King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Willing or Unwilling
Date: Saturday July 09, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 1-2, Proverb 9, Psalm 29
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-9
Details of Today's Chapters: God's charge against Israel for their ingratitude and degeneration, a call to repentance and reformation, the coming glory of Jerusalem and Israel, the humbling of the haughty and the shame of sinners in that day.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: ” - II Peter 1:3-10.
You can not expect to get saved and completely change over night, God knows this, therefore, He is content to watch you grow. He loves to watch you grow as you slowly remove the old, sinful habits and replace them with new, godly habits. However, He knows the difference between someone who is truly willing to grow and someone who is unwilling to grow. The one who is willing to grow, although they may mess up from time to time, will not fall away from Him. The one who is unwilling to grow becomes blind, will forget that Christ removed all their sins away, and will fall away from Him.
The Book of Isaiah is the twenty-third book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains sixty-six chapters. The author of the book is Isaiah and it was written to Judah and all believers. The time line of these events took place approximately 977 BC to 698 BC. The purpose of the book was for correction and reproof of believers. What we are to learn from the book is that rebellion leads to retribution (punishment), but repentance leads to restoration. The book of Isaiah is actually a mirror to the entire Bible. The Bible has 66 books. Isaiah has 66 chapters. The Old Testament has 39 books covering the history and sin Israel and the first 39 chapters of Isiah are on the same subject. The New Testament has 27 books describing the ministry of Jesus Christ and the last 27 chapters describe the same subject. The New Testament begins with the ministry of John the Baptist and Isaiah begins with predicting his ministry. The New Testament ends by describing the new heavens and earth and Isaiah ends by describing them as well. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” - Isaiah 1:18.
The name of the prophet, Isaiah, which, in the New Testament is read Esaias, signifies the salvation of the Lord, Isaiah prophesied in the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Isaiah begins with a testimony to the sad condition of Israel. In order for a person to be saved during Old Testament times they had to bring sacrifices, many sacrifices to the priest and he would offer the offering to God in his place, which would atone for the sinners sin.
“Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint... To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.” - Isaiah 1:2-5,11.
God was fed up with His people, they lost their fear of Him, He knew there was no use chastising them because they would only rebel even more. What made Him even more angry was the fact that they refused to change their ways yet brought many scarifies to atone for their sins, fully aware that it was the only way to be saved. Their ceremonies were now an abomination to God, He no longer wanted their sacrifices, He wanted their faithfulness. God concluded that no amount of righteousness or sacrifices will change a person, therefore, He did away with the endless vain sacrifices and sent Jesus to make once sacrifice for all and only by their individual faith in Him will a soul be saved.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God...There is no fear of God before their eyes...But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” - Romans 3:10,11,18,21-24.
God is so amazing that once a person is saved, they are saved, no sin can take away their salvation. Is God happy? Absolutely not. A saved person living in sin will suffer living in that sin, but He never gives up on them. He will always wash clean the sins of all who repent. God explains this further through Isaiah.
“Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” - Isaiah 1:16-20.
Salvation is nothing new, all throughout the Old Testament we learn that we must be saved to get to heaven and that salvation makes us white as snow. The difference between us and them is that they trusted in Christ before He came to earth and we trust Him after He left earth. What actually is salvation? Salvation is the act of saving, it is the preservation from the destruction, the sword of God, and the great calamity all who do not have Christ will face. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” - Revelation 3:5.
It is often said that God only saves the Jews and that the Jews are exempt from God's judgment, this is false. Even in Old Testament days God accepted anyone who was willing to forsake their god and turn to the one true God. For the first time we hear of the Gentiles, who were known as the heathens, non Jewish people, seeking salvation and God granting it to them.
“And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.” - Isaiah 2:3-5.
While God did choose Israel to represent Him, He used them to bring all to repentance. God calls all to walk in the light of the Lord, regardless of where they came from or what nationality they are born. God saves all who willingly come to Christ and seek salvation through Him. “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;” - Romans 2:9-12.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, July 9, 2011
The Love of Christ
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
P.S. I apologize for sending this off a day late, I was ill yesterday, you will also receive one later on today. Thanks for your patience and I apologize for the wait.
