King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: Little Is Much With God
Date: Saturday May 28, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 25-27
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-28
Details of Today's Chapters: The reign of Amaziah over Judah, war between Judah and Israel, the reign of Uzziah, his successes, fame, and what caused him to become leprous, and the reign of Jotham in Judah.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments...The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.“ - Matthew 19:16,17,20-24.
The number one reason why people do not want to follow God is because they do not want to give up the things they have in the world. The number one reason why Christians backslide is because they, having been blessed with many treasures, stop depending on God. God will give us anything we ask for as long as we are faithful to Him, but He will take it away if we lose sight of Him and stop ignoring His calls.
All throughout the Old Testament we learn of how blessed the people were, whether Jew or Gentile, when they followed God with all their heart. However, there are countless times we learn of their walking away from Him and the judgment they faced upon doing so. The thing was not that they sinned, everyone sins, it was that they were not willing to confess nor forsake the sin. King Amaziah, up to a certain point, walks with God, but not with a perfect heart. In weakness and with an unsteady step during a battle he hires an army out of Israel to help him, which was a severe mistake, but he listens to the prophet, and saves Judah from being defeated by Edom.
“Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield. He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver. But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down. And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this.” - II Chronicles 25:5-9.
Trusting in God means being willing to give up anything for Him, knowing that He can more than make up for any thing we will ever lose that the world has to offer. We all need to keep reminding ourselves that God will always provide us with everything we need to live a happy, prosperous life, little is much when God is in it. Jesus gave His life for us to give life to us, now He wants to live life through us. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” - John 14:12-14.
Amaziah might have listened to the prophet, which lead to their victory, but the next thing he did would cause Judah to be defeated by Israel. The Edomites worshiped the sun under different forms and with various rites, Amaziah took these objects, brought them into Jerusalem and began burning incense upon them. Amaziah's conduct in bringing these objects in Jerusalem was foolish, ignorant, and highly offensive to God, who sent a prophet to rebuke him for his apostasy, and warn him of the judgment that soon after came upon him.
“Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?..And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Bethshemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.” - II Chronicles 25:14,15,23.
God's question, “Why has thou sought after the gods of the people which could not deliver their own people?” God asks this question to many even today, many who are quick to forsake God over a person, job, addiction, or lifestyle that will never satisfy them. All who put their trust in these false gods will face much affliction until they come to God in repentance. “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;” - Romans 2:9-12.
After Amaziah died his son, Uzziah (Azariah) reigned, he was one of the most successful kings of Judah. He was sixteen when he began to reign and as long as He sought God he prospered as a king, but the more successful he became the more he thought himself above the law. Uzziah became so over confident of his success that he thought himself above God, making himself to be as a high priest as he went into the Temple and burned incense.
“And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper...But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God. Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar.” - II Chronicles 26:5,16-19.
Even though he was a great king, God still judged him, for no man is above the Law of God, over eighty men tried to warn him and when he did not listen God judged him. Because of his leprosy, Uzziah was an outcast from both his own palace as well as the Temple. God is not a respecter of persons, He will place judgment upon anyone who will not repent. However, He is faithful and just to forgive and forget all our sins when we humble ourselves before Him. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:8,9. Praise God!
We do not need all the riches of the world to be happy, little is much when God is in our lives, just think of the amazing gifts we will receive in heaven simply for believing in and accepting His Son. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.“ - Matthew 6:19-21.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, May 28, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
A Virtuous Woman
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: A Virtuous Woman
Date: Friday May 27, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 21-24
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-27
Details of Today's Chapters: Jehoram’s wicked reign over Judah, Accession of Ahaziah over Judah, Athaliah has all the royal seed executed, one Joash, Joash becomes king of Judah, Athaliah is executed, the Temple is repaired, Zechariah stoned., and Judah is defeated by the Syrians.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life...Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” - Proverbs 31:10-12,25-28.
The word virtuous is defined as morally good, practicing moral duties, and abstaining from all corruption. Believe it or not, women have a lot of power, whether she is good or bad she will influence everyone around her in that way. The most godliest man can fall away from God quickly if he lets a wicked woman influence him. All throughout the Bible we learn of men who got caught in messes because they submitted to the influence of a woman. However, let a virtuous woman enter his life and he will not only be blessed, but highly honored and successful as well, also show to us throughout the Bible.
After Jehoshaphat died his son Jehoram reigned, Jehoram was wicked, so wicked that he had his own brothers killed. His influence was his wife, who was the daughter of wicked king Ahab who caused the Northern Kingdom to turn from God.
“And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn. Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.” - II Chronicles 21:2-7.
Through the influence of his wife Jehoram abolished the worship of the Lord, and encouraged idolatry and false gods into Judah. God's vengeance was upon the whole nation, and would have utterly been destroyed had it not been for a tender regard to the promise He made to David. God never goes back on His promises, while we might go through some affliction He never forsakes His people. And while we may suffer for a time for our sins, imagine the judgment of those who caused us to sin in the first place get. “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” - I Peter 4:16,17.
Soon after Jehoram died Ahaziah reigned as king, his mother Athaliah carefully took him under her wing, bringing the kingdom into further corruption. The people rebelled and a year later Ahaziah was killed, out of rage Athaliah overtook the kingdom, making herself queen. During that time she set out to execute every male that carried the royal seed of David and she did too, except for one. It was only by the courage of one godly woman, Jehoshabeath, Ahaziah's daughter, that hid the little baby boy and only seed left of David for six years.
“But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah. But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not. And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.”- II Chronicles 22:10-12.
