King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: The Fear of God
Date: Saturday June 04, 2011
Chapters: Ezra 8-9
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-4
Details of Today's Chapters: A list of Ezra’s companions and his visit to Jerusalem, the treasure is placed in the Temple, the remnant mix in with the worldly people, and Ezra’s prayer and confession to god for the remnant.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God... For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” - II Corinthians 7:1,10-11.
Sometimes we go through things and ask God, “What did I do now?”While we can all improve on something in our lives, the afflictions, chastisements, and trials we face are not to condemn us, but remind us that God is still around and perhaps we have lost our fear of God somewhere and it's time to find it. Fearing God does not mean that we are to live in constant fear of Him, it means to have respect for God, to acknowledge Him in all that we do, and to live by the morals He teaches us. If you are saved, you are a child of God, that means we are to cleanse ourselves from all the immoral things we do with our minds and bodies, which in turn gives us a clean spirit and the fear of God.
Ezra recalls his time in Babylon, having received the commission from the king to assemble a group of people willing to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and city. Ezra was a little apprehensive about the job God had given him to do and who would be willing to come with him, but he put his faith and trust in God. Over seventeen hundred men volunteered to go to Jerusalem, before going any further the entire team fasted and prayed to God.
“And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi...And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;.. Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance...So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.” - Ezra 8:15,18,21,23.
When things get so overwhelming and we have big decisions to make it is time to fast and pray, the bigger the decision, the longer the fasting and praying probably needs to be, Moses and Jesus fasted and prayed for forty days. While most cases fasting is defined as abstaining from food, there are different means of fasting. Fasting is abstaining from anything that gives us pleasure and during the time in which we would be doing that we would spend time in prayer to God. Jesus describes fasting this way, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.“ - Matthew 6:16-18.
After they received their answers from God, by faith Ezra, the volunteers, their families. Along with all they could carry headed to Jerusalem. “Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way. And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days...Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the LORD.” - Ezra 8:31,32,35.
Ezra encouraged the people that God would protect and provide for them on their journey and He did, they arrived safely to Jerusalem four months later. God is always with His people and will protect us, whether we are doing His work at home or two thousand miles away, He never leaves nor forsakes us. It may feel as though He is not with us at times, but that I when He is doing the most work in us. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them...Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:“ - Ephesians 2:10,19-21.
When Ezra and the people arrived in Jerusalem they expected to see at least a few people worshiping, praising God, and giving them some hope that God was in their lives. However, it was just the opposite, the moral and spiritual condition in Jerusalem was terrible and it grieved Ezra to the point that he fell on his knees, spread out his hands to the Lord, and began begging God for to forgive the people.
“For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass. And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied. Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice...O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.” - Ezra 9:2-4,15.
Christians are to set examples of a moral and uncorrupted life to show the world how great it would be to have God in it. However, when they live as the world all the says to them is, “So, it's God, big deal, nothing changes if we know God, so why bother.” Those who live in sin, are lost or have been away from Christ so long that they have forgotten that they too are forgiven. They truly have no idea what they are doing and need our prayers and forgiveness just as much as everyone else. When Jesus was on the cross and the people were crucifying Him He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” - Luke 23:34.
We are all under the loving care of the hand of our heavenly Father and nothing can touch us except with His permission. Since this is true, outbursts of fright, unforgiving, complaint, or anger over our circumstances are evidences of our failure to recognize the presence and power of God. When we learn to fear God all we can be at peace. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:20,21.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, June 4, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Living By Faith
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: Living By Faith
Date: Friday June 03, 2011
Chapters: Ezra 6-7
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-3
Details of Today's Chapters: Darius confirms the decree of Cyrus, the Temple is furnished and worship is restored, and Ezra’s expedition to Jerusalem and his thanksgiving.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen... Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear... But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:1,3,6.
The word diligently is defined as a steady, careful application, a constant effort to accomplish a task given, it's an exertion of the body or mind without unnecessary delay. We can serve God all day long, but unless we personally seek the “living by faith alone” relationship with God than we will never accomplish very much for God, ourselves, or anyone. God rewards us when we diligently seek Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. Of course, our faith goes up and down like a roller coaster, but as we steadily seek to accomplish His will even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.
Fourteen years had passed after the Jews laid the foundation of the Temple and the rest of the work ceased, after some encouragement through Haggai and Zechariah the work finally continued until the Temple was complete. This time the work was not only backed up by God Himself, but king Artaxerxes as well.
“Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered... And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,” - Ezra 6:8,14-16.
The key to their success was the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah, which was the power of God and His Word instructing them to rebuild the Temple according to God's commands. God's work can only be sustained and strengthened through our faith, which leads to obedience to His Word, one power that Satan cannot take from us. “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” - James 2:18,19.
Ezra was born during the Jews Babylonian captivity, he was a descendant of Aaron, Israel's first high priest. He was sent to Jerusalem to bring spiritual leadership to the people. The key to Ezra's effectiveness in accomplishing the will of God is that he diligently prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, in other words, he studied God's Word and followed it.
“For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments... Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee...Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?” - Ezra 7:9,10,12,13,23.
God's Word is the source of strength by which His children cannot be defeated. Ezra was committed to seeking, doing, and teaching God's Word. This should be a reminder that, if we want God to really bless our lives, we too must diligently prepare our hearts to seek the truth in God's Word and do as He commands. “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” - II Peter 1:8-11.
