jesus Christ.
The book of I Chronicles is the thirteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-nine chapters. The author of the book is Ezra, the prophet. The purpose of the book was to record the religious history of Judah. Except for the genealogies, the time line for these events took place approximately 1056 BC to 1015 BC. What we are to learn from the book is that God blesses those who exalt Him. The Chronicles focus on Judah and Temple Worship and the prophetic promises of the Messiah centered on them. “And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.” - I Chronicles 17:11
I Chronicles opens with the longest genealogical record in the Bible and covers about 4000 years before Christ, it lists the genealogy from Adam to the Israelites captivity into Babylon. It may first appear to be an unimportant list of names, but every name was important as it not only shows how the Israelites came about, it also explains the division of tribes all the way back to Noah, including the Canaanites and Philistines. This ancient genealogy reveals the exact plan of our Creator in selecting the people whom He had chosen to be His heirs.
“Adam, Sheth, Enosh,.. Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.” - I Chronicles 1:1,4-8.
We are all descendents of Noah, Jews are descendents of Shem, Gentiles are descendents of Japheth, and the Egyptians, Babylonians, Africans, etc. are descendents of Ham. “These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread... And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.” - Genesis 9:19,25-27.
The second chapter is devoted to the descendants of Judah, this is because the promised Messiah would descend from this tribe. First, we learn of all twelve tribes that would descend from Jacob also known as Israel, which is how God's people came to be know as the Israelite's.
“These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah: which three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD; and he slew him. And Tamar his daughter in law bare him Pharez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five.” - I Chronicles 2:1-4.
Jesus Christ is known to many as the seed of David, this does not mean that Jesus was actually an heir to David, it means that Jesus would descend from this tribe through the seed of David. David himself acknowledged that the Messiah was not his own seed, but God's. “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” - Psalm 110:1-4.
This was confirmed when the Pharisees tried to say that Jesus was the son of David. “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.” - Matthew 22:41-46.
Today, you no longer have to be of a special tribe to be a part of the family of God. Those who believe in and accept Jesus Christ into their hearts become part of the genealogy of Christ. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." -I Peter 2:9-10.
God decides who would be one of His children, through their faith in His Son, Jesus Christ is personally involved in every Christian's life, desiring to guide us through every detail, but He gave everyone a free will either to follow Him or the deception of the world. God has a purpose for every one of us, but much too often we actually hinder God from doing the work that He has prepared for us. However, no matter how long it takes He gets us to see that we are His and we have a job to do for Him. How does He do it? He sends His Shepherd to find His lost sheep. “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. “ - John 10:14-16.
Jesus finds all His lost sheep and the second they ask Him to save them they go from merely a creation of God to a child of God and become a part of the Kingdom of God. “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” - Galatians 4:6,7. Prasie God!
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the first Adam, who is also the last Adam. “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” - I Corinthians 15:45.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
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Tuesday, May 10, 2011
King James Bible Study: Our Comforter
King James Bible Study: Our Comforter
For: Tuesday May 10, 2011
Chapters: II Kings 24-25
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-10
Details of Today's Reading: Jehoikim gives tributary to Nebuchadnezzar, the evil reigns of Jehoikim, Jehoichin and Zedekiah, Israel is deported to Babylon, and the siege of Jerusalem.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you...He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” - John 14:15-17.
Regardless of our circumstances and how alone we feel God is always with His people, He never leaves us nor forsakes us. I know it can seem at times that God is no where to be found, but if Christ is in you, God is in you and all you have to do to find Him is look within yourself, He is your Comforter, and no matter where life takes you He is right there with you.
After King Josiah died Jerusalem went right back to their wicked ways, just as God warned them of the destruction that would take place at the result of Manasseh's sins is now coming to pass. Nebuchadnezzar took control of Israel making Jehoikim serve him.
“In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets. Surely at the commandment of the LORD came this upon Judah, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did; And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.” - II Kings 24:1-4.
One day Jesus will return and when He does, the fate of the world will be far more severe than what Jerusalem's was. The entire world will have to face Christ for judgment and we will all be accountable for the things we have done. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. “ - Matthew 12:36,37.
