King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
Message Title: Dealing With Hypocrites
Date: Saturday June 18, 2011
Chapters: Job 9-12,Proverbs 18, Psalm 7
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-18
Details of Today's Chapters: Job answers Bildad, denying he is a hypocrite, Zophar’s theory of Job’s condition, he thinks Job a hypocrite and liar, and Job answers his three friends, praising God’s wisdom.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” - Matthew 23:3,12,13,25,26.
A hypocrite is one who assumes a false appearance, has the form of godliness without the power of God, or appears to reverence God and goodness, but lives a secret sinful life. There are a lot of people out there who claim to be a Christian, are religious, but it's all a front, Christ is not in them. True Christians are seen as they allow Christ to cleanse them from the inside out, starting first with humbling themselves before Christ and asking Him to save them. If they do not have Christ in them, they are hypocrites and if we are not careful we will be caught up in their deception. Sadly, hypocrites will send a lot of people to hell because the deceived believed their lies.
Job must have had every emotion going on at the same time, he was confused, grieving, and in pain, on top of that the only people that would talk to him were ones that criticized him and kept making accusations at him. This time, he was accused of being a hypocrite, amazingly though, the more these men belittled him the more he was able to see God.
“I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God? If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand. He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?..Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not. Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him. How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him...For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.” - Job 9:2-4,11-14,32,33.
Job admitted that God's dealings with him were beyond his ability to comprehend them, but he also realized that God was with him, even though he could not see Him. Incidentally, the word daysman means mediator, in other words Job was saying, we do not have a mediator among us to help us reach God, someone who would stand in between the Holy God and sinful man. Today, we do have a mediator, that mediator is Jesus Christ, He is the middleman that allows us to communicate with God. “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” - I Timothy 2:3-6.
If Christ is in you, God is in you, and His presence never leaves you. However, you can plead with God all you want, if Christ is not in you, God is not, therefore, His presence is not with you. If you want God to hear you, you must have Christ in your life. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” - Matthew 7:22,23.
Through Job, we are led to see that religious people who express unkind criticism of others do Satan's work. Zophar was no different, he literally scolded Job and called him a liar and a hypocrite. Zophar even accused Job of being a man that loved to hear himself speak, though he could say nothing to the purpose. He was literally telling him that God was giving him what he deserved for his sins.
“Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified? Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes. But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee; And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?” - Job 11:2-8.
While we are going through these circumstances, it can be hard to make light of them and understand God's purpose for it, let alone deal with judgmental critics who think they know more than you do. We can overcome our circumstances and even our critics as we keep our eyes on Jesus. He knows the truth and one day those critics eyes will be open to the truth and they will be coming to you with their tail between their legs apologizing to you for their accusations. “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” - John 8:28-32.
Hypocrites will scorn you, judge you, and even make you admit to something you have not done to satisfy their egos. Why? They hate seeing a person living right for God, they can't wait to find out that little secret that you have been hiding to make their sins look more acceptable to God. Guess what? God knows us and He knows them too and when we stand before God we will hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” - Matthew 25:21. God knows we are not perfect, He knows our faith and definitely knows we have been faithful to Him. Praise God!
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Will Be In Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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Saturday, June 18, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Light Through The Darkness
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: Light Through The Darkness
Date: Friday June 17, 2011
Chapters: Job 5-8, Proverbs 17, Psalm 6
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-17
Details of Today's Chapters: Eliphaz rebukes Job, Job’s response to Eliphaz, and Bildad’s theory of Job’s affliction.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:5-10.
When you call on the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, all the sins you ever committed in your life has been washed away, you have been cleansed from it all. All is forgotten in the eyes of God and nothing or no one can ever take away your salvation. An amazing thing happens when we allow Christ to live in and through us, we shine and truly become prosperous, oh, we face some affliction, but in the the end we have the wonderful Kingdom of God waiting for us. Now, Satan despises the saved and he will do anything to get us to doubt our salvation, including using friends and family to do it. We need to be careful not to allow their vain (empty and useless) words to discourage us.
Job had a rich, prosperous life, in a matter of minutes he lost everything, I imagine he was feeling quite distraught and longed for some comfort and an encouraging word or two. However, all he got was a wife telling him to curse God and die and three friends who's best advice was to sit there in silence with him for seven days. Once they started talking all he got was a bunch of criticism. Eliphaz was the first to respond, telling Jon that he was being chastised by God for hidden sin.
“Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn? For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one. I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.” - Job 5:1-3,17-20.
Eliphaz went as far as saying just come clean, God will forgive you for it. He was right in that God forgives all when we repent, but he was wrong in assuming that Job was suffering because he had hidden sin in his life. It's easy to look at the outward appearance and assume that a person is living a sinful life, but God does not look at the appearance per se, He looks at the heart, actions, and mind of a person. We are all sinners, but we receive God's favor when we change ourselves from the inside out. “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” - I Samuel 16:7.
Job did not know what to say, he was spiritually drained and thought God had left him to deal with all this on his own, but he never once cursed God. He was literally ready for God to just take him away from all this.