Jehoshabeath, was used of God to save Joash from assassination. He was smuggled into the Temple where he was brought up under the care of Jehoshabeath and the high priest to be trained and prepared for his destiny as a godly king. Every person on earth is born either good or evil, good people may get themselves into evil things, but deep down they are good and one day realize that Jesus is what life is all about. Wicked or evil people never change and God will get the vengeance for us. “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.“ - Matthew 7:17-19.
Athaliah thought she was in control, but she failed to realize that God was in control. Now, the tables were turning on her and the people anoint little seven year old Joash as king.
“And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the LORD hath said of the sons of David...Then they brought out the king's son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king. Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the LORD: And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason. Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the LORD. So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king's house, they slew her there.” - II Chronicles 23:3,11-15.
Wicked people always think they have everything under control and have the power to do anything they want. What they fail to remember is that God is greater than any evil that can be brought upon by anyone. Even Satan knows he is powerless to God. And no evil thing goes unpunished. Satan knows where he is going when Jesus returns and all the wicked people are going down there with him. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” - James 2:19.
Ladies, we have great power and with that power comes responsibility, we can make or break someone and we know it. Yes, I know men can corrupt us, but we have the power to turn any man around for the better. Be strong, let God lead you and you will be a blessing and a honor to all you are around, plus you will be blessed as well. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” - Proverbs 31:30.
Men, stay faithful to God and stand you ground,don't be a push over, yet don't be abusive either. Let God lead you and you as well as the women in your life will be blessed as well. “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” - Ephesians 5:21-25.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Message Title: A Virtuous Woman
Date: Friday May 27, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 21-24
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-27
Details of Today's Chapters: Jehoram’s wicked reign over Judah, Accession of Ahaziah over Judah, Athaliah has all the royal seed executed, one Joash, Joash becomes king of Judah, Athaliah is executed, the Temple is repaired, Zechariah stoned., and Judah is defeated by the Syrians.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life...Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” - Proverbs 31:10-12,25-28.
The word virtuous is defined as morally good, practicing moral duties, and abstaining from all corruption. Believe it or not, women have a lot of power, whether she is good or bad she will influence everyone around her in that way. The most godliest man can fall away from God quickly if he lets a wicked woman influence him. All throughout the Bible we learn of men who got caught in messes because they submitted to the influence of a woman. However, let a virtuous woman enter his life and he will not only be blessed, but highly honored and successful as well, also show to us throughout the Bible.
After Jehoshaphat died his son Jehoram reigned, Jehoram was wicked, so wicked that he had his own brothers killed. His influence was his wife, who was the daughter of wicked king Ahab who caused the Northern Kingdom to turn from God.
“And he had brethren the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah: all these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn. Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.” - II Chronicles 21:2-7.
Through the influence of his wife Jehoram abolished the worship of the Lord, and encouraged idolatry and false gods into Judah. God's vengeance was upon the whole nation, and would have utterly been destroyed had it not been for a tender regard to the promise He made to David. God never goes back on His promises, while we might go through some affliction He never forsakes His people. And while we may suffer for a time for our sins, imagine the judgment of those who caused us to sin in the first place get. “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” - I Peter 4:16,17.
Soon after Jehoram died Ahaziah reigned as king, his mother Athaliah carefully took him under her wing, bringing the kingdom into further corruption. The people rebelled and a year later Ahaziah was killed, out of rage Athaliah overtook the kingdom, making herself queen. During that time she set out to execute every male that carried the royal seed of David and she did too, except for one. It was only by the courage of one godly woman, Jehoshabeath, Ahaziah's daughter, that hid the little baby boy and only seed left of David for six years.
“But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah. But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not. And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.”- II Chronicles 22:10-12.
Jehoshabeath, was used of God to save Joash from assassination. He was smuggled into the Temple where he was brought up under the care of Jehoshabeath and the high priest to be trained and prepared for his destiny as a godly king. Every person on earth is born either good or evil, good people may get themselves into evil things, but deep down they are good and one day realize that Jesus is what life is all about. Wicked or evil people never change and God will get the vengeance for us. “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.“ - Matthew 7:17-19.
Athaliah thought she was in control, but she failed to realize that God was in control. Now, the tables were turning on her and the people anoint little seven year old Joash as king.
“And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them, Behold, the king's son shall reign, as the LORD hath said of the sons of David...Then they brought out the king's son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king. Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the LORD: And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason. Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds that were set over the host, and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges: and whoso followeth her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest said, Slay her not in the house of the LORD. So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king's house, they slew her there.” - II Chronicles 23:3,11-15.
Wicked people always think they have everything under control and have the power to do anything they want. What they fail to remember is that God is greater than any evil that can be brought upon by anyone. Even Satan knows he is powerless to God. And no evil thing goes unpunished. Satan knows where he is going when Jesus returns and all the wicked people are going down there with him. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” - James 2:19.
Ladies, we have great power and with that power comes responsibility, we can make or break someone and we know it. Yes, I know men can corrupt us, but we have the power to turn any man around for the better. Be strong, let God lead you and you will be a blessing and a honor to all you are around, plus you will be blessed as well. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” - Proverbs 31:30.
Men, stay faithful to God and stand you ground,don't be a push over, yet don't be abusive either. Let God lead you and you as well as the women in your life will be blessed as well. “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” - Ephesians 5:21-25.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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Thursday, May 26, 2011
Renew Our Thinking
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: Renew Our Thinking
Date: Thursday May 26, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 18-20
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-26
Details of Today's Chapters: Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab, Ahab’s lying prophets, Micaiah’s true prophecy, the defeat and death of Ahab, Jehu rebukes Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab, Jehoshaphat’s prayer for deliverance and its answer, and God's judgment on Jehoshaphat after aligning himself with king Ahaziah.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” - Ephesians 4:18-24.