Everyone reading this is at different levels of their Christianity, some may be learning of Christ as we speak, some are babes in Christ or have been saved for years. Some are returning to a life with Christ in it or been faithful since birth. Some have followed Him afar, never been taught the Word of God at all or have been faithfully reading, following, and teaching God's Word for years. Whatever level we are, there is always room for improvement, therefore, we need to diligently, by faith, work to increase that level. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” - Hebrews 5:12-14.
We are all special, chosen by God Himself and accepted of Him only through our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It's by faith that we are saved, not by how much we do for God or anyone else, many people believe in Jesus, but sadly have gone to hell because they never told Him personally that they believe in Him and are depending on Him for their salvation. It's only by faith that we are saved, not our works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10.
Every chapter, every verse, and every word, in the Bible is there to help us learn, to grow, to know His commands, and to teach us to follow them. If we truly want Jesus to be Lord of our lives and want to see the blessings flow through the trials we face we need His Word, it's the only thing that produces the faith we need to move those mountains, the bigger the faith the bigger the mountains, but it is only by faith that we not only become hears, but doers of God's Word. “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... Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves...But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” - James 1:12,21,22,25.
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: Living By Faith
Date: Friday June 03, 2011
Chapters: Ezra 6-7
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-3
Details of Today's Chapters: Darius confirms the decree of Cyrus, the Temple is furnished and worship is restored, and Ezra’s expedition to Jerusalem and his thanksgiving.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen... Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear... But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:1,3,6.
The word diligently is defined as a steady, careful application, a constant effort to accomplish a task given, it's an exertion of the body or mind without unnecessary delay. We can serve God all day long, but unless we personally seek the “living by faith alone” relationship with God than we will never accomplish very much for God, ourselves, or anyone. God rewards us when we diligently seek Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. Of course, our faith goes up and down like a roller coaster, but as we steadily seek to accomplish His will even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.
Fourteen years had passed after the Jews laid the foundation of the Temple and the rest of the work ceased, after some encouragement through Haggai and Zechariah the work finally continued until the Temple was complete. This time the work was not only backed up by God Himself, but king Artaxerxes as well.
“Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered... And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,” - Ezra 6:8,14-16.
The key to their success was the prophesying of Haggai and Zechariah, which was the power of God and His Word instructing them to rebuild the Temple according to God's commands. God's work can only be sustained and strengthened through our faith, which leads to obedience to His Word, one power that Satan cannot take from us. “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” - James 2:18,19.
Ezra was born during the Jews Babylonian captivity, he was a descendant of Aaron, Israel's first high priest. He was sent to Jerusalem to bring spiritual leadership to the people. The key to Ezra's effectiveness in accomplishing the will of God is that he diligently prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, in other words, he studied God's Word and followed it.
“For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments... Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee...Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?” - Ezra 7:9,10,12,13,23.
God's Word is the source of strength by which His children cannot be defeated. Ezra was committed to seeking, doing, and teaching God's Word. This should be a reminder that, if we want God to really bless our lives, we too must diligently prepare our hearts to seek the truth in God's Word and do as He commands. “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” - II Peter 1:8-11.
Everyone reading this is at different levels of their Christianity, some may be learning of Christ as we speak, some are babes in Christ or have been saved for years. Some are returning to a life with Christ in it or been faithful since birth. Some have followed Him afar, never been taught the Word of God at all or have been faithfully reading, following, and teaching God's Word for years. Whatever level we are, there is always room for improvement, therefore, we need to diligently, by faith, work to increase that level. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” - Hebrews 5:12-14.
We are all special, chosen by God Himself and accepted of Him only through our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. It's by faith that we are saved, not by how much we do for God or anyone else, many people believe in Jesus, but sadly have gone to hell because they never told Him personally that they believe in Him and are depending on Him for their salvation. It's only by faith that we are saved, not our works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10.
Every chapter, every verse, and every word, in the Bible is there to help us learn, to grow, to know His commands, and to teach us to follow them. If we truly want Jesus to be Lord of our lives and want to see the blessings flow through the trials we face we need His Word, it's the only thing that produces the faith we need to move those mountains, the bigger the faith the bigger the mountains, but it is only by faith that we not only become hears, but doers of God's Word. “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... Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves...But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” - James 1:12,21,22,25.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Thursday, June 2, 2011
God Never Gives Up
P.S. I apologize for this getting posted so late.
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: God Never Gives Up
Date: June 02,2011
Chapters: Ezra 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-2
Details of Today's Chapters: Worship is established in Jerusalem, an altar is set up and Temple foundation is relaid, rebuilding of the Temple is hindered, encouragement from the prophets and the work resumes.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” - I Peter 3:8-12.
Sometimes it's not easy being a Christian, we face constant criticism, not only from the world, but other Christians as well, especially when we are trying to serve our Lord. You can be sure that once you start serving God obstacles will come your way to try and stop you. The amazing thing is that everything is in God's hands, once He sets you on that journey to do His work He will stop at nothing for you to complete it, it might even take a while, but God never gives up on you.
Israel was in ruins, most of the Jews from the Northern Kingdom were scattered all over the world, while the Southern Kingdom was held captive in Babylon, for seventy years not a thing was done to restore their promised land, once flowing with milk and honey. Now that king Cyrus set the Jews free they were able to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding. After four months of traveling they finally arrived to a desolate, abandoned land, full of evil.