“For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me...Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off! Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.” - Job 6:4,8-10.
When a child of God understands the reason for suffering, the heaviest load will not crush him, but when tragedy occurs with no sign of God's presence, we are all prone to become discouraged and even want to give up on life. Can I tell you that God never allows Satan to give us more than we can handle. If Job really couldn't have handled the illness that he was stricken with God would have taken him home to heaven when he asked Him to. Everything happens upon God's timetable, His presence is always with us, He just waits at times to answer us. “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:27,28.
Then Job thoughts are lifted up to God with some faith and hope as he begins to respond reasonably with his critic and the horrible thoughts he was having about God ending his life.
“Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me? When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint; Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions: So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life. I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity... I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself? And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.” - Job 7:12-16,22,21.
Our soul is the center part of our being, it magnifies what we are feeling, when we lift ourselves spiritually, we are lifted up in body and soul, which in turn brings us joy. However, if we are down on ourselves, we are brought down in soul and body, which in turn makes us ready to give up the fight. Thank God that He is not as harsh on us as we are ourselves, He will wait though until we are at our weakest before He lifts us up. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:7-10.
There are going to be people in our lives that strive on seeing us struggling, they will criticize us and make us feel as though we are doubting ourselves. Never let anyone bring you so down on yourself that you feel that ending you life is the best option. Everything will come to past and you will be stronger and wiser as the Lord Jesus Christ lifts you up and brings light through the darkness. “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” - I Corinthians 4:4,5.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Will Be In Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
I'm Following Jesus Online Missions www.imfollowingjesus.com
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: Light Through The Darkness
Date: Friday June 17, 2011
Chapters: Job 5-8, Proverbs 17, Psalm 6
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-17
Details of Today's Chapters: Eliphaz rebukes Job, Job’s response to Eliphaz, and Bildad’s theory of Job’s affliction.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” - Ephesians 5:5-10.
When you call on the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, all the sins you ever committed in your life has been washed away, you have been cleansed from it all. All is forgotten in the eyes of God and nothing or no one can ever take away your salvation. An amazing thing happens when we allow Christ to live in and through us, we shine and truly become prosperous, oh, we face some affliction, but in the the end we have the wonderful Kingdom of God waiting for us. Now, Satan despises the saved and he will do anything to get us to doubt our salvation, including using friends and family to do it. We need to be careful not to allow their vain (empty and useless) words to discourage us.
Job had a rich, prosperous life, in a matter of minutes he lost everything, I imagine he was feeling quite distraught and longed for some comfort and an encouraging word or two. However, all he got was a wife telling him to curse God and die and three friends who's best advice was to sit there in silence with him for seven days. Once they started talking all he got was a bunch of criticism. Eliphaz was the first to respond, telling Jon that he was being chastised by God for hidden sin.
“Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn? For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one. I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.” - Job 5:1-3,17-20.
Eliphaz went as far as saying just come clean, God will forgive you for it. He was right in that God forgives all when we repent, but he was wrong in assuming that Job was suffering because he had hidden sin in his life. It's easy to look at the outward appearance and assume that a person is living a sinful life, but God does not look at the appearance per se, He looks at the heart, actions, and mind of a person. We are all sinners, but we receive God's favor when we change ourselves from the inside out. “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” - I Samuel 16:7.
Job did not know what to say, he was spiritually drained and thought God had left him to deal with all this on his own, but he never once cursed God. He was literally ready for God to just take him away from all this.
“For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me...Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off! Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.” - Job 6:4,8-10.
When a child of God understands the reason for suffering, the heaviest load will not crush him, but when tragedy occurs with no sign of God's presence, we are all prone to become discouraged and even want to give up on life. Can I tell you that God never allows Satan to give us more than we can handle. If Job really couldn't have handled the illness that he was stricken with God would have taken him home to heaven when he asked Him to. Everything happens upon God's timetable, His presence is always with us, He just waits at times to answer us. “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:27,28.
Then Job thoughts are lifted up to God with some faith and hope as he begins to respond reasonably with his critic and the horrible thoughts he was having about God ending his life.
“Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me? When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint; Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions: So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life. I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity... I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself? And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.” - Job 7:12-16,22,21.
Our soul is the center part of our being, it magnifies what we are feeling, when we lift ourselves spiritually, we are lifted up in body and soul, which in turn brings us joy. However, if we are down on ourselves, we are brought down in soul and body, which in turn makes us ready to give up the fight. Thank God that He is not as harsh on us as we are ourselves, He will wait though until we are at our weakest before He lifts us up. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:7-10.
There are going to be people in our lives that strive on seeing us struggling, they will criticize us and make us feel as though we are doubting ourselves. Never let anyone bring you so down on yourself that you feel that ending you life is the best option. Everything will come to past and you will be stronger and wiser as the Lord Jesus Christ lifts you up and brings light through the darkness. “For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” - I Corinthians 4:4,5.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Will Be In Heaven? You Can Be: 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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Thursday, June 16, 2011
Why Is This Happening?