If you stopped to think about the time you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior or decided it was time to let Him in your life I imagine it was a pretty dark time in your life. While we do not change over night we do change one step at a time as we renew the spirit of our minds, in other words, as we allow the Holy Spirit to change our way of thinking. The only way to do that is by having a relationship with Christ, the more time we spend with Him the more we renew our thinking, which turn those godly thoughts into actions.
Jehoshaphat was a godly king, he did what he could to follow God's commands, but Jehoshaphat had one flaw that often hindered his relationship with God. Jehoshaphat did not know how to say no, he constantly compromised himself by compromising with others, first we learn of his alliance with Ahab.
“Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead. And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war...And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.” - II Chronicles 18:1-4.
While we all want to do things the Christian way, help all, and not fight with anyone, there are some things we just need to say no to, otherwise it could prove disastrous for all. Let me tell you that people might mock you and call you a Jesus freak or something like that, but they know God is with you and that you are blessed. When you are blessed those blessings rub off on others, even if they want nothing to do with God, they want you around to receive those blessings. Jehoshaphat was right in seeking advice from someone who was godly. We would all go through a lot less suffering if we seek God's advice in everything we do. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:5-7.
Jehoshaphat made a serious mistake when he aligned himself with Ahab, and because of that alliance Judah was about to face a battle of their own. However, God knew that Jehoshaphat was trying to do the right thing, he sent a prophet to warn him to get things right with God.
“And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD. Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God. And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.” - II Chronicles 19:2-4.
God will warn us when we are about to do something against His will, once we make the choice to do it anyway the consequences are all our own. We need to be very careful not to let people charm us into going against God, but God knows our heart and will lessen the affliction when we confess to Him. Immediately Jehoshaphat repents, reconciles with God, and gets the people in the right direction as well.
“And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.” - II Chronicles 19:5-7.
While we are to judge no person for their sins, we are to make them aware of their sin and in a way that is not offensive. We are all sinners and deserve the same judgment, but God is the judge, we are merely the messengers of the truth. If we approach them in the correct way they will thank you for it, not get offended. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” - I Corinthians 2:12-15.
God may become angry and chastise us for disobeying Him, but He is merciful and forgiving and never forsakes anyone that puts their faith and trust in Him. Jehoshaphat's godly leadership lead all of Judah to follow after his lead, even the strangers that dwelt in Judah, would be saved from this battle.
“And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children... And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's... Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.” - II Chronicles 20:13,15,17.
We all have a choice to make, God's way or the world's way, ignorance does not keep us from the affliction we face for our actions, regardless of who tempts or encourages us to go against God's will. We must not let anyone, but God convince us that we are making the right decision. However, even when we make mistakes God knows our hearts and if we truly seek Him He will actually help us through our affliction. The battle is the Lord's and when we seek Him we can not be defeated and if we are will always come back even stronger. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - I peter 4:12,13.
God is faithful and just to forgive us, He never forsakes those who have accepted His Son. Incidentally, ignorance does not save us from hell either, only Jesus does. The only way to be saved from the judgment we all face is by believing in and accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior. “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. Praise God!
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Message Title: Renew Our Thinking
Date: Thursday May 26, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 18-20
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-26
Details of Today's Chapters: Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab, Ahab’s lying prophets, Micaiah’s true prophecy, the defeat and death of Ahab, Jehu rebukes Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab, Jehoshaphat’s prayer for deliverance and its answer, and God's judgment on Jehoshaphat after aligning himself with king Ahaziah.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” - Ephesians 4:18-24.
If you stopped to think about the time you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior or decided it was time to let Him in your life I imagine it was a pretty dark time in your life. While we do not change over night we do change one step at a time as we renew the spirit of our minds, in other words, as we allow the Holy Spirit to change our way of thinking. The only way to do that is by having a relationship with Christ, the more time we spend with Him the more we renew our thinking, which turn those godly thoughts into actions.
Jehoshaphat was a godly king, he did what he could to follow God's commands, but Jehoshaphat had one flaw that often hindered his relationship with God. Jehoshaphat did not know how to say no, he constantly compromised himself by compromising with others, first we learn of his alliance with Ahab.
“Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead. And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war...And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.” - II Chronicles 18:1-4.
While we all want to do things the Christian way, help all, and not fight with anyone, there are some things we just need to say no to, otherwise it could prove disastrous for all. Let me tell you that people might mock you and call you a Jesus freak or something like that, but they know God is with you and that you are blessed. When you are blessed those blessings rub off on others, even if they want nothing to do with God, they want you around to receive those blessings. Jehoshaphat was right in seeking advice from someone who was godly. We would all go through a lot less suffering if we seek God's advice in everything we do. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:5-7.
Jehoshaphat made a serious mistake when he aligned himself with Ahab, and because of that alliance Judah was about to face a battle of their own. However, God knew that Jehoshaphat was trying to do the right thing, he sent a prophet to warn him to get things right with God.
“And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD. Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God. And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.” - II Chronicles 19:2-4.
God will warn us when we are about to do something against His will, once we make the choice to do it anyway the consequences are all our own. We need to be very careful not to let people charm us into going against God, but God knows our heart and will lessen the affliction when we confess to Him. Immediately Jehoshaphat repents, reconciles with God, and gets the people in the right direction as well.
“And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.” - II Chronicles 19:5-7.
While we are to judge no person for their sins, we are to make them aware of their sin and in a way that is not offensive. We are all sinners and deserve the same judgment, but God is the judge, we are merely the messengers of the truth. If we approach them in the correct way they will thank you for it, not get offended. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” - I Corinthians 2:12-15.