“And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening. They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;” - Ezra 3:1-4.
Every Jew came together as one and the first thing they did was set up an altar to God as it was written in God's Word. This would be the first time that many of the Jews even knew of the feast of the Lord, but they followed every command written in the law of Moses as they learned it. Most people upon asking Jesus Christ to save them have never stepped foot in church or have been away for a long time. God does not expect us to completely change overnight, but day by day as we learn God's Word we learn to follow His commands as they are written. “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.“ - Matthew 4:4.
Two years after the Jews return they began to rebuild the Temple, every willing heart came to do whatever they could to help. “Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites. And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.” - Ezra 3:9-11.
The foundation was laid, the people jumped for joy, they were so excited that they were crying. Why after two years was only the foundation was laid? The plans to build the Temple were laid out in the Book of the Law, if they were to do the job right they had to learn what that was. It's important that we learn to follow all of God's Word. Like I said earlier, God does not expect us to know everything instantly, it takes time to learn everything God has to show us, and even then we never learn everything, but we must stay in His Word in order to know all His commands. ““But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” - II Timothy 3:14-17.
Now, you can be sure that with all the commotion going on near the Lord's stomping grounds that there would be some people out there not too happy about the rebuilding of the Temple. As soon as the Jews laid the foundation, they were faced with criticism and opposition. “Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia...Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.” - Ezra 4:4,5,24.
Their lack of faith caused them to lose sight of God in the midst of their obstacles instead of seeking Him for help. For fourteen years the Temple remained unfinished while the Jews attended to rebuilding the city. It took the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to remind them that they had not finished the Temple and it was time to get to work. This time God was with them and nothing would stop them.
“Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall? Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter... And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.” - Ezra 5:2-5,11.
Their reply as to who ordered the work of the Temple, God ordered it, this time God was with them and nothing was going to stop them from completing the work that He called them to do. God's hands are in every part of our lives, from the good to the bad, He allows everything in order to grow us, prepare us, strengthen us, and bring us to the point that we realize we are nothing without Him. It's great to praise Him when things are going well, but it's the times we praise Him when things are not going so well that He blesses us the most. The more we praise Him through the obstacles the blessed we become. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:7-10.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: God Never Gives Up
Date: June 02,2011
Chapters: Ezra 3-5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-2
Details of Today's Chapters: Worship is established in Jerusalem, an altar is set up and Temple foundation is relaid, rebuilding of the Temple is hindered, encouragement from the prophets and the work resumes.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” - I Peter 3:8-12.
Sometimes it's not easy being a Christian, we face constant criticism, not only from the world, but other Christians as well, especially when we are trying to serve our Lord. You can be sure that once you start serving God obstacles will come your way to try and stop you. The amazing thing is that everything is in God's hands, once He sets you on that journey to do His work He will stop at nothing for you to complete it, it might even take a while, but God never gives up on you.
Israel was in ruins, most of the Jews from the Northern Kingdom were scattered all over the world, while the Southern Kingdom was held captive in Babylon, for seventy years not a thing was done to restore their promised land, once flowing with milk and honey. Now that king Cyrus set the Jews free they were able to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding. After four months of traveling they finally arrived to a desolate, abandoned land, full of evil.
“And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and evening. They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;” - Ezra 3:1-4.
Every Jew came together as one and the first thing they did was set up an altar to God as it was written in God's Word. This would be the first time that many of the Jews even knew of the feast of the Lord, but they followed every command written in the law of Moses as they learned it. Most people upon asking Jesus Christ to save them have never stepped foot in church or have been away for a long time. God does not expect us to completely change overnight, but day by day as we learn God's Word we learn to follow His commands as they are written. “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.“ - Matthew 4:4.
Two years after the Jews return they began to rebuild the Temple, every willing heart came to do whatever they could to help. “Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites. And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.” - Ezra 3:9-11.
The foundation was laid, the people jumped for joy, they were so excited that they were crying. Why after two years was only the foundation was laid? The plans to build the Temple were laid out in the Book of the Law, if they were to do the job right they had to learn what that was. It's important that we learn to follow all of God's Word. Like I said earlier, God does not expect us to know everything instantly, it takes time to learn everything God has to show us, and even then we never learn everything, but we must stay in His Word in order to know all His commands. ““But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” - II Timothy 3:14-17.
Now, you can be sure that with all the commotion going on near the Lord's stomping grounds that there would be some people out there not too happy about the rebuilding of the Temple. As soon as the Jews laid the foundation, they were faced with criticism and opposition. “Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia...Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.” - Ezra 4:4,5,24.
Their lack of faith caused them to lose sight of God in the midst of their obstacles instead of seeking Him for help. For fourteen years the Temple remained unfinished while the Jews attended to rebuilding the city. It took the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to remind them that they had not finished the Temple and it was time to get to work. This time God was with them and nothing would stop them.
“Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall? Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter... And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.” - Ezra 5:2-5,11.