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: Why Is This Happening?
Date: Thursday June 16, 2011
Chapters: Job 1-4, Proverbs 16, Psalm 5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-16
Details of Today's Chapters: Job’s family, Satan’s challenge with God, Job's family, property and health all gone by the hand of Satan, Job's friends come to mourn and comfort Job, Job tells of his misery and despair, and Eliphaz’s theory in regard to Job’s suffering.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” - II Corinthians 4:14-18.
As Christians we expect to face affliction when we sin, even those who live in the world come up with some kind of conclusion to affliction such as, what goes around come around, or it's karma. However, it is a different story when we face affliction and have not been doing anything wrong. The truth is, we will all face affliction at some point in our lives regardless of how good we try to be. Why? We are in the middle of a battle between God and Satan, who will win the battle remains up to us in how we choose to handle the afflictions we face.
Sandwiched in the center of the Old Testament Books are known as Books of Poetry. Theses are the books of human experiences of the people of God under various circumstances of their earthly lives. The Book of Job is the eighteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains forty-two chapters. It is probably the oldest of the Bible books, around the time of the Abrahamic Covenant, the book was written approximately in 1520 BC. The author of the book is Moses and it was written to all people who experience suffering for unexplained reasons. The purpose of the book is to explain the question "Why the righteous suffer?". What we are to learn from the book is that there is a spiritual reason behind the suffering of the righteous. “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10.
Believe it or not, everyone will stand before God, even Satan, in fact, Satan even needs to get permission from God to afflict us. We learn of this through a man name Job, the meaning of Job's name actually, means one that weeps or cries. Job was not afraid to cry, but the one thing he was never afraid of was his faith in God. One day, while God was admitting people into the Kingdom, Satan shows up. Why God allows Satan to stand at the gates of heaven is always a question, but nevertheless he was there and talking with God.
“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil...Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them... Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” - Job 1:1,6,9-12.
Yes, God does allow Satan to test our faith in Him through affliction, now, Satan knows that if a person has accepted Christ as their Savior that they will not go to hell, but that does not stop him from trying to place so much affliction upon us that we backslide away from God. Why? If Satan can get someone of great faith to fall away from God he can keep others from believing in Christ and getting saved. If you are saved and have backslid, know this, God is still with you. “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.
Job, one by one, lost his family, home, and wealth in a matter of minutes, Satan expected him to curse God, instead, he got down on his knees and prayed, he did not complain or question God, he just went before him remembering that all he had belonged to God. “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” - Job 1:20-22. But Satan was not done, he went back to God one more time.
“And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.” - Job 2:2-6.
God told Satan, you can make him sick, but don't kill him and that is exactly what Satan did. You know, when we are facing affliction, especially when we are sick, most of us are quick to wonder what we have done, often retracing our steps to think of what we might have done that we are being punished, but the truth is, God is not punishing us, He is merely looking for us to trust Him. God knows what is best for us and when we trust His decision He blesses us, it may not be a blessing that we expect, but everything is a blessing from God. Even when a person passes away, it is all in God's hands, God takes away our pain according to not only His will, but our will as well. “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” - Psalms 9:9,10.
Behind all the world's evil is Satan in his continuous effort to destroy all that is good, but Satan is under the constant surveillance of God and can do nothing without His permission. He delights in using family, friends, coworkers, and even fellow church members to criticize, belittle, and condemn one another. However, Our God, the Master Planner, is still in full control and never leaves those who have put their faith and trust in His Son. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” - I Timothy 4:8-10.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Will Be In Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
I'm Following Jesus Online Missions www.imfollowingjesus.com
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: Why Is This Happening?
Date: Thursday June 16, 2011
Chapters: Job 1-4, Proverbs 16, Psalm 5
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-16
Details of Today's Chapters: Job’s family, Satan’s challenge with God, Job's family, property and health all gone by the hand of Satan, Job's friends come to mourn and comfort Job, Job tells of his misery and despair, and Eliphaz’s theory in regard to Job’s suffering.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” - II Corinthians 4:14-18.
As Christians we expect to face affliction when we sin, even those who live in the world come up with some kind of conclusion to affliction such as, what goes around come around, or it's karma. However, it is a different story when we face affliction and have not been doing anything wrong. The truth is, we will all face affliction at some point in our lives regardless of how good we try to be. Why? We are in the middle of a battle between God and Satan, who will win the battle remains up to us in how we choose to handle the afflictions we face.
Sandwiched in the center of the Old Testament Books are known as Books of Poetry. Theses are the books of human experiences of the people of God under various circumstances of their earthly lives. The Book of Job is the eighteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains forty-two chapters. It is probably the oldest of the Bible books, around the time of the Abrahamic Covenant, the book was written approximately in 1520 BC. The author of the book is Moses and it was written to all people who experience suffering for unexplained reasons. The purpose of the book is to explain the question "Why the righteous suffer?". What we are to learn from the book is that there is a spiritual reason behind the suffering of the righteous. “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10.