God may become angry and chastise us for disobeying Him, but He is merciful and forgiving and never forsakes anyone that puts their faith and trust in Him. Jehoshaphat's godly leadership lead all of Judah to follow after his lead, even the strangers that dwelt in Judah, would be saved from this battle.
“And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children... And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's... Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.” - II Chronicles 20:13,15,17.
We all have a choice to make, God's way or the world's way, ignorance does not keep us from the affliction we face for our actions, regardless of who tempts or encourages us to go against God's will. We must not let anyone, but God convince us that we are making the right decision. However, even when we make mistakes God knows our hearts and if we truly seek Him He will actually help us through our affliction. The battle is the Lord's and when we seek Him we can not be defeated and if we are will always come back even stronger. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - I peter 4:12,13.
God is faithful and just to forgive us, He never forsakes those who have accepted His Son. Incidentally, ignorance does not save us from hell either, only Jesus does. The only way to be saved from the judgment we all face is by believing in and accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior. “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. Praise God!
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Seek God's Help
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: Seek God's Help
Date: Wednesday May 25, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 14-17
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-25
Details of Today's Chapters: The death of Abijah, Asa reigns, Judah at rest for ten years, Asa’s victory over Zerah, warnings of Azariah, reform under Asa, the war between Asa and Baasha, Asa rebukes God, Asa's death, and Jehoshaphat reigns, reviving the Law.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep...I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture...I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep...I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine...My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.“ - John 10:1,2,9,11,14,27-29.
There is only one way to God, heaven, and eternal life and that is by the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter how faithful we are to church, how much we serve God, how good we try to be, or even if we followed every one of the ten commandments, unless we know Jesus personally God has no knowledge of our works. Jesus is the door to God and once we get in that door nothing will separate us from God, even if we mess up, God is right there waiting for us to come to Him. Now, even though nothing can pluck us out of God's hand that does not mean we will not face some consequences for our sins, we will suffer, but when we humble ourselves before Him and seek His help He is right there ready and willing to help.
King Asa was the grandson of Rehoboam and the great-grandson of Solomon, he loved God, rejected the heathen gods and idols that these kings allowed in the cities of Judah, removed them all, and encouraged the people to seek and serve God. Because he had a perfect heart for God all was quiet in the land and there was no war for ten years.
“So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years. And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.” - II Chronicles 14:1-4.
As we seek God when things are quiet and going well, we assure God that we know He is there and that He is the reason why we are at peace and everything is going so well. God assures us that when we seek Him there is nothing that He will not do for us. “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.
As long as Asa sought God he and all of Judah was at peace, do not be surprised if God does not test our faith when everything is going well. The ten year rest in Judah was about to come to an end, Zerah, the Ethiopian king, declared war on the Southern Kingdom of Judah. King Asa and the nation of Judah were faced with a million soldiers who had 300 chariots, the largest army recorded in the Old Testament. When Asa saw that army all he could think to do was pray.
“And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil.” - II Chronicles 14:11-13.
As Asa prayed he reminded God that he acknowledged that without Him they would be defeated, and that He alone is the only one who could give them the victory. Because Asa humbled himself before God and sought His help God answered his prayer. Sometimes things go so smoothly that we forget that God is still there so, God will send a battle our way to remind us that He has not gone anywhere. Sadly, it is affliction always gets us praying without ceasing, which we should be doing all day long. “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you... And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Timothy 5:17,18,23.
After their victory Asa and his army got a visit from a prophet, not to compliment them and congratulate them on their success, but to quicken them to do their duty. He told them plainly upon what terms they stood with God.
“Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them...Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD. And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.” - II Chronicles 15:3,4,7-9.
We must keep ourselves busy, much of the trouble that we have ever gotten into was due to the fact that we were bored. Adam and Eve brought sin onto all of us because they focused on the one thing God forbade them to do. Israel fell into captivity to Egypt because they sold themselves instead of working. David's sin with Bathsheba happened because he stayed home when he should have been working. Temptation is never far from us, all it takes is for our minds to wander even for a second to act upon them. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” - James 1:12-14.
Asa and the Kingdom of Judah enjoyed many years of prosperity, but later when Baasha, King of Israel, became a threat to his border cities, sadly, we learn that Asa stopped relying on God and sought his own judgment in seeking help to defeat Israel. The result, war for the rest of his days as king and a disease that would take his life because he stopped seeking help from God. “And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” - II Chronicles 16:12.
Sometimes pride is the thing that keeps us from seeking help from God. Some feel as though God will not forgive them or they are ashamed to admit to God they messed up and need His help. What they fail to realize is that God already knows all they need to do is come to Him and He will forgive them. No matter what we do we are still God's and nothing, not even the vilest of sins will cause Him to leave us. “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled” - Colossians 1:20,21.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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Message Title: Seek God's Help
Date: Wednesday May 25, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 14-17
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-25
Details of Today's Chapters: The death of Abijah, Asa reigns, Judah at rest for ten years, Asa’s victory over Zerah, warnings of Azariah, reform under Asa, the war between Asa and Baasha, Asa rebukes God, Asa's death, and Jehoshaphat reigns, reviving the Law.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep...I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture...I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep...I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine...My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.“ - John 10:1,2,9,11,14,27-29.
There is only one way to God, heaven, and eternal life and that is by the Lord Jesus Christ. No matter how faithful we are to church, how much we serve God, how good we try to be, or even if we followed every one of the ten commandments, unless we know Jesus personally God has no knowledge of our works. Jesus is the door to God and once we get in that door nothing will separate us from God, even if we mess up, God is right there waiting for us to come to Him. Now, even though nothing can pluck us out of God's hand that does not mean we will not face some consequences for our sins, we will suffer, but when we humble ourselves before Him and seek His help He is right there ready and willing to help.