Their reply as to who ordered the work of the Temple, God ordered it, this time God was with them and nothing was going to stop them from completing the work that He called them to do. God's hands are in every part of our lives, from the good to the bad, He allows everything in order to grow us, prepare us, strengthen us, and bring us to the point that we realize we are nothing without Him. It's great to praise Him when things are going well, but it's the times we praise Him when things are not going so well that He blesses us the most. The more we praise Him through the obstacles the blessed we become. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:7-10.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Comfort In The Rod
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: Comfort In The Rod
Date: June 01, 2011
Chapters: Ezra 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-1
Details of Today's Chapters: The Decree of Cyrus to restore Temple in Jerusalem, preparations for the return of the remnant, the remnant are numbered.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:1-4.
It is amazing to realize that out of the billions of people in the world today, all created by God, only a small remnant of them are actually children of God. Oh, many people may believe in God, but very few want to leave the comforts and prosperity of the world to accept Him into their lives. We all want to prosper and God wants us to as well, but if we truly want to prosper in all areas of our lives we need to be willing to let go of our worldly comforts and seek comfort in God. He alone can give light to the darkest trials we face, present and future.
The book of Ezra is the fifteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains ten chapters. The author of the book is Ezra, the prophet and it was originally written to the Jews that were in Babylon. The purpose of the book was to record the Israelites return from exile after spending seventy years in Babylon, to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. The time line for these events are approximately 536 BC to 457 BC. What we are to learn from the book is the basic principles of repentance, returning to God and restoring our relationship with Him. “And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,” - Ezra 6:21.
Ezra is a continuation of II Chronicles 36 where it said, “To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years. Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.” - II Chronicles 36:21-23.
Now, after seventy years in Babylon, God is ready for His people to come forward and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. During the 70-year captivity, despite appearances to the contrary, the prophets encouraged the exiles concerning their restoration and foretold that they would rebuild Jerusalem. When Cyrus began conquering the world, he did not know that the Almighty God was giving him the victories, but it was God who inspired Jeremiah to predict the exact year Cyrus would release the Jews and now that time has come.
“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.” - Ezra 1:1-3.
From freedom to prison, from life to death, from peace to war, from feast to famine, God has His hand in everything everyone does. He will even allow His children to suffer through the very things that the world has to offer. Why? To get His people to put their faith and trust in Him alone in every area of their lives. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:.. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1,14.
The same God that raised up the spirit of Cyrus to proclaim liberty to the Jews, raised up the Jews spirits to accept the challenge to rebuild Jerusalem. An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity, out of the hundreds of thousands of Jews only 42,360 remained with God and were willing to head back to Jerusalem, which was still desolate and in much despair.
“Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;.. And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place: They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.” - Ezra 2:1,68,69.
Not only did Jews come back, but people of many nations who were in Babylon. When we choose Jesus, no matter where we came from, we choose God and when we choose Christ above all the temptations and glorious sights of the world we become children of God. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:26-28.
Most of the new generation of Judah had never been in Jerusalem and had no reason to leave Babylon except to rebuild the Temple in the old, ruined city of Jerusalem about 900 miles away. Only a few were willing to endure the hazardous, long and difficult four-month journey on foot, amazingly not one complaint is recorded, the first ever. Those who truly want Christ to be Lord of their lives are willing to step out of their comfort zones, maybe even go into unfamiliar territory, and follow Him where ever He leads them. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.“ - Matthew 16:24,25.
Living for Christ is not giving up life, it's giving us life, a new life that will in fact be prosperous, one that is eternal. All who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior become dead to their sins and are reborn into a new life, one that honors God as we let go of the things we thought gave us joy and hold on to the things that truly give us joy. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses...Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” - I Timothy 6:10-12,19.
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: Comfort In The Rod
Date: June 01, 2011
Chapters: Ezra 1-2
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-1
Details of Today's Chapters: The Decree of Cyrus to restore Temple in Jerusalem, preparations for the return of the remnant, the remnant are numbered.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:1-4.
It is amazing to realize that out of the billions of people in the world today, all created by God, only a small remnant of them are actually children of God. Oh, many people may believe in God, but very few want to leave the comforts and prosperity of the world to accept Him into their lives. We all want to prosper and God wants us to as well, but if we truly want to prosper in all areas of our lives we need to be willing to let go of our worldly comforts and seek comfort in God. He alone can give light to the darkest trials we face, present and future.
The book of Ezra is the fifteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains ten chapters. The author of the book is Ezra, the prophet and it was originally written to the Jews that were in Babylon. The purpose of the book was to record the Israelites return from exile after spending seventy years in Babylon, to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. The time line for these events are approximately 536 BC to 457 BC. What we are to learn from the book is the basic principles of repentance, returning to God and restoring our relationship with Him. “And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,” - Ezra 6:21.
Ezra is a continuation of II Chronicles 36 where it said, “To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years. Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.” - II Chronicles 36:21-23.
Now, after seventy years in Babylon, God is ready for His people to come forward and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. During the 70-year captivity, despite appearances to the contrary, the prophets encouraged the exiles concerning their restoration and foretold that they would rebuild Jerusalem. When Cyrus began conquering the world, he did not know that the Almighty God was giving him the victories, but it was God who inspired Jeremiah to predict the exact year Cyrus would release the Jews and now that time has come.
“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.” - Ezra 1:1-3.
From freedom to prison, from life to death, from peace to war, from feast to famine, God has His hand in everything everyone does. He will even allow His children to suffer through the very things that the world has to offer. Why? To get His people to put their faith and trust in Him alone in every area of their lives. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:.. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1,14.