Believe it or not, everyone will stand before God, even Satan, in fact, Satan even needs to get permission from God to afflict us. We learn of this through a man name Job, the meaning of Job's name actually, means one that weeps or cries. Job was not afraid to cry, but the one thing he was never afraid of was his faith in God. One day, while God was admitting people into the Kingdom, Satan shows up. Why God allows Satan to stand at the gates of heaven is always a question, but nevertheless he was there and talking with God.
“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil...Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them... Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” - Job 1:1,6,9-12.
Yes, God does allow Satan to test our faith in Him through affliction, now, Satan knows that if a person has accepted Christ as their Savior that they will not go to hell, but that does not stop him from trying to place so much affliction upon us that we backslide away from God. Why? If Satan can get someone of great faith to fall away from God he can keep others from believing in Christ and getting saved. If you are saved and have backslid, know this, God is still with you. “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.
Job, one by one, lost his family, home, and wealth in a matter of minutes, Satan expected him to curse God, instead, he got down on his knees and prayed, he did not complain or question God, he just went before him remembering that all he had belonged to God. “Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” - Job 1:20-22. But Satan was not done, he went back to God one more time.
“And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.” - Job 2:2-6.
God told Satan, you can make him sick, but don't kill him and that is exactly what Satan did. You know, when we are facing affliction, especially when we are sick, most of us are quick to wonder what we have done, often retracing our steps to think of what we might have done that we are being punished, but the truth is, God is not punishing us, He is merely looking for us to trust Him. God knows what is best for us and when we trust His decision He blesses us, it may not be a blessing that we expect, but everything is a blessing from God. Even when a person passes away, it is all in God's hands, God takes away our pain according to not only His will, but our will as well. “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” - Psalms 9:9,10.
Behind all the world's evil is Satan in his continuous effort to destroy all that is good, but Satan is under the constant surveillance of God and can do nothing without His permission. He delights in using family, friends, coworkers, and even fellow church members to criticize, belittle, and condemn one another. However, Our God, the Master Planner, is still in full control and never leaves those who have put their faith and trust in His Son. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” - I Timothy 4:8-10.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Will Be In Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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Wednesday, June 15, 2011
In One Accord
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: In One Accord
Date: Wednesday June 15, 2011
Chapters: Esther 9,10,Proverbs 15, Psalm 4
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-15
Details of Today's Chapters: The Jews vengeance is executed, the Jews see victory, the Feast of Purim, and Mordecai is made prime minister.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” - Philippians 2:1-5.
To be in one accord means to be in an agreement, a harmony of minds, as Christians we are to be in one accord, in conformity to the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ humbled Himself in suffering and death for us, not only to satisfy God’s judgment, but to be an example for us to follow in His footsteps. When we set the example of Christ to others they too will know the truth and the truth always sets us free.
The Book of Esther testifies to the secret watch and care that God has over His people. Amazingly not one mention of the word God is seen, but no other book of the Bible is His presence more evident. After Haman was executed for treason the Jews hoped that their right to be able to defend themselves would get the people to back off, but that was not the case. The Jews acted together in one accord to defeat their enemies.
“Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;) The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people. And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.” - Esther 9:1-4.
Believe it or not, the world is afraid of God's people, the way they react to that fear is through violence. However, God always takes care of His people, oh, we might have to deal with some strife and some scary situations, but they will all come to pass. Jesus suffered for the sins of all mankind although He was perfect, proving that God never leaves nor forsakes 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.
King Ahasuerus made Mordecai his next in command and allowed him to write a new decree to give the Jews freedom and the right to defend themselves from their enemies. He then granted queen Esther to set Mordecai over the house of Haman to allow the Jews to use any means necessary to defend themselves from those out to destroy them. Seventy-five thousand people who were set out to destroy the Jews were slain within three days time.
“Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows. And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons. For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand. But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,” - Esther 9:13-16.
While vengeance is God's, He will allow any means to protect ourselves, God really does not want to see us get hurt, even when we sin. God just wants us to put our faith and trust in Him and Him alone, in all that we do and go through. By faith we are saved from more than just hell. “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” - I Corinthians 2:5-9.
I am sure you see all the chaos that is going on in the world from killer tornadoes to tsunamis, to earthquakes, the entire world is facing God's judgment. The world can deny God's hand in all this or people can get angry and question why God is allowing all these things to happen, but as Christian's stand together in one accord we can be prepared and teach others to be prepared for the day when Jesus does return. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” - John 14:1-4. Praise God!
Let us learn to stand fast in one spirit, and with one mind, striving together against the enemies of our souls, who endeavor to rob us of our faith, which is more precious than our lives. “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” - Philippians 1:27-29.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Will Be In Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
I'm Following Jesus Online Missions www.imfollowingjesus.com
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: In One Accord
Date: Wednesday June 15, 2011
Chapters: Esther 9,10,Proverbs 15, Psalm 4
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-15
Details of Today's Chapters: The Jews vengeance is executed, the Jews see victory, the Feast of Purim, and Mordecai is made prime minister.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” - Philippians 2:1-5.