King Asa was the grandson of Rehoboam and the great-grandson of Solomon, he loved God, rejected the heathen gods and idols that these kings allowed in the cities of Judah, removed them all, and encouraged the people to seek and serve God. Because he had a perfect heart for God all was quiet in the land and there was no war for ten years.
“So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years. And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.” - II Chronicles 14:1-4.
As we seek God when things are quiet and going well, we assure God that we know He is there and that He is the reason why we are at peace and everything is going so well. God assures us that when we seek Him there is nothing that He will not do for us. “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.
As long as Asa sought God he and all of Judah was at peace, do not be surprised if God does not test our faith when everything is going well. The ten year rest in Judah was about to come to an end, Zerah, the Ethiopian king, declared war on the Southern Kingdom of Judah. King Asa and the nation of Judah were faced with a million soldiers who had 300 chariots, the largest army recorded in the Old Testament. When Asa saw that army all he could think to do was pray.
“And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil.” - II Chronicles 14:11-13.
As Asa prayed he reminded God that he acknowledged that without Him they would be defeated, and that He alone is the only one who could give them the victory. Because Asa humbled himself before God and sought His help God answered his prayer. Sometimes things go so smoothly that we forget that God is still there so, God will send a battle our way to remind us that He has not gone anywhere. Sadly, it is affliction always gets us praying without ceasing, which we should be doing all day long. “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you... And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - I Timothy 5:17,18,23.
After their victory Asa and his army got a visit from a prophet, not to compliment them and congratulate them on their success, but to quicken them to do their duty. He told them plainly upon what terms they stood with God.
“Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them...Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD. And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.” - II Chronicles 15:3,4,7-9.
We must keep ourselves busy, much of the trouble that we have ever gotten into was due to the fact that we were bored. Adam and Eve brought sin onto all of us because they focused on the one thing God forbade them to do. Israel fell into captivity to Egypt because they sold themselves instead of working. David's sin with Bathsheba happened because he stayed home when he should have been working. Temptation is never far from us, all it takes is for our minds to wander even for a second to act upon them. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” - James 1:12-14.
Asa and the Kingdom of Judah enjoyed many years of prosperity, but later when Baasha, King of Israel, became a threat to his border cities, sadly, we learn that Asa stopped relying on God and sought his own judgment in seeking help to defeat Israel. The result, war for the rest of his days as king and a disease that would take his life because he stopped seeking help from God. “And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” - II Chronicles 16:12.
Sometimes pride is the thing that keeps us from seeking help from God. Some feel as though God will not forgive them or they are ashamed to admit to God they messed up and need His help. What they fail to realize is that God already knows all they need to do is come to Him and He will forgive them. No matter what we do we are still God's and nothing, not even the vilest of sins will cause Him to leave us. “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled” - Colossians 1:20,21.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Right God
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: The Right God
Date: Tuesday May 24, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 10-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-24
Details of Today's Chapters: The accession and folly of Rehoboam, the division of the kingdom, the accession of Jeroboam over Israel, Rehoboam returns to Jerusalem and reigns over Judah, Jeroboam rejects the worship of God, Rehoboam is defeated by Shishak, the death of Rehoboam, War between Abijah and Jeroboam, and the death of Jeroboam.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven...Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt: For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them:” - Deuteronomy 29:19,20,24-26.
You do not have to be a Jew to realize that not only Jerusalem, but all of the world is under God's judgment right now. People always ask the question, “If God is so loving why does He allow all this to happen?” The answer to every question is right in the Bible. God's answer, “Because they rebelled against My covenant, served, and worshiped other gods.” There is only One God, One Way, and One Truth, yet millions of people choose to create God in their own imaginations, which is forsaking God and serving the false god they created.
After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became the next king, not long after his being ordained he made the most foolish decision that would cause the nation to be divided, which is still present today. The leaders of Israel met with Rehoboam with a reasonable request that he ease the excessive taxes his father had imposed upon them. They also asked that he discontinue the forced labor which had persisted since Solomon first began building the luxurious palaces and other spectacular structures within his famous kingdom. Rehoboam sought advice from Solomon's advisers and his friends. Foolishly he chose the advice of his friends, which caused ten of the twelve tribes to rebel against him.
“And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.” - II Chronicles 10:13-16.
God, who permitted the rebellion of the northern tribes, intended it as a punishment of the house of David for Solomon’s apostasy, which was foretold to Solomon before he died. (Explained further in I Kings 12). This event marks a great importance in the history of the nation as it is today. It is "a kingdom divided against itself." However, the two kingdoms are to be reunited in the future kingdom when Jesus will reign over all.
“And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” - Isaiah 11:10-12.
Now, Rehoboam is fuming, he wants to show Israel who is in charge, he gathers up an army to fight against them, just as the battle began God sends a prophet to Rehoboam.
“And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam. But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam.” - II Chronicles 11:1-4.
God says,”Stop this fight, you are not going to fight against your own brethren. Go back home, I allowed this division to take place.” Sometimes God allows a division of our families. Why? God knew where the Northern Kingdom was headed and did not want His faithful to get corrupted as well. We all have to admit that we have family members that are not good for us, while we all want to see them saved, God just does not want us be corrupted by them nor fight with them so, He will separate us from them to protect us. “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 6:17,18.
For the first three years of Rehoboam's reign royal influence was exerted in the encouragement of the true religion. However, when Rehoboam was so strong that he supposed he had nothing to fear from Jeroboam he took his eyes off God and so did Judah, resulting in a war between Judah and Egypt.
“Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.” - II Chronicles 12:5-7.
Amazingly when the people humbled themselves before God He heard them and stopped the destruction. God does not want to see anyone hurt, the main reason for allowing suffering is that all come to Him in repentance. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” - II Peter 3:9.