The same God that raised up the spirit of Cyrus to proclaim liberty to the Jews, raised up the Jews spirits to accept the challenge to rebuild Jerusalem. An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity, out of the hundreds of thousands of Jews only 42,360 remained with God and were willing to head back to Jerusalem, which was still desolate and in much despair.
“Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;.. And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place: They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.” - Ezra 2:1,68,69.
Not only did Jews come back, but people of many nations who were in Babylon. When we choose Jesus, no matter where we came from, we choose God and when we choose Christ above all the temptations and glorious sights of the world we become children of God. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:26-28.
Most of the new generation of Judah had never been in Jerusalem and had no reason to leave Babylon except to rebuild the Temple in the old, ruined city of Jerusalem about 900 miles away. Only a few were willing to endure the hazardous, long and difficult four-month journey on foot, amazingly not one complaint is recorded, the first ever. Those who truly want Christ to be Lord of their lives are willing to step out of their comfort zones, maybe even go into unfamiliar territory, and follow Him where ever He leads them. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.“ - Matthew 16:24,25.
Living for Christ is not giving up life, it's giving us life, a new life that will in fact be prosperous, one that is eternal. All who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior become dead to their sins and are reborn into a new life, one that honors God as we let go of the things we thought gave us joy and hold on to the things that truly give us joy. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses...Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” - I Timothy 6:10-12,19.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Purged By Christ
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: Purged By Christ
Date: Tuesday May 31, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 34-36
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-31
Details of Today's Chapters: The godly reign of Josiah, the Book of the Law is found and read, the passover is observed and kept, the death of Josiah, the evil reign and dethronement of Jehoahaz, and Judah is carried away to Babylon.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing...If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.“ - John 15:1-7
To purge means to cleanse or purify by separating and removing whatever is impure, when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior we become attached to Him through His blood. Being attached to Jesus is what cleanses us and keeps us from withering and being cast into the fire. Since Christ abides in us we can expect some separating and removing impurities from our lives as He works in and through us. Now, Christ can not do it alone, we have to do our part as well. The only way to God and receiving answered prayers is through Jesus.
For over sixty years God was no where to be seen in Jerusalem, at least that is what many of God's faithful probably thought as they grew up not even being able to worship God in the Temple. However, all that was about the change when Josiah became king. Josiah began purging Jerusalem.
“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images...Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.” - II Chronicles 34:1-3..9.
Josiah did not want the same fate as his father, he purged himself of everything that he witnessed from his father and chose to serve God. Josiah served God the best he knew how according to what he learned from other godly people, which is what most of is try to do. Sometimes we always do not know the right thing to do, but if we let Christ lead us He will guide us step by step. Until we are willing to set the example and live our lives for Christ it is highly unlikely that others will make the first move. As Christians we have to be the ones to step up and be the example that God has chosen us to be. “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.“ - John 13:14-17.
As the Levites were cleaning up the Temple they made a huge discovery, they found the Book of the Law. A man named Shaphan brought the book to king Josiah and read it to him, immediately he learned that they were not doing all they could to live in the will of God and that they were in grave danger. He prayed to God then sent for someone who could explain exactly what they were headed for, a prophetess named Huldah came to explain.
“Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched. And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.” - II Chronicles 34:25-28.
Josiah was the last king to restore Temple worship to the One True God before the destruction of the southern kingdom and Jerusalem. Josiah's leadership abruptly ended when he attempted to stop Pharaoh Necho's plans to attack the Assyrians, which fulfilled the prophecy by Huldah that he would not have to see the destruction that was about to take place.
“After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not. Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded. His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.” - II Chronicles 35:20-24.
Sometimes thing happen that we never understand, but God has a reason for all of it and one day we will get our answer. This is a foreshadowing of Christ's return. When He returns all the world will face destruction, but those who have accepted Him as their Savior will be carried away and spared from the tragedy. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” - I Thessalonians 4:16,17.
Nebuchadnezzar's soldiers eventually broke through the north wall and mercilessly butchered both young and old. This time there was no room for repentance, the Lord left the Israelites to their ruin, some escaped, but most were carried off as slaves to become exiles in Babylon and for seventy years the Jews were under control of the Babylonians.
“But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand. And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all these he brought to Babylon. And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof. And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:” - II Chronicles 36:16-20.
God gives sinners ample time to repent and graciously awaits for them to believe in and accept His Son. God’s methods to reclaim sinners by His Word, faithful ministers, faithful servants, and by their own conscience, shows His great compassion through Christ and His unwillingness that none should perish. “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. However, He will not save anyone who will not purge themselves by receiving Christ into their lives first.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Message Title: Purged By Christ
Date: Tuesday May 31, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 34-36
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-31
Details of Today's Chapters: The godly reign of Josiah, the Book of the Law is found and read, the passover is observed and kept, the death of Josiah, the evil reign and dethronement of Jehoahaz, and Judah is carried away to Babylon.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing...If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.“ - John 15:1-7
To purge means to cleanse or purify by separating and removing whatever is impure, when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior we become attached to Him through His blood. Being attached to Jesus is what cleanses us and keeps us from withering and being cast into the fire. Since Christ abides in us we can expect some separating and removing impurities from our lives as He works in and through us. Now, Christ can not do it alone, we have to do our part as well. The only way to God and receiving answered prayers is through Jesus.