Message Title: The Love of Christ
Date: Friday July 08, 2011
Chapters: Song of Solomon 7-8, Proverb 8, Psalm 28
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-8
Details of Today's Chapters: A description of the beauty of the Bride and the affections between the Bridegroom and His Bride.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God... For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life...Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” - Romans 5:1,2,6-10,18.
No greater love has Jesus shown than to give His life for all mankind, He sacrificed His life for every person born, past, present, and future. Why? Two reasons, one, to save us from judgment, which is to be cast into hell when we die. And two, to reconcile our relationship with God, meaning to make peace with Him. Without Jesus God will not even acknowledge us, we are simply a creation of God. However, with Jesus we become a child of God. Now, here is the key to being saved, it is not enough to believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, they must admit that they have sinned in their lifetime, making them a sinner, and have to ask Jesus to save them. It's that simple, believe, ask, receive, it's only by faith that we are saved, not by any good that we have done. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”- Ephesian 2:8,9.
When a person gets saved, fireworks go off, it's as if a huge weight comes off our bodies. The more we get to know Christ, the more we realize He loves us and is ours forever. In fact, the closer we get to Him the more we learn what His desires are toward us, which is illustrated here by a wife realizing the love of her husband.
“I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages. Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves. The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.” - Song of Solomon 7:10-13.
The believer should triumph in their relationship with Christ and rejoice in the hold that He has on them. He is always with us, ready and willing to help us flourish, but we must keep our eyes on Him, otherwise we tend to forget that His presence never leaves us. He is the vine, we are the branches, He gives life to us and helps us grow so beautifully. The amazing thing is that He loves to show His love and affection for us as we show ours to Him. “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” - John 15:7.
Those who are espoused to the Lord Jesus, should desire constant intimacy and freedom with Him, never fearing being despised by the world for it. Let's face it, people are going to mock you for loving Christ, but they will either figure out that they need Him too one day or end up in hell if they don't. It's their decision, but Christ never gives up on them.
“Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee. Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.”- Song of Solomon 8:5-7.
Believers, by the power of God's grace, are brought up out of the wilderness. A sinful state is a wilderness in which there is no true comfort, it is a wandering, wanting state. There is no coming out of this wilderness, but by leaning on Christ as our Beloved, by faith, not leaning on our own understanding, nor trusting in any righteousness of our own, but in the strength of Him, who put His seal on all who trust Him. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” - Proverbs 3:5,6.
Honestly, we are going to suffer once in a while, just like any relationship, it takes work to love one another, but Jesus loves us unconditionally and patiently waits for us as we build up our relationship with Him. The only way to build that relationship and see ourselves flourish is by letting Him direct our paths. His seal is upon us, He loves us, knows us, and He will never leave us nor we forsake us.
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself...Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth...Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” - II Timothy 2:12,13,15,18,19.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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I'm Following Jesus
P.S. I apologize for sending this off a day late, I was ill yesterday, you will also receive one later on today. Thanks for your patience and I apologize for the wait.
Message Title: The Love of Christ
Date: Friday July 08, 2011
Chapters: Song of Solomon 7-8, Proverb 8, Psalm 28
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-8
Details of Today's Chapters: A description of the beauty of the Bride and the affections between the Bridegroom and His Bride.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God... For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life...Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” - Romans 5:1,2,6-10,18.
No greater love has Jesus shown than to give His life for all mankind, He sacrificed His life for every person born, past, present, and future. Why? Two reasons, one, to save us from judgment, which is to be cast into hell when we die. And two, to reconcile our relationship with God, meaning to make peace with Him. Without Jesus God will not even acknowledge us, we are simply a creation of God. However, with Jesus we become a child of God. Now, here is the key to being saved, it is not enough to believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, they must admit that they have sinned in their lifetime, making them a sinner, and have to ask Jesus to save them. It's that simple, believe, ask, receive, it's only by faith that we are saved, not by any good that we have done. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”- Ephesian 2:8,9.
When a person gets saved, fireworks go off, it's as if a huge weight comes off our bodies. The more we get to know Christ, the more we realize He loves us and is ours forever. In fact, the closer we get to Him the more we learn what His desires are toward us, which is illustrated here by a wife realizing the love of her husband.
“I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me. Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages. Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves. The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.” - Song of Solomon 7:10-13.
The believer should triumph in their relationship with Christ and rejoice in the hold that He has on them. He is always with us, ready and willing to help us flourish, but we must keep our eyes on Him, otherwise we tend to forget that His presence never leaves us. He is the vine, we are the branches, He gives life to us and helps us grow so beautifully. The amazing thing is that He loves to show His love and affection for us as we show ours to Him. “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” - John 15:7.
Those who are espoused to the Lord Jesus, should desire constant intimacy and freedom with Him, never fearing being despised by the world for it. Let's face it, people are going to mock you for loving Christ, but they will either figure out that they need Him too one day or end up in hell if they don't. It's their decision, but Christ never gives up on them.
“Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I raised thee up under the apple tree: there thy mother brought thee forth: there she brought thee forth that bare thee. Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would utterly be contemned.”- Song of Solomon 8:5-7.
Believers, by the power of God's grace, are brought up out of the wilderness. A sinful state is a wilderness in which there is no true comfort, it is a wandering, wanting state. There is no coming out of this wilderness, but by leaning on Christ as our Beloved, by faith, not leaning on our own understanding, nor trusting in any righteousness of our own, but in the strength of Him, who put His seal on all who trust Him. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” - Proverbs 3:5,6.
Honestly, we are going to suffer once in a while, just like any relationship, it takes work to love one another, but Jesus loves us unconditionally and patiently waits for us as we build up our relationship with Him. The only way to build that relationship and see ourselves flourish is by letting Him direct our paths. His seal is upon us, He loves us, knows us, and He will never leave us nor we forsake us.
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself...Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth...Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” - II Timothy 2:12,13,15,18,19.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To 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, July 7, 2011
Open The Door
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Open The Door
Date: Thursday July 07, 2011
Chapters: Song of Solomon 4-6, Proverb 7, Psalm 27
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-7
Details of Today's Chapters: The Bridegroom commends the beauty of the Bride and delights in her affection, the distress of the Bride because of the temporary withdrawal of the groom, due to the Bride’s neglect, and the Bridegroom applauds the beauty of the Bride, preferring her before all others.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.” - Luke 5:30-36.
Most of us only go to a doctor when we are sick, in fact, the thought of a doctor does not even come to mind until we are not feeling well. Christ, the physician of the soul, came to cure the diseased soul, such persons not only sick with sin, but sick of it and desiring to be healed. The key to being healed of any sickness is admitting that you are sick, likewise, to heal the diseased soul is admitting that it has sinned. Once a soul is cured by Christ it is healed, becomes whole, and like brand new. The word rent means to tear apart, split, or divide, it's a breach of relations or union between individuals. Believe it or not, until a person gets saved God does not pay any mind to the person, but once it accepts Christ He pays attention. When a believer sins it breaches their relationship with God and while God never leaves nor forsakes us, He will stand back and wait for us to repent. During times like these it may feel as though God is no where to be found, but He is right there knocking, waiting for us to open the door.
In this song of loves and joys we have the spouse speaking, not to her beloved, but of him, and it is a sad story she tells of her own folly and ill conduct towards him, notwithstanding his kindness, and of the just rebukes she fell under for it.
“I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.” - Song of Solomon 5:2-6.
Christ knocks to awaken us, He knocks by His Word and Spirit, He knocks by placing afflictions upon us, and by our consciences. While the believer still calls Christ it's beloved and lives by the blessed hope of eternal life through Him, it can also become so wrapped up in day to day life that it puts Jesus behind closed doors. By absenting Himself from us, He will teach us to value Him more highly, yet He continually knocks at the door. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” - Revelation 3:19,20.
Experience makes the believer understand through grace another aspect of their relationship with Christ. Those made acquainted with the excellencies of Christ desire to know where they may meet Him. The death of a believer is not more than the owner of a garden plucking a favorite flower, He will preserve it from withering and cause it to flourish for ever with increasing beauty. This is explained further through the bride.
“Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee. My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies...My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.” - Song of Solomon 6