To be in one accord means to be in an agreement, a harmony of minds, as Christians we are to be in one accord, in conformity to the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ humbled Himself in suffering and death for us, not only to satisfy God’s judgment, but to be an example for us to follow in His footsteps. When we set the example of Christ to others they too will know the truth and the truth always sets us free.
The Book of Esther testifies to the secret watch and care that God has over His people. Amazingly not one mention of the word God is seen, but no other book of the Bible is His presence more evident. After Haman was executed for treason the Jews hoped that their right to be able to defend themselves would get the people to back off, but that was not the case. The Jews acted together in one accord to defeat their enemies.
“Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;) The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people. And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.” - Esther 9:1-4.
Believe it or not, the world is afraid of God's people, the way they react to that fear is through violence. However, God always takes care of His people, oh, we might have to deal with some strife and some scary situations, but they will all come to pass. Jesus suffered for the sins of all mankind although He was perfect, proving that God never leaves nor forsakes 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.
King Ahasuerus made Mordecai his next in command and allowed him to write a new decree to give the Jews freedom and the right to defend themselves from their enemies. He then granted queen Esther to set Mordecai over the house of Haman to allow the Jews to use any means necessary to defend themselves from those out to destroy them. Seventy-five thousand people who were set out to destroy the Jews were slain within three days time.
“Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows. And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons. For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand. But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,” - Esther 9:13-16.
While vengeance is God's, He will allow any means to protect ourselves, God really does not want to see us get hurt, even when we sin. God just wants us to put our faith and trust in Him and Him alone, in all that we do and go through. By faith we are saved from more than just hell. “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” - I Corinthians 2:5-9.
I am sure you see all the chaos that is going on in the world from killer tornadoes to tsunamis, to earthquakes, the entire world is facing God's judgment. The world can deny God's hand in all this or people can get angry and question why God is allowing all these things to happen, but as Christian's stand together in one accord we can be prepared and teach others to be prepared for the day when Jesus does return. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” - John 14:1-4. Praise God!
Let us learn to stand fast in one spirit, and with one mind, striving together against the enemies of our souls, who endeavor to rob us of our faith, which is more precious than our lives. “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” - Philippians 1:27-29.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Will Be In Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
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Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Destruction of Pride
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: Destruction of Pride
Date: Tuesday June 14, 2011
Chapters: Esther 5-8, Proverbs 14, Psalms 3
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-14
Details of Today's Chapters: Esther’s courage in proceeding to obtain the favor of king Ahasuerus, Haman devises a plan to execute Mordecai, Haman compelled to exalt Mordecai, Esther’s banquet, Haman is executed, and the Jews are granted immunity.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished... Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” - Proverb 16:2-5,18,19.
The word pride is defined as an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority or a generous happiness of heart, a noble self-esteem springing from a consciousness of worth. There are two types of pride, one type is taking pleasure in accomplishments, meaning we strive at excelling, but are not constantly boasting about ourselves. The other is having such a high opinion of oneself that we think everything evolves around us, meaning we have an arrogance to us as if we are superior to everyone else. While it is good to take pride in our work, we need to be careful that we do not boast so much that we think of ourselves as a god.
Haman was king Ahasuerus's right hand man, Ahasuerus trusted him, but what Ahasuerus did not realize was that Haman was a wicked egotist abusing the kings name for his own glory. Haman devised a plan to have all the Jews killed, writing a decree and forging the kings seal on it. After learning of the decree Queen Esther came up with a plan to expose Haman to the king, even if that meant she would lose her life.
“Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.” - Esther 5:1-3.
Esther's modestly and humbleness brought on the favor of the king. When we humble ourselves before God, meaning when we stand before Him with submission and respect we obtain His favor. We are all sinners, not one of us is perfect, but we can receive God's grace and favor by humbling ourselves before Him. “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.” - Psalm 138:6.
After Haman left the palace he gathered all his friends around, boasting about him being the only person at the banquet. He ran into Mordecai and devised a scheme to have him hung, he even had a gallows made especially for the job. Meanwhile king Ahasuerus was commencing Mordecai, the king sent for Haman and what he thought was going to be a proclamation to have Mordecai hung was one to have him honored.
“So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself? And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour. Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.” - Esther 6:6-10.
Here is this man, so conceited that he thought the king was talking about him, suggesting all the things he would want to bring honor and glory to himself and having to go before Mordecai and give him honor instead. No doubt he must have been angry, criticizing the king, and hating every moment as he watched Mordecai parading through the streets. Those who think of themselves higher than anyone else despise others being recognized for their good work. We must remember that while they have their moment of fame, it will not last. No honor will come to those who deceitfully gain their recognition. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple...And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” - Romans 16:17,18,20.
Haman's shame did not end there, not only did king Ahasuerus find out about his forging his name and ordering all Jews to be executed, he also found out about the gallows that he had made for Mordecai. Ahasuerus not only stopped the Jews from being executed he also had Haman hung by the very gallows he made for Mordecai.
“Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces: For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred? Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.” - Esther 8:4-7.
We must not forget that our success comes from God and God alone, it is actually more fulfilling to have others give us glory for what we have done than we ourselves. In fact, God rather have others praise us. “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” - Proverbs 27:1,2.
As Christians we should take pride in our work, regardless of what we do, we just have to be careful not to be so proud that we think of ourselves as infallible. No one is infallible except for God and His Word, we are who we are because God made us that way. It's time to examine ourselves, are we acknowledging Christ as our successor or ourselves. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” - II Corinthians 13:5-8.
“Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.” - Psalm 3:8. Praise God!
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com
I'm Following Jesus Online Missions www.imfollowingjesus.com
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: Destruction of Pride
Date: Tuesday June 14, 2011
Chapters: Esther 5-8, Proverbs 14, Psalms 3
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-14
Details of Today's Chapters: Esther’s courage in proceeding to obtain the favor of king Ahasuerus, Haman devises a plan to execute Mordecai, Haman compelled to exalt Mordecai, Esther’s banquet, Haman is executed, and the Jews are granted immunity.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished... Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” - Proverb 16:2-5,18,19.
The word pride is defined as an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority or a generous happiness of heart, a noble self-esteem springing from a consciousness of worth. There are two types of pride, one type is taking pleasure in accomplishments, meaning we strive at excelling, but are not constantly boasting about ourselves. The other is having such a high opinion of oneself that we think everything evolves around us, meaning we have an arrogance to us as if we are superior to everyone else. While it is good to take pride in our work, we need to be careful that we do not boast so much that we think of ourselves as a god.
Haman was king Ahasuerus's right hand man, Ahasuerus trusted him, but what Ahasuerus did not realize was that Haman was a wicked egotist abusing the kings name for his own glory. Haman devised a plan to have all the Jews killed, writing a decree and forging the kings seal on it. After learning of the decree Queen Esther came up with a plan to expose Haman to the king, even if that meant she would lose her life.
“Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.” - Esther 5:1-3.
Esther's modestly and humbleness brought on the favor of the king. When we humble ourselves before God, meaning when we stand before Him with submission and respect we obtain His favor. We are all sinners, not one of us is perfect, but we can receive God's grace and favor by humbling ourselves before Him. “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.” - Psalm 138:6.
After Haman left the palace he gathered all his friends around, boasting about him being the only person at the banquet. He ran into Mordecai and devised a scheme to have him hung, he even had a gallows made especially for the job. Meanwhile king Ahasuerus was commencing Mordecai, the king sent for Haman and what he thought was going to be a proclamation to have Mordecai hung was one to have him honored.
“So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself? And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour. Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.” - Esther 6:6-10.
Here is this man, so conceited that he thought the king was talking about him, suggesting all the things he would want to bring honor and glory to himself and having to go before Mordecai and give him honor instead. No doubt he must have been angry, criticizing the king, and hating every moment as he watched Mordecai parading through the streets. Those who think of themselves higher than anyone else despise others being recognized for their good work. We must remember that while they have their moment of fame, it will not last. No honor will come to those who deceitfully gain their recognition. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple...And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” - Romans 16:17,18,20.
Haman's shame did not end there, not only did king Ahasuerus find out about his forging his name and ordering all Jews to be executed, he also found out about the gallows that he had made for Mordecai. Ahasuerus not only stopped the Jews from being executed he also had Haman hung by the very gallows he made for Mordecai.
“Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces: For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred? Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.” - Esther 8:4-7.
We must not forget that our success comes from God and God alone, it is actually more fulfilling to have others give us glory for what we have done than we ourselves. In fact, God rather have others praise us. “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” - Proverbs 27:1,2.
As Christians we should take pride in our work, regardless of what we do, we just have to be careful not to be so proud that we think of ourselves as infallible. No one is infallible except for God and His Word, we are who we are because God made us that way. It's time to examine ourselves, are we acknowledging Christ as our successor or ourselves. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” - II Corinthians 13:5-8.
“Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.” - Psalm 3:8. Praise God!
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Monday, June 13, 2011
Ambassadors For Christ
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: Ambassadors For Christ
Date: Monday June 13, 2011
Chapters: Esther 1-4
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-13
Details of Today's Chapters: King Ahasuerus, Vashti is dethroned as queen, Esther is made queen, the conspiracy of Haman, forging the kings name to make a decree to destroy all Jews, fasting among the Jews, and Esther’s resolution to defeat the decree.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“ Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:14-16.
An ambassador is defined as a minister of the highest rank employed by one prince or state, at the court of another, to manage the public concerns of his own prince or state, and representing the power and dignity of his sovereign. As ambassadors for Christ we are employed by Jesus Christ Himself, we are His ministers to the lost. Therefore, we need to set ourselves apart from the rest of the world, being the example that Christ wants us to me.