For over sixty years God was no where to be seen in Jerusalem, at least that is what many of God's faithful probably thought as they grew up not even being able to worship God in the Temple. However, all that was about the change when Josiah became king. Josiah began purging Jerusalem.
“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images...Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.” - II Chronicles 34:1-3..9.
Josiah did not want the same fate as his father, he purged himself of everything that he witnessed from his father and chose to serve God. Josiah served God the best he knew how according to what he learned from other godly people, which is what most of is try to do. Sometimes we always do not know the right thing to do, but if we let Christ lead us He will guide us step by step. Until we are willing to set the example and live our lives for Christ it is highly unlikely that others will make the first move. As Christians we have to be the ones to step up and be the example that God has chosen us to be. “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.“ - John 13:14-17.
As the Levites were cleaning up the Temple they made a huge discovery, they found the Book of the Law. A man named Shaphan brought the book to king Josiah and read it to him, immediately he learned that they were not doing all they could to live in the will of God and that they were in grave danger. He prayed to God then sent for someone who could explain exactly what they were headed for, a prophetess named Huldah came to explain.
“Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched. And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.” - II Chronicles 34:25-28.
Josiah was the last king to restore Temple worship to the One True God before the destruction of the southern kingdom and Jerusalem. Josiah's leadership abruptly ended when he attempted to stop Pharaoh Necho's plans to attack the Assyrians, which fulfilled the prophecy by Huldah that he would not have to see the destruction that was about to take place.
“After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not. Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo. And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded. His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.” - II Chronicles 35:20-24.
Sometimes thing happen that we never understand, but God has a reason for all of it and one day we will get our answer. This is a foreshadowing of Christ's return. When He returns all the world will face destruction, but those who have accepted Him as their Savior will be carried away and spared from the tragedy. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” - I Thessalonians 4:16,17.
Nebuchadnezzar's soldiers eventually broke through the north wall and mercilessly butchered both young and old. This time there was no room for repentance, the Lord left the Israelites to their ruin, some escaped, but most were carried off as slaves to become exiles in Babylon and for seventy years the Jews were under control of the Babylonians.
“But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand. And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all these he brought to Babylon. And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof. And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:” - II Chronicles 36:16-20.
God gives sinners ample time to repent and graciously awaits for them to believe in and accept His Son. God’s methods to reclaim sinners by His Word, faithful ministers, faithful servants, and by their own conscience, shows His great compassion through Christ and His unwillingness that none should perish. “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. However, He will not save anyone who will not purge themselves by receiving Christ into their lives first.
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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Monday, May 30, 2011
On Fire For God
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: On Fire For God
Date: Monday May 30, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 31-33
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-30
Details of Today's Chapters: Idols destroyed and other reforms of Hezekiah, Invasion of Sennacherib, his army defeated when Hezekiah prayed, Manassah’s reign, his evil ways and repentance, and the reign and death of Amon.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name...I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:10-12,15,16.
While God would love for every man, woman, and child to come to Him and follow Him with all their heart, soul, and mind that is not the case. Amazingly, God would rather see people not live by Him at all than see them serve Him and serve the world at the same time. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.“ - Matthew 6:24. If we truly want God's blessings upon our lives we need to learn to be on fire for Him.
When Hezekiah became king and assumed leadership, idol worship was both popular and accepted in the nation. Furthermore, his father had placed the kingdom of Judah in subjection to Assyria, which was fast becoming the world's most powerful kingdom. In addition, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, had jurisdiction over 46 walled cities inside the kingdom of Judah. Hezekiah could have mourned over the mess he inherited, either hating his father or blaming God for the wretched moral and economic conditions that prevailed throughout the nation. Instead he chose to put his faith and trust in God alone, destroyed everything that was wicked in the nations and restored the true worship of God in Judah and Jerusalem.
“Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities...Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD. And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly...And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel.” - II Chronicles 31:1,4,5,8.
As soon as Hezekiah gave the command every faithful servant willingly brought tithe, not just what they were commanded by law to give, but what was in their hearts to give. God loves a cheerful giver, being on fire for God means we are willing to give not only what God commands, but what He has placed on their hearts to give. In doing so, we not only get back what we gave, we receive much more than that. “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” - II Corinthians 9:6-8.
As the king of Assyria saw all that Hezekiah was doing and the amazing progress that was being made he tried to get the people of Jerusalem to revolt. Sennacherib began mocking God and the people for putting their faith and trust in God.
“After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself...Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem? Doth not Hezekiah persuade you to give over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, The LORD our God shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria?..Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?..Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.” - II Chronicles 32:1,10,11,15,18.
Many people become lukewarm when they allow people and circumstances to distort their thinking. When you are on fire for God others see it and you can be sure that you are going to face opposition, not only from those who live in the world, but other Christians as well. There are a lot of lukewarm Christians out there who will try to convince you that it's okay to go against God because they are doing it, but we can not let anyone scare us into thinking that we are better off doing it their way instead of God's way. God will take care of His people. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”- I Corinthians 10:13.
During all the chaos and taunting Hezekiah did the one and only thing he knew best, he prayed to God. “And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side. And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.” - II Chronicles 32:20-23.