While the Babylonians were taking control in Jerusalem all the Jews were taken captive and were sent to Babylon, all that were left in Jerusalem was a few remnants too poor to be of value to them. Along with the people Nebuchadnezzar's servants took all the possessions remaining in the Temple.
“And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign. And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said. And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.” - II Kings 24:12-14.
Now, I do not know which people were more scared, the one's being taken to Babylon or the one's left behind, but I imagine both parties were actually praying to God for their lives during all of this. It's usually when placed in the scariest situations that we truly repent and seek help from God. Of course, these are the times we learn that there really is a God, we really need Him, and how much He loves us. Why? It is during sorrows that God reveals His power and lifts us up. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:8-10.
Nebuchadnezzar not only took the Jews captive he also took the last king to reign Jerusalem, Zedekiah and all his family to Babylon. The army of Babylon brought Zedekiah before the king of Babylon, gathered all of his sons, and killed them right before his eyes, then they put out Zedekiah's eyes and hauled him away like an animal.
“And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him. So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him. And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.” - II Kings 25:5-7.
The temple, the palace, and all the other wealthy homes were burned and completely destroyed. All of the glory in Jerusalem, the city of David, the Temple, and everything David and Solomon built to please the Lord was nothing, but ashes and broken down walls. The destruction of the once glorious kingdom of Judah is a grim reminder that all the revivals and reformation in the world will not bring lasting change in the nation, there must be repentance and renewal within the heart of each individual, as well as a nation to see God repent. “Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.” - Jeremiah 26:13.
While God does place judgment upon our nations, He also provides safety to those who have put their faith and trust in His Son. We have to face it, things are going to get worse, a lot worse, but we do not have to face the affliction alone, Our Comforter is right there with us and there is nothing the enemy can do to remove God from His children.
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” - Matthew 10:28-32.
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through God's judgment upon Jerusalem. Christ will return to judge all nations. “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.“ - John 5:30.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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For: Tuesday May 10, 2011
Chapters: II Kings 24-25
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-10
Details of Today's Reading: Jehoikim gives tributary to Nebuchadnezzar, the evil reigns of Jehoikim, Jehoichin and Zedekiah, Israel is deported to Babylon, and the siege of Jerusalem.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you...He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” - John 14:15-17.
Regardless of our circumstances and how alone we feel God is always with His people, He never leaves us nor forsakes us. I know it can seem at times that God is no where to be found, but if Christ is in you, God is in you and all you have to do to find Him is look within yourself, He is your Comforter, and no matter where life takes you He is right there with you.
After King Josiah died Jerusalem went right back to their wicked ways, just as God warned them of the destruction that would take place at the result of Manasseh's sins is now coming to pass. Nebuchadnezzar took control of Israel making Jehoikim serve him.
“In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets. Surely at the commandment of the LORD came this upon Judah, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did; And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.” - II Kings 24:1-4.
One day Jesus will return and when He does, the fate of the world will be far more severe than what Jerusalem's was. The entire world will have to face Christ for judgment and we will all be accountable for the things we have done. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. “ - Matthew 12:36,37.
While the Babylonians were taking control in Jerusalem all the Jews were taken captive and were sent to Babylon, all that were left in Jerusalem was a few remnants too poor to be of value to them. Along with the people Nebuchadnezzar's servants took all the possessions remaining in the Temple.
“And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign. And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said. And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.” - II Kings 24:12-14.
Now, I do not know which people were more scared, the one's being taken to Babylon or the one's left behind, but I imagine both parties were actually praying to God for their lives during all of this. It's usually when placed in the scariest situations that we truly repent and seek help from God. Of course, these are the times we learn that there really is a God, we really need Him, and how much He loves us. Why? It is during sorrows that God reveals His power and lifts us up. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:8-10.
Nebuchadnezzar not only took the Jews captive he also took the last king to reign Jerusalem, Zedekiah and all his family to Babylon. The army of Babylon brought Zedekiah before the king of Babylon, gathered all of his sons, and killed them right before his eyes, then they put out Zedekiah's eyes and hauled him away like an animal.