Just as always God's way is the best way, if we truly want to follow the Only God, Only Way, and Only Truth, we need to let Jesus Christ be the Lord of our lives. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.“ - John 14:6. Seek and accept Christ, read all of His Word and follow all of His commands and we will be following the right God.
Of course, it takes time to grow in our walk with Christ, but as we continue there is nothing God will not do for us. No matter what happens, no matter how many times we fall, God will get us back on track. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. “ - John 10:28-30.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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Message Title: The Right God
Date: Tuesday May 24, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 10-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-24
Details of Today's Chapters: The accession and folly of Rehoboam, the division of the kingdom, the accession of Jeroboam over Israel, Rehoboam returns to Jerusalem and reigns over Judah, Jeroboam rejects the worship of God, Rehoboam is defeated by Shishak, the death of Rehoboam, War between Abijah and Jeroboam, and the death of Jeroboam.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven...Even all nations shall say, Wherefore hath the LORD done thus unto this land? what meaneth the heat of this great anger? Then men shall say, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD God of their fathers, which he made with them when he brought them forth out of the land of Egypt: For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them:” - Deuteronomy 29:19,20,24-26.
You do not have to be a Jew to realize that not only Jerusalem, but all of the world is under God's judgment right now. People always ask the question, “If God is so loving why does He allow all this to happen?” The answer to every question is right in the Bible. God's answer, “Because they rebelled against My covenant, served, and worshiped other gods.” There is only One God, One Way, and One Truth, yet millions of people choose to create God in their own imaginations, which is forsaking God and serving the false god they created.
After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became the next king, not long after his being ordained he made the most foolish decision that would cause the nation to be divided, which is still present today. The leaders of Israel met with Rehoboam with a reasonable request that he ease the excessive taxes his father had imposed upon them. They also asked that he discontinue the forced labor which had persisted since Solomon first began building the luxurious palaces and other spectacular structures within his famous kingdom. Rehoboam sought advice from Solomon's advisers and his friends. Foolishly he chose the advice of his friends, which caused ten of the twelve tribes to rebel against him.
“And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.” - II Chronicles 10:13-16.
God, who permitted the rebellion of the northern tribes, intended it as a punishment of the house of David for Solomon’s apostasy, which was foretold to Solomon before he died. (Explained further in I Kings 12). This event marks a great importance in the history of the nation as it is today. It is "a kingdom divided against itself." However, the two kingdoms are to be reunited in the future kingdom when Jesus will reign over all.
“And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” - Isaiah 11:10-12.
Now, Rehoboam is fuming, he wants to show Israel who is in charge, he gathers up an army to fight against them, just as the battle began God sends a prophet to Rehoboam.
“And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam. But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam.” - II Chronicles 11:1-4.
God says,”Stop this fight, you are not going to fight against your own brethren. Go back home, I allowed this division to take place.” Sometimes God allows a division of our families. Why? God knew where the Northern Kingdom was headed and did not want His faithful to get corrupted as well. We all have to admit that we have family members that are not good for us, while we all want to see them saved, God just does not want us be corrupted by them nor fight with them so, He will separate us from them to protect us. “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 6:17,18.
For the first three years of Rehoboam's reign royal influence was exerted in the encouragement of the true religion. However, when Rehoboam was so strong that he supposed he had nothing to fear from Jeroboam he took his eyes off God and so did Judah, resulting in a war between Judah and Egypt.
“Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.” - II Chronicles 12:5-7.
Amazingly when the people humbled themselves before God He heard them and stopped the destruction. God does not want to see anyone hurt, the main reason for allowing suffering is that all come to Him in repentance. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” - II Peter 3:9.
Just as always God's way is the best way, if we truly want to follow the Only God, Only Way, and Only Truth, we need to let Jesus Christ be the Lord of our lives. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.“ - John 14:6. Seek and accept Christ, read all of His Word and follow all of His commands and we will be following the right God.
Of course, it takes time to grow in our walk with Christ, but as we continue there is nothing God will not do for us. No matter what happens, no matter how many times we fall, God will get us back on track. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. “ - John 10:28-30.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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Monday, May 23, 2011
How To Receive Answered Prayer
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: How To Receive Answered Prayer
Date: Monday May 23, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 7-9
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-23
Details of Today's Chapters: Divine acceptance, sacrifices and rejoicing, God appears to Solomon a second time in a dream, Solomon's fame riches, Solomon and the queen of Sheba, his wealth increase, and his death.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” - John 20:26-31.
Most of us, including many Christian's, base their faith by what they see in front of them, without proof they simply can not believe that miracles happen or that God can do the impossible. However, God can do the impossible, it is our lack of faith that keeps Him from doing it. If we truly want to see God do some amazing things in our lives we need to start living by faith, not by the circumstances, not by what we can and can not do, but by faith, which is convincing ourselves that nothing is impossible with God.
King Solomon is credited for having said some of the longest prayers and offering the biggest number of sacrifices in all the Bible. After the prayer he said standing in front of the whole congregation something amazing happened.
“Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD.” - II Chronicles 7:1-4.
God loves to hear us pray, the more we pray the more He rejoices, Why? Because we are saying to God, I need your help, I have tried it on my own, but I know I can't. I humbly come before you and am depending on You to give me the things I need and desire. Now, sometimes we need hundred word prayers, but God not only hears the big gigantic prayers, He hears the little itsy bitsy ones. Sometimes all the strength we have is to say, “Lord I need you.” and He will hear you. “Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” - Jeremiah 33:2,3.
God always answers our prayers, more ofter than none He answers them in a way that we do not expect, but to hear the answer we just have to listen for His call back. God heard Solomon's prayer and answered him in another dream.