Sennacherib failed to realize that the reason why he was able to take control of the other nations who put their faith in their gods was that they were all man made gods, but this time he was up against the Only Living God. After all that taunting and boasting and trying to get the people to discredit God and Hezekiah the only thing it got him was his own shame and to be killed by his own sons. People can taunt us and give us a hard time, but they can not change the fact that God does exist, His Word is true, He never goes back on His Word, and He promises to fulfill every promise He makes to all of us. “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 waiting to bless us beyond what we dream, the key to receiving those blessings and keeping them is serving God with all your heart, mind, and soul. Yes, there are times that our faith is weak as well as our flesh, but when we get that way we need to just let it go and get with God. He is right there with us, He is going to try us and see just how faithful we are, but all who endure pass the test. “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.” - James 1:12-14.
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: On Fire For God
Date: Monday May 30, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 31-33
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-30
Details of Today's Chapters: Idols destroyed and other reforms of Hezekiah, Invasion of Sennacherib, his army defeated when Hezekiah prayed, Manassah’s reign, his evil ways and repentance, and the reign and death of Amon.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name...I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:10-12,15,16.
While God would love for every man, woman, and child to come to Him and follow Him with all their heart, soul, and mind that is not the case. Amazingly, God would rather see people not live by Him at all than see them serve Him and serve the world at the same time. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.“ - Matthew 6:24. If we truly want God's blessings upon our lives we need to learn to be on fire for Him.
When Hezekiah became king and assumed leadership, idol worship was both popular and accepted in the nation. Furthermore, his father had placed the kingdom of Judah in subjection to Assyria, which was fast becoming the world's most powerful kingdom. In addition, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, had jurisdiction over 46 walled cities inside the kingdom of Judah. Hezekiah could have mourned over the mess he inherited, either hating his father or blaming God for the wretched moral and economic conditions that prevailed throughout the nation. Instead he chose to put his faith and trust in God alone, destroyed everything that was wicked in the nations and restored the true worship of God in Judah and Jerusalem.
“Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities...Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD. And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly...And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel.” - II Chronicles 31:1,4,5,8.
As soon as Hezekiah gave the command every faithful servant willingly brought tithe, not just what they were commanded by law to give, but what was in their hearts to give. God loves a cheerful giver, being on fire for God means we are willing to give not only what God commands, but what He has placed on their hearts to give. In doing so, we not only get back what we gave, we receive much more than that. “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” - II Corinthians 9:6-8.
As the king of Assyria saw all that Hezekiah was doing and the amazing progress that was being made he tried to get the people of Jerusalem to revolt. Sennacherib began mocking God and the people for putting their faith and trust in God.
“After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself...Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem? Doth not Hezekiah persuade you to give over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, The LORD our God shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria?..Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand?..Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews' speech unto the people of Jerusalem that were on the wall, to affright them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.” - II Chronicles 32:1,10,11,15,18.
Many people become lukewarm when they allow people and circumstances to distort their thinking. When you are on fire for God others see it and you can be sure that you are going to face opposition, not only from those who live in the world, but other Christians as well. There are a lot of lukewarm Christians out there who will try to convince you that it's okay to go against God because they are doing it, but we can not let anyone scare us into thinking that we are better off doing it their way instead of God's way. God will take care of His people. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”- I Corinthians 10:13.
During all the chaos and taunting Hezekiah did the one and only thing he knew best, he prayed to God. “And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side. And many brought gifts unto the LORD to Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.” - II Chronicles 32:20-23.
Sennacherib failed to realize that the reason why he was able to take control of the other nations who put their faith in their gods was that they were all man made gods, but this time he was up against the Only Living God. After all that taunting and boasting and trying to get the people to discredit God and Hezekiah the only thing it got him was his own shame and to be killed by his own sons. People can taunt us and give us a hard time, but they can not change the fact that God does exist, His Word is true, He never goes back on His Word, and He promises to fulfill every promise He makes to all of us. “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 waiting to bless us beyond what we dream, the key to receiving those blessings and keeping them is serving God with all your heart, mind, and soul. Yes, there are times that our faith is weak as well as our flesh, but when we get that way we need to just let it go and get with God. He is right there with us, He is going to try us and see just how faithful we are, but all who endure pass the test. “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.” - James 1:12-14.
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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Sunday, May 29, 2011
Reconcile With God
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: Reconcile With God
Date: Sunday May 29, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 28-30
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-29
Details of Today's Chapters: The wicked reign of Ahaz, war with Rekah, intercession of Oded, the prophet, Edomite and Philistine invasions, Hezekiah’s reign in Judah, a spiritual revival, the Temple is repaired, and preparations for the first passover since king Solomon.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;.. 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 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” - Colossians 1:9-11,20-22.
There is only one way to be reconciled with God and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ. Not by works of righteousness, but by believing in Jesus, confessing that you are a sinner, and asking Him to save you can you be reconciled with God. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” - Ephesians 2:8,9. Now, once we get saved, that is when our works count, more importantly, our faithfulness to God and letting Christ live in and through us. Now, God is loving and forgiving, once you ask Jesus to save you He will never leave you, but that does not mean we can do anything we want and get away with it. We still have to face the consequences of our own actions should we continue to live in sin, but God is faithful and just to forgive us when we humble ourselves before Him.
After king Jotham died his son Ahaz became the next king, Ahaz completely revolted against God, giving himself up to idolatry. In fact the more he was warned of the judgment placed upon Judah for his sin the more he sinned. God sent Judah into the hands of the Syrians and Israel, whom had taken Judah away captive.