“And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him. So they took the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him. And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.” - II Kings 25:5-7.
The temple, the palace, and all the other wealthy homes were burned and completely destroyed. All of the glory in Jerusalem, the city of David, the Temple, and everything David and Solomon built to please the Lord was nothing, but ashes and broken down walls. The destruction of the once glorious kingdom of Judah is a grim reminder that all the revivals and reformation in the world will not bring lasting change in the nation, there must be repentance and renewal within the heart of each individual, as well as a nation to see God repent. “Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.” - Jeremiah 26:13.
While God does place judgment upon our nations, He also provides safety to those who have put their faith and trust in His Son. We have to face it, things are going to get worse, a lot worse, but we do not have to face the affliction alone, Our Comforter is right there with us and there is nothing the enemy can do to remove God from His children.
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” - Matthew 10:28-32.
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through God's judgment upon Jerusalem. Christ will return to judge all nations. “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.“ - John 5:30.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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King James Bible Study: On God's Team
King James Bible Study: On God's Team
For: Monday May 09, 2011
Chapters: II Kings 21-23
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-9
Details of Today's Reading: The abominable reigns of Manasseh and Amon in Judah, God's judgment upon Judah, the godly reign of Josiah, the repairing of the temple, the finding of the Book of the Law, the Law read to the people, the king’s covenant and reformations of Israel, Josiah slain by Pharaoh-nechoh, and the wicked reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“ Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” - II Timothy 3:12-15.
As children of God, we would not get very far in life without the Word of God. His Word is the ultimate guide in providing us with inspiration, instruction, correction, and more importantly how we can have a relationship with God. The only way to God is through Jesus Christ and unless we have read it or had someone show it to us from the Bible we would have never known that. Without God's Word we leave God up to our own human reasoning and all that does is get us in some big trouble.
After Hezekiah died, his son Manasseh reigned and he did more evil than any other king in the four hundred and fifty years that Israel had kings, he even did worse than the heathen nations that were cast out of Canaan, in which he built groves and worshiped heathen gods inside the House of the Lord.
“And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.” - II Kings 21:2-6.
While God loves all the people He created He does not force Himself upon anyone, we are all free to worship whoever we choose to worship. However, mess with His people or get others to fall into the same corruption and there will be a price to pay.
“And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. “ - Revelation 21:6-8.
There was a price to pay, God gathered up all the faithful prophets He could find left in Jerusalem and told them the fate of Jerusalem and all Judah.
“Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down. And I will forsake the remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies;” - II Kings 21:12-14.
While God was set upon removing Israel from His sight He did not forsake all of them, He knew there would be a few that would remain faithful where ever they were. His remnant would find Him and they would be His and remain His forever. Today, God's remnant still exists and we are still among the enemy, but He never forsakes us, we may suffer from time to time, but in the end we will see the greater reward. “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.
After two wicked kings ruled over Judah, one godly man, named Josiah walked in the ways of David and did not get intimidated by other kings trying to threaten him. He began to reign at the age of eight, when he was eighteen he had all all the idols and groves removed out of the Temple and began restoring it. Upon cleaning the priest discovered something he had never seen before, the Book of the Law.
“And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying, Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.” - II Kings 22:10-13.
For two generations the Book of the Law had completely disappeared as it had been forbidden to be read even by the priests. This was the first time that Josiah heard the Word of God from the actual book, upon hearing it, Josiah repented for all his sins in true repentance then begins earnestly searching to find the truth that God would have him do concerning those things that were written in His Word. An amazing thing happens to a person who accepts Christ and begins reading His Word, it convicts us. When man finds the Word, the Word is quick to find him and convict him of sin. “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.
As Josiah learned the truth he gathered all the elders everyone together and the Word of God was read to the congregation. After reading it a huge spiritual revival took place, everyone in the congregation began helping remove all the abominations to the Lord out of Judah, Jerusalem, and even throughout Israel.