“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice...If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place...But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?” - II Chronicles 7:12,14,15,19-21.
God wants to give us things, but we must be willing to give ourselves to Him first, that means eliminating all the worldly things and doing what God wants us to do. We can pray all day long, but unless we seek His face, turn from all wickedness, and humbly and sincerely seek His forgiveness He will not hear us. To seek His face means to get in His Word so we may know what life God wants us to live. Contrary to what many believe God wants us to live life to the fullest, He just wants us to do it His way, and that does not mean to sit in a corner and pray all day, which is not a bad thing from time to time, but if we want to see answered prayer we must get in His Word and follow those commands. “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” - Psalm 37:3,4.
Solomon's success as king soon became wide spread, kings and queens from all over the world came to meet this king, to see if he was as wise as they claimed and if this God of his really existed. Solomon got a visit from the queen of Sheba.
“And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,.. And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard...Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.” - II Chronicles 9:3,5,6,8.
The queen of Sheba put herself to a great deal of trouble and expense to hear the wisdom of Solomon and yet, learning from him how to serve God, and do her duty, she thought herself well paid for her pains. It is a big sacrifice to choose to serve God over the world, not because of what God asks us to do, but because of all the trials and affliction we face from family, friends, and others through our faith in Him. However, there is no better reward for our becoming a living sacrifice than by receiving eternal life. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.“ - John 10:27-30.
No matter what we choose to do in life we are going to face some struggles and hardships. Having God on our side makes them much easier to bare and before we know it we have faith that can move mountains. Sometimes to receive faith that moves mountains we are going to have to do more than say a prayer, we are going to have to give ourselves completely over to God. That means giving up food, hobbies, or other things of interest and using that time to spend with God in prayer, Bible reading, and meditating day and night on Him until we see Him give us some answers.
“Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.“ - Matthew 17:19-21. As we increase our faith in God by humbly giving ourselves to Him there is nothing that God will not do for us.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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Message Title: How To Receive Answered Prayer
Date: Monday May 23, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 7-9
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-23
Details of Today's Chapters: Divine acceptance, sacrifices and rejoicing, God appears to Solomon a second time in a dream, Solomon's fame riches, Solomon and the queen of Sheba, his wealth increase, and his death.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” - John 20:26-31.
Most of us, including many Christian's, base their faith by what they see in front of them, without proof they simply can not believe that miracles happen or that God can do the impossible. However, God can do the impossible, it is our lack of faith that keeps Him from doing it. If we truly want to see God do some amazing things in our lives we need to start living by faith, not by the circumstances, not by what we can and can not do, but by faith, which is convincing ourselves that nothing is impossible with God.
King Solomon is credited for having said some of the longest prayers and offering the biggest number of sacrifices in all the Bible. After the prayer he said standing in front of the whole congregation something amazing happened.
“Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD.” - II Chronicles 7:1-4.
God loves to hear us pray, the more we pray the more He rejoices, Why? Because we are saying to God, I need your help, I have tried it on my own, but I know I can't. I humbly come before you and am depending on You to give me the things I need and desire. Now, sometimes we need hundred word prayers, but God not only hears the big gigantic prayers, He hears the little itsy bitsy ones. Sometimes all the strength we have is to say, “Lord I need you.” and He will hear you. “Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” - Jeremiah 33:2,3.
God always answers our prayers, more ofter than none He answers them in a way that we do not expect, but to hear the answer we just have to listen for His call back. God heard Solomon's prayer and answered him in another dream.
“And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice...If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place...But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?” - II Chronicles 7:12,14,15,19-21.
God wants to give us things, but we must be willing to give ourselves to Him first, that means eliminating all the worldly things and doing what God wants us to do. We can pray all day long, but unless we seek His face, turn from all wickedness, and humbly and sincerely seek His forgiveness He will not hear us. To seek His face means to get in His Word so we may know what life God wants us to live. Contrary to what many believe God wants us to live life to the fullest, He just wants us to do it His way, and that does not mean to sit in a corner and pray all day, which is not a bad thing from time to time, but if we want to see answered prayer we must get in His Word and follow those commands. “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” - Psalm 37:3,4.
Solomon's success as king soon became wide spread, kings and queens from all over the world came to meet this king, to see if he was as wise as they claimed and if this God of his really existed. Solomon got a visit from the queen of Sheba.
“And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built,.. And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard...Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.” - II Chronicles 9:3,5,6,8.
The queen of Sheba put herself to a great deal of trouble and expense to hear the wisdom of Solomon and yet, learning from him how to serve God, and do her duty, she thought herself well paid for her pains. It is a big sacrifice to choose to serve God over the world, not because of what God asks us to do, but because of all the trials and affliction we face from family, friends, and others through our faith in Him. However, there is no better reward for our becoming a living sacrifice than by receiving eternal life. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.“ - John 10:27-30.
No matter what we choose to do in life we are going to face some struggles and hardships. Having God on our side makes them much easier to bare and before we know it we have faith that can move mountains. Sometimes to receive faith that moves mountains we are going to have to do more than say a prayer, we are going to have to give ourselves completely over to God. That means giving up food, hobbies, or other things of interest and using that time to spend with God in prayer, Bible reading, and meditating day and night on Him until we see Him give us some answers.
“Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.“ - Matthew 17:19-21. As we increase our faith in God by humbly giving ourselves to Him there is nothing that God will not do for us.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Sunday, May 22, 2011
A Wise Masterbuilder
Message Title: A Wise Masterbuilder
Date: Sunday May 22, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 4-6
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-22
Details of Today's Chapters: Details on the construction of the Temple, the Temple is complete, the ark brought in and the glory od the Lord fills the house, and Solomon’s sermon and prayer.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ... 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. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” - I Corinthians 3:10,11,14-17.