“And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria. But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God? Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you.” - II Chronicles 28:8-11.
When sinners are left to their own heart's lusts, they grow more desperate in wickedness. God commands them to release the prisoners, and they obeyed. The Lord brought Judah low, but was faithful to save those who were faithful to Him. Those who will not humble themselves before God will justly be humbled by his judgments. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;..The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - II Peter 2:4,9.
After Ahaz died his son Hezekiah began to reign, Hezekiah was a godly man, following in the footsteps of David. Hezekiah began restoring biblical principles and true worship of God. He recognized the blessings of God as of utmost importance and most essential. He repaired and cleansed the Temple and even the priests. Even under extreme difficulty and danger, he was determined to do God's will, no compromise, no half-measures, no delay was going to stop him.
“And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street, And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place. ..For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this. Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us. My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.” - II Chronicles 29:4,5,9-11.
Those who begin with God begin at the right end of their work and will prosper accordingly. Let us do our part to revive the work of God and ascribe to Him all the glory of what is done. Even if every other person in your family was against God do not stop serving and believing in Him. He will take care of every person who truly wants to live their lives for Him. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:35-39.
After the Temple was repaired Hezekiah encouraged all the people of Israel to come to worship God the way they were supposed to. Hezekiah sent letters to everyone, the majority of the people mocked and rejected the invitation, but those who did accept it showed up to the Temple and for the first time in centuries they observed the Passover.
“Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him. So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem...Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.” - II Chronicles 30:8-11,15.
Jesus sends invitations out to everyone, just like Hezekiah was mocked so is Jesus, but all who humble themselves and accept His invitation are cleansed, clean, sanctified, and most of all become reconciled with God. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” - Romans 5:8-11.
God wants all who accept His Son to know that He still loves you and always will. He has never left you, He just wants, you to come to Him. If you are hiding and feel ashamed over something that has happened, just go to Him with a sincere heart and reconcile your differences with Him. He already knows about it, He's just waiting for you to come to Him. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.“ - Matthew 11:28-30.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Message Title: Reconcile With God
Date: Sunday May 29, 2011
Chapters: II Chronicles 28-30
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-may-29
Details of Today's Chapters: The wicked reign of Ahaz, war with Rekah, intercession of Oded, the prophet, Edomite and Philistine invasions, Hezekiah’s reign in Judah, a spiritual revival, the Temple is repaired, and preparations for the first passover since king Solomon.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;.. 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 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:” - Colossians 1:9-11,20-22.
There is only one way to be reconciled with God and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ. Not by works of righteousness, but by believing in Jesus, confessing that you are a sinner, and asking Him to save you can you be reconciled with God. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” - Ephesians 2:8,9. Now, once we get saved, that is when our works count, more importantly, our faithfulness to God and letting Christ live in and through us. Now, God is loving and forgiving, once you ask Jesus to save you He will never leave you, but that does not mean we can do anything we want and get away with it. We still have to face the consequences of our own actions should we continue to live in sin, but God is faithful and just to forgive us when we humble ourselves before Him.
After king Jotham died his son Ahaz became the next king, Ahaz completely revolted against God, giving himself up to idolatry. In fact the more he was warned of the judgment placed upon Judah for his sin the more he sinned. God sent Judah into the hands of the Syrians and Israel, whom had taken Judah away captive.
“And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria. But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God? Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you.” - II Chronicles 28:8-11.
When sinners are left to their own heart's lusts, they grow more desperate in wickedness. God commands them to release the prisoners, and they obeyed. The Lord brought Judah low, but was faithful to save those who were faithful to Him. Those who will not humble themselves before God will justly be humbled by his judgments. “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;..The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:” - II Peter 2:4,9.
After Ahaz died his son Hezekiah began to reign, Hezekiah was a godly man, following in the footsteps of David. Hezekiah began restoring biblical principles and true worship of God. He recognized the blessings of God as of utmost importance and most essential. He repaired and cleansed the Temple and even the priests. Even under extreme difficulty and danger, he was determined to do God's will, no compromise, no half-measures, no delay was going to stop him.
“And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street, And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place. ..For, lo, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this. Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us. My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.” - II Chronicles 29:4,5,9-11.
Those who begin with God begin at the right end of their work and will prosper accordingly. Let us do our part to revive the work of God and ascribe to Him all the glory of what is done. Even if every other person in your family was against God do not stop serving and believing in Him. He will take care of every person who truly wants to live their lives for Him. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:35-39.
After the Temple was repaired Hezekiah encouraged all the people of Israel to come to worship God the way they were supposed to. Hezekiah sent letters to everyone, the majority of the people mocked and rejected the invitation, but those who did accept it showed up to the Temple and for the first time in centuries they observed the Passover.
“Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him. So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem...Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD.” - II Chronicles 30:8-11,15.
Jesus sends invitations out to everyone, just like Hezekiah was mocked so is Jesus, but all who humble themselves and accept His invitation are cleansed, clean, sanctified, and most of all become reconciled with God. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” - Romans 5:8-11.
God wants all who accept His Son to know that He still loves you and always will. He has never left you, He just wants, you to come to Him. If you are hiding and feel ashamed over something that has happened, just go to Him with a sincere heart and reconcile your differences with Him. He already knows about it, He's just waiting for you to come to Him. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.“ - Matthew 11:28-30.
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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