“And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant...Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.” - II Kings 23:1-3,24.
Even though that spiritual revival took place and God was pleased, He still allowed Jerusalem and Judah to be destroyed. While the efforts are wonderful as it keeps God's faithful honest and faithful, a revival does no good if the people have no intention of changing their ways. God knew the only way to get the people to repent was to get them back to fearing Him. Today, our nations are in need of a serious spiritual revival, if the things of Jerusalem were an abomination to God back then, imagine what God must think of the world now as it is? I tell you what I am glad to be on God's team.
“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 3:14-17.
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the prophets (21:10) “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;” - Hebrews 1:1,2.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
For: Monday May 09, 2011
Chapters: II Kings 21-23
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-9
Details of Today's Reading: The abominable reigns of Manasseh and Amon in Judah, God's judgment upon Judah, the godly reign of Josiah, the repairing of the temple, the finding of the Book of the Law, the Law read to the people, the king’s covenant and reformations of Israel, Josiah slain by Pharaoh-nechoh, and the wicked reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“ Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” - II Timothy 3:12-15.
As children of God, we would not get very far in life without the Word of God. His Word is the ultimate guide in providing us with inspiration, instruction, correction, and more importantly how we can have a relationship with God. The only way to God is through Jesus Christ and unless we have read it or had someone show it to us from the Bible we would have never known that. Without God's Word we leave God up to our own human reasoning and all that does is get us in some big trouble.
After Hezekiah died, his son Manasseh reigned and he did more evil than any other king in the four hundred and fifty years that Israel had kings, he even did worse than the heathen nations that were cast out of Canaan, in which he built groves and worshiped heathen gods inside the House of the Lord.
“And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.” - II Kings 21:2-6.
While God loves all the people He created He does not force Himself upon anyone, we are all free to worship whoever we choose to worship. However, mess with His people or get others to fall into the same corruption and there will be a price to pay.
“And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. “ - Revelation 21:6-8.
There was a price to pay, God gathered up all the faithful prophets He could find left in Jerusalem and told them the fate of Jerusalem and all Judah.
“Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down. And I will forsake the remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies;” - II Kings 21:12-14.
While God was set upon removing Israel from His sight He did not forsake all of them, He knew there would be a few that would remain faithful where ever they were. His remnant would find Him and they would be His and remain His forever. Today, God's remnant still exists and we are still among the enemy, but He never forsakes us, we may suffer from time to time, but in the end we will see the greater reward. “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.
After two wicked kings ruled over Judah, one godly man, named Josiah walked in the ways of David and did not get intimidated by other kings trying to threaten him. He began to reign at the age of eight, when he was eighteen he had all all the idols and groves removed out of the Temple and began restoring it. Upon cleaning the priest discovered something he had never seen before, the Book of the Law.
“And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying, Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.” - II Kings 22:10-13.
For two generations the Book of the Law had completely disappeared as it had been forbidden to be read even by the priests. This was the first time that Josiah heard the Word of God from the actual book, upon hearing it, Josiah repented for all his sins in true repentance then begins earnestly searching to find the truth that God would have him do concerning those things that were written in His Word. An amazing thing happens to a person who accepts Christ and begins reading His Word, it convicts us. When man finds the Word, the Word is quick to find him and convict him of sin. “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.
As Josiah learned the truth he gathered all the elders everyone together and the Word of God was read to the congregation. After reading it a huge spiritual revival took place, everyone in the congregation began helping remove all the abominations to the Lord out of Judah, Jerusalem, and even throughout Israel.
“And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant...Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.” - II Kings 23:1-3,24.
Even though that spiritual revival took place and God was pleased, He still allowed Jerusalem and Judah to be destroyed. While the efforts are wonderful as it keeps God's faithful honest and faithful, a revival does no good if the people have no intention of changing their ways. God knew the only way to get the people to repent was to get them back to fearing Him. Today, our nations are in need of a serious spiritual revival, if the things of Jerusalem were an abomination to God back then, imagine what God must think of the world now as it is? I tell you what I am glad to be on God's team.