The first step to building a structure is to lay the foundation, without a good, sturdy foundation the structure would be destroyed. Once the foundation is set and construction begins, piece by piece it becomes a strong, sound structure able to withstand any storm. The flesh we tote around us every day is put together much like a building, if it is laid upon the foundation of Christ piece by piece, it will withstand any storm.
King Solomon continued building the Temple, it took about seven and a half years for it to be completed, but every detail was precise and everything that went into the Temple was pure and only of the best quality. The furniture and amount of items in the Temple, compared with that of the Tabernacle, showed that God's church would be enlarged, as His worshipers multiplied.
“Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof...He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left. He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold.” - II Chronicles 4:1,6-8.
It was important that everything that went into the Temple be pure and perfect, a foreseen quality that would be of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, those who are saved are the Temple of God, He dwells within the soul of every believer. Since we are His Temple it is just as important that everything we put into it be pure. We are not perfect, but we can be pure, keeping our body and mind undefiled, in other words living by some standards and morals. “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.” - Psalm 119:1-3.
Now that the Temple was complete it was time to bring the Ark of God to it's final resting place. Solomon gathered the priests and Levites as God commanded would be the only ones allowed to handle the Ark and put the Ark and all the holy vessels in place. The Ark was a token of the presence of God, when the people saw the Ark they knew that God was with them.
“Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion...And all the elders of Israel came; and the Levites took up the ark. And they brought up the ark, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, these did the priests and the Levites bring up. Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude.” - II Chronicles 5:2,4-6.
With praise, thanksgiving, music, and singing all the people were gathered together as one to see this wonderful event take place. There was nothing in the Ark except for the two tablets of stone with the Ten Commandments on them. These were to be a constant reminder of God's Covenant with Israel and to make them a holy nation. As soon as the Ark was in it's place God took possession of the Temple.
“And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.” - II Chronicles 5:11-14.
God is always with His believers, but there is something about the sense of seeing His presence that increases a persons faith in Him. Any believer, even today, has the power to see His presence, look around you, God is everywhere, in the people we meet, in ourselves, in His beautiful creations, in the miracles we see every day, life in itself is a miracle, we should never take for granted that we are one of God's miracles and how much we mean to Him. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” - Hebrews 13:5.
As a wise masterbuilder Jesus Christ builds our Temple, piece by piece, as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us we become a strong, solid structure. Start cutting corners and leaving out a few pieces here and there and it will be destroyed. The amazing thing is that as long as we are standing upon the foundation of Christ even if we have destroyed our Temple the foundation remains intact, allowing us to rebuild. “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.” - Roamans 5:8-10. Praise God!
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
Date: Sunday May 22, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 4-6
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-22
Details of Today's Chapters: Details on the construction of the Temple, the Temple is complete, the ark brought in and the glory od the Lord fills the house, and Solomon’s sermon and prayer.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ... 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. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” - I Corinthians 3:10,11,14-17.
The first step to building a structure is to lay the foundation, without a good, sturdy foundation the structure would be destroyed. Once the foundation is set and construction begins, piece by piece it becomes a strong, sound structure able to withstand any storm. The flesh we tote around us every day is put together much like a building, if it is laid upon the foundation of Christ piece by piece, it will withstand any storm.
King Solomon continued building the Temple, it took about seven and a half years for it to be completed, but every detail was precise and everything that went into the Temple was pure and only of the best quality. The furniture and amount of items in the Temple, compared with that of the Tabernacle, showed that God's church would be enlarged, as His worshipers multiplied.
“Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof...He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left. He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold.” - II Chronicles 4:1,6-8.
It was important that everything that went into the Temple be pure and perfect, a foreseen quality that would be of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, those who are saved are the Temple of God, He dwells within the soul of every believer. Since we are His Temple it is just as important that everything we put into it be pure. We are not perfect, but we can be pure, keeping our body and mind undefiled, in other words living by some standards and morals. “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.” - Psalm 119:1-3.
Now that the Temple was complete it was time to bring the Ark of God to it's final resting place. Solomon gathered the priests and Levites as God commanded would be the only ones allowed to handle the Ark and put the Ark and all the holy vessels in place. The Ark was a token of the presence of God, when the people saw the Ark they knew that God was with them.
“Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion...And all the elders of Israel came; and the Levites took up the ark. And they brought up the ark, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, these did the priests and the Levites bring up. Also king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him before the ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not be told nor numbered for multitude.” - II Chronicles 5:2,4-6.
With praise, thanksgiving, music, and singing all the people were gathered together as one to see this wonderful event take place. There was nothing in the Ark except for the two tablets of stone with the Ten Commandments on them. These were to be a constant reminder of God's Covenant with Israel and to make them a holy nation. As soon as the Ark was in it's place God took possession of the Temple.
“And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.” - II Chronicles 5:11-14.
God is always with His believers, but there is something about the sense of seeing His presence that increases a persons faith in Him. Any believer, even today, has the power to see His presence, look around you, God is everywhere, in the people we meet, in ourselves, in His beautiful creations, in the miracles we see every day, life in itself is a miracle, we should never take for granted that we are one of God's miracles and how much we mean to Him. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” - Hebrews 13:5.
As a wise masterbuilder Jesus Christ builds our Temple, piece by piece, as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us we become a strong, solid structure. Start cutting corners and leaving out a few pieces here and there and it will be destroyed. The amazing thing is that as long as we are standing upon the foundation of Christ even if we have destroyed our Temple the foundation remains intact, allowing us to rebuild. “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.” - Roamans 5:8-10. Praise God!
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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