The Book of Esther is the seventeenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains ten chapters. The author of the book is Mordecai and it was originally written to the Israelites who where in Persia (Babylon). The time line for these events took place approximately 521 BC to 509 BC. The purpose of the book was to continue showing the history of Israelites in captivity and to recount the divine care God has for His people. What we are to learn from the book is that God uses all people to serve Him in some way, but prepares His people to be witnesses and blessings to others in similar circumstances to help them overcome them. “For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.” - Esther 10:3.
Vashti was queen to Ahasuerus, we do not know much about her other than she was beautiful, but we learn of something else about her, she would not disgrace herself, even for her husband. When the king wanted to show off her beauty to a bunch of men, she refused.
“When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days. And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;..On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.” - Esther 1:4,5,10-12.
Vashti was not about to go against her morals and because of that she was later dethroned, we are going to face many challenges, men and women alike that will try to get us to go against our morals and many times lose our positions because we will not bow down to them. Can I tell you that if a you stick by your morals, God will bless you for it in the end and usually the person learns to respect you as well. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity... Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” - I Timothy 4:12,13.
Ahasuerus was in search of a new queen, he sent for young virgin women throughout the nation, Esther was one of these woman. Esther was a Jew born into captivity, she was an orphan raised by her uncle Mordecai, she won the favor and respect of the king simply by being herself. Esther did not know it at the time, but it was God's will to make her queen to save His people.
“And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women...Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house...Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.” - Esther 2:9,13-17.
While all the other women dressed themselves to entice the king Esther remained modest, presenting herself. Esther found herself in a situation over which she had no control, she could only trust God for direction and protection. We should never doubt that God is in ultimate control to protect us and provide for His people. God never makes a mistake, is never partial, and never overlooks one of His children. “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” - Revelation 7:17.
As Christians, we are ambassadors for Christ and should maintain a dignity in our daily conduct and conversation that honors our Lord. We too may feel like a victim of circumstances beyond our control and wish for another situation where we could escape. There is no need to fear that you are missing God's best, just serve Him where you are, for He has placed you there for a reason, you are doing a great work for Him and He is rejoicing over that. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:16.
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
I'm Following Jesus Online Missions www.imfollowingjesus.com
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: Ambassadors For Christ
Date: Monday June 13, 2011
Chapters: Esther 1-4
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-13
Details of Today's Chapters: King Ahasuerus, Vashti is dethroned as queen, Esther is made queen, the conspiracy of Haman, forging the kings name to make a decree to destroy all Jews, fasting among the Jews, and Esther’s resolution to defeat the decree.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“ Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:14-16.
An ambassador is defined as a minister of the highest rank employed by one prince or state, at the court of another, to manage the public concerns of his own prince or state, and representing the power and dignity of his sovereign. As ambassadors for Christ we are employed by Jesus Christ Himself, we are His ministers to the lost. Therefore, we need to set ourselves apart from the rest of the world, being the example that Christ wants us to me.
The Book of Esther is the seventeenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains ten chapters. The author of the book is Mordecai and it was originally written to the Israelites who where in Persia (Babylon). The time line for these events took place approximately 521 BC to 509 BC. The purpose of the book was to continue showing the history of Israelites in captivity and to recount the divine care God has for His people. What we are to learn from the book is that God uses all people to serve Him in some way, but prepares His people to be witnesses and blessings to others in similar circumstances to help them overcome them. “For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.” - Esther 10:3.
Vashti was queen to Ahasuerus, we do not know much about her other than she was beautiful, but we learn of something else about her, she would not disgrace herself, even for her husband. When the king wanted to show off her beauty to a bunch of men, she refused.
“When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days. And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;..On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.” - Esther 1:4,5,10-12.
Vashti was not about to go against her morals and because of that she was later dethroned, we are going to face many challenges, men and women alike that will try to get us to go against our morals and many times lose our positions because we will not bow down to them. Can I tell you that if a you stick by your morals, God will bless you for it in the end and usually the person learns to respect you as well. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity... Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” - I Timothy 4:12,13.
Ahasuerus was in search of a new queen, he sent for young virgin women throughout the nation, Esther was one of these woman. Esther was a Jew born into captivity, she was an orphan raised by her uncle Mordecai, she won the favor and respect of the king simply by being herself. Esther did not know it at the time, but it was God's will to make her queen to save His people.
“And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women...Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house...Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.” - Esther 2:9,13-17.
While all the other women dressed themselves to entice the king Esther remained modest, presenting herself. Esther found herself in a situation over which she had no control, she could only trust God for direction and protection. We should never doubt that God is in ultimate control to protect us and provide for His people. God never makes a mistake, is never partial, and never overlooks one of His children. “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” - Revelation 7:17.
As Christians, we are ambassadors for Christ and should maintain a dignity in our daily conduct and conversation that honors our Lord. We too may feel like a victim of circumstances beyond our control and wish for another situation where we could escape. There is no need to fear that you are missing God's best, just serve Him where you are, for He has placed you there for a reason, you are doing a great work for Him and He is rejoicing over that. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” - John 15:16.