“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 3:14-17.
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the prophets (21:10) “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;” - Hebrews 1:1,2.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Monday, May 9, 2011
King James Bible Study: Cleaved To Christ
King James Bible Study: Cleaved To Christ
For: Sunday May 08, 2011
Chapters: II Kings 18-20
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-8
Details of Today's Reading: The reign and spiritual revival of Hezekiah over Judah, their victory over the Philistines, Hezekiah’s message to Isaiah, his prayer and the answer given through Isaiah, Hezekiah’s illness, recovery, and Hezekiah's error in showing the ambassadors from Babylon all his treasures.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” - Genesis 2:22-24.
Salvation is a picture of a marriage between a man and woman, the second a person asks Jesus Christ to save them they leave the world, cleave to Christ, and become one flesh. The key to developing our relationship with God, just like in a marriage, is communication, talking to one another, submitting to one another, and trusting one another. The more we communicate with each other the more barriers we break down, the more barriers we break down the more joyful it becomes.
For the first time since King David passed we learn of Hezekiah, the one and only king after David that walked in all the ways of the Lord as David did.
“Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.” - II Kings 18:2-6.
Hezekiah destroyed all the images that people were bowing down to and worshiping, he even destroyed the statute Moses made because they were worshiping it. Today, there are many, many images and statues,used to worship it and not God. These too need to be broken down and destroyed, I love the statute of Mary, but every time I see it I know it is an idol and how many people actually bow down to her as if she were a god. Mary was just like you and I, she was a sinner, she just found favor with God and that is why she was chosen to carry Jesus. “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:” - Luke 1”30-32.
Hezekiah's spiritual reformation was followed by a radical reorganization of the entire administration of both the secular and religious affairs of the kingdom. Hezekiah trusted in God with every thing, but was put to the test and failed when he was confronted by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. There was an agreement that was made by his father, king Ahaz, to pay him silver and gold, in exchange for their freedom. Hezekiah refused to submit to this, but after Sennacherib threatened Hezekiah he gave in to his demands. Instead of seeking God for guidance Hezekiah gave all the treasures in the House of the Lord to Sennacherib to keep him from attacking Jerusalem.
“And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house. At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria.” - II Kings 18:14-16.
Hezekiah's mistake, he had not communication from God, unless we communicate with God we leave ourselves to our own reasoning, which quite often is filled with fear and emotions that keep us from making the right decisions. That is why we need to be in constant communication with God. When we learn to become completely dependent upon Him that is when we can ask Him for anything and He will bless us with it. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” - James 1:5,6.
Now, once Hezekiah came to his senses he went into the House of the Lord and prayed, as he was praying the people of Assyria were conspiring against Hezekiah.
“Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria...Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar?..And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth...Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.” - II Kings 19:10,12,15,19.
Rabshakeh did not realize that all those nations that were destroyed upon putting their faith in their false gods that Jerusalem's God was the one and only living God. God did answer Hezekiah's prayer and spared Jerusalem at least during the rest of Hezekiah's reign. They can mock you, they can ignore, deny, or curse God, but none of that will ever change the fact that you are one of God's children, His very own and because you are His own there is nothing He will not do for you.
“As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:36-39.
Shortly after their victory, Hezekiah became very ill and was on the verge of death, the prophet Isaiah came to meet with him and told him to be prepared to die. Hezekiah was not ready to die, so he turned to God in prayer.
“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.” - II Kings 20:1-3.
Hezekiah does not speak to God as if He needed to be reminded of the things that he had done, but he asks Him to remember him. He humbly, earnestly, cried before his God and because of that prayer God added fifteen more years on to Hezekiah's life. Perhaps prayer is one of the best preparations for death, because by it we give us the strength and grace we need from God, to enable us to finish what we need to do before He takes us home. Now, we really do not know what hour God decides to take one of His children home, but at times, God will use near death situations like these to remind us that we have left the world and are cleaved together as one with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ. “No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit...Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” - I John 4:12,13, 15.
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Hezekiah who removed all the idols out of Jerusalem. Jesus destroyed everything evil in the Temple. “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” - Matthew 21:12,13.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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For: Sunday May 08, 2011
Chapters: II Kings 18-20
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-8
Details of Today's Reading: The reign and spiritual revival of Hezekiah over Judah, their victory over the Philistines, Hezekiah’s message to Isaiah, his prayer and the answer given through Isaiah, Hezekiah’s illness, recovery, and Hezekiah's error in showing the ambassadors from Babylon all his treasures.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” - Genesis 2:22-24.
Salvation is a picture of a marriage between a man and woman, the second a person asks Jesus Christ to save them they leave the world, cleave to Christ, and become one flesh. The key to developing our relationship with God, just like in a marriage, is communication, talking to one another, submitting to one another, and trusting one another. The more we communicate with each other the more barriers we break down, the more barriers we break down the more joyful it becomes.
For the first time since King David passed we learn of Hezekiah, the one and only king after David that walked in all the ways of the Lord as David did.
“Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.” - II Kings 18:2-6.
Hezekiah destroyed all the images that people were bowing down to and worshiping, he even destroyed the statute Moses made because they were worshiping it. Today, there are many, many images and statues,used to worship it and not God. These too need to be broken down and destroyed, I love the statute of Mary, but every time I see it I know it is an idol and how many people actually bow down to her as if she were a god. Mary was just like you and I, she was a sinner, she just found favor with God and that is why she was chosen to carry Jesus. “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:” - Luke 1”30-32.
Hezekiah's spiritual reformation was followed by a radical reorganization of the entire administration of both the secular and religious affairs of the kingdom. Hezekiah trusted in God with every thing, but was put to the test and failed when he was confronted by Sennacherib, the king of Assyria. There was an agreement that was made by his father, king Ahaz, to pay him silver and gold, in exchange for their freedom. Hezekiah refused to submit to this, but after Sennacherib threatened Hezekiah he gave in to his demands. Instead of seeking God for guidance Hezekiah gave all the treasures in the House of the Lord to Sennacherib to keep him from attacking Jerusalem.
“And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house. At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the LORD, and from the pillars which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria.” - II Kings 18:14-16.
Hezekiah's mistake, he had not communication from God, unless we communicate with God we leave ourselves to our own reasoning, which quite often is filled with fear and emotions that keep us from making the right decisions. That is why we need to be in constant communication with God. When we learn to become completely dependent upon Him that is when we can ask Him for anything and He will bless us with it. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” - James 1:5,6.
Now, once Hezekiah came to his senses he went into the House of the Lord and prayed, as he was praying the people of Assyria were conspiring against Hezekiah.
“Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria...Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Thelasar?..And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth...Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.” - II Kings 19:10,12,15,19.
Rabshakeh did not realize that all those nations that were destroyed upon putting their faith in their false gods that Jerusalem's God was the one and only living God. God did answer Hezekiah's prayer and spared Jerusalem at least during the rest of Hezekiah's reign. They can mock you, they can ignore, deny, or curse God, but none of that will ever change the fact that you are one of God's children, His very own and because you are His own there is nothing He will not do for you.
“As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:36-39.
Shortly after their victory, Hezekiah became very ill and was on the verge of death, the prophet Isaiah came to meet with him and told him to be prepared to die. Hezekiah was not ready to die, so he turned to God in prayer.
“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.” - II Kings 20:1-3.
Hezekiah does not speak to God as if He needed to be reminded of the things that he had done, but he asks Him to remember him. He humbly, earnestly, cried before his God and because of that prayer God added fifteen more years on to Hezekiah's life. Perhaps prayer is one of the best preparations for death, because by it we give us the strength and grace we need from God, to enable us to finish what we need to do before He takes us home. Now, we really do not know what hour God decides to take one of His children home, but at times, God will use near death situations like these to remind us that we have left the world and are cleaved together as one with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ. “No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit...Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” - I John 4:12,13, 15.
Jesus Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Hezekiah who removed all the idols out of Jerusalem. Jesus destroyed everything evil in the Temple. “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” - Matthew 21:12,13.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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