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
I'm Following Jesus Online Missions www.imfollowingjesus.com
The Power of The Tongue
King James Bible Study Daily Devotional
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: The Power of The Tongue
Date: Sunday June 12, 2011
Chapters: Proverbs 12, Psalm 1
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-12
Details of Today's Chapters: Proverbs contrasting good and evil, the two ways of man.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me...And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 1,4,6.
Once upon a time when a person had to testify in court he had to place his hand on a Bible, raise his left hand, and recite a pledge, vowing to tell the truth. There was something more powerful about placing that hand on the Bible, it was as if one knew he had better tell the truth because he was taking a vow upon God's Word. Today, rarely do people place their hand on a Bible for anything, let alone to tell the truth about it. It is time for all Christians to unite, start praying, and get our nation back to following His way, His truth, and His life.
The tongue is a powerful thing, for example, most businesses receive their customers by word of mouth, the more people that talk good about it the more the business excels. However, if you get just one person saying something bad about it, even if it is not true, it can destroy it. A lying tongue destroys trust in another person's word, just one conversation can create evil that will last a lifetime. God despises liars, in fact, one of the first commandments God wrote with His finger, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” - Exodus 20:16.
The tongue of a liar strips a man of what makes life beautiful, takes away his good name, and breaks the bonds of friendship.
“The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble....He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” - Proverbs 12:13,17-22.
In the same way you and I can be destroyed by a lying tongue God's image has been destroyed. Liars have completely turned God's Word upside down, and while they have their moment, the truth will come out. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them” - Romans 1:18,19.
God despises even the little white lie, it is just as deceitful and will cause harm in the end. The Holy Spirit that dwells in all believers of Christ guides us and teaches us His truths, the more we yield to Him the less we will be able to speak even the smallest of lies. The tongue should be an instrument of a life controlled by the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to do the talking for us we become a witness for Christ. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” - Romans 8:16,17.
The truth in God's Word is the great need today, every Christian needs to use the power of their tongue, shout it out loud and get involved in bringing and keeping His truths in all nations. You say you do not know how to do that? Just tell everyone you know how Jesus can save them. The more people we get on our side the stronger we become as the whole Body of Christ. You do not have to know every story in the Bible, just the Gospel and if you are saved you know what the Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The more we teach the truth the more people will be set free. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” - John 8:31,32.
If you are not saved, you can be, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” - Romans 10:9-11.
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
I'm Following Jesus Online Missions www.imfollowingjesus.com
**** The daily Bible reading schedule has been changed as follows: Each day will include the Proverb and Psalm of the day, Scripture reading will remain in Chronological order from Genesis to Revelation (except Psalms & Proverbs) on Monday thru Saturday, Sunday's reading will only be the Proverb and Psalm of the day. ****
Message Title: The Power of The Tongue
Date: Sunday June 12, 2011
Chapters: Proverbs 12, Psalm 1
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-june-12
Details of Today's Chapters: Proverbs contrasting good and evil, the two ways of man.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me...And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 1,4,6.
Once upon a time when a person had to testify in court he had to place his hand on a Bible, raise his left hand, and recite a pledge, vowing to tell the truth. There was something more powerful about placing that hand on the Bible, it was as if one knew he had better tell the truth because he was taking a vow upon God's Word. Today, rarely do people place their hand on a Bible for anything, let alone to tell the truth about it. It is time for all Christians to unite, start praying, and get our nation back to following His way, His truth, and His life.
The tongue is a powerful thing, for example, most businesses receive their customers by word of mouth, the more people that talk good about it the more the business excels. However, if you get just one person saying something bad about it, even if it is not true, it can destroy it. A lying tongue destroys trust in another person's word, just one conversation can create evil that will last a lifetime. God despises liars, in fact, one of the first commandments God wrote with His finger, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” - Exodus 20:16.
The tongue of a liar strips a man of what makes life beautiful, takes away his good name, and breaks the bonds of friendship.
“The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble....He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” - Proverbs 12:13,17-22.
In the same way you and I can be destroyed by a lying tongue God's image has been destroyed. Liars have completely turned God's Word upside down, and while they have their moment, the truth will come out. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them” - Romans 1:18,19.
God despises even the little white lie, it is just as deceitful and will cause harm in the end. The Holy Spirit that dwells in all believers of Christ guides us and teaches us His truths, the more we yield to Him the less we will be able to speak even the smallest of lies. The tongue should be an instrument of a life controlled by the Holy Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to do the talking for us we become a witness for Christ. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” - Romans 8:16,17.
The truth in God's Word is the great need today, every Christian needs to use the power of their tongue, shout it out loud and get involved in bringing and keeping His truths in all nations. You say you do not know how to do that? Just tell everyone you know how Jesus can save them. The more people we get on our side the stronger we become as the whole Body of Christ. You do not have to know every story in the Bible, just the Gospel and if you are saved you know what the Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The more we teach the truth the more people will be set free. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” - John 8:31,32.
If you are not saved, you can be, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” - Romans 10:9-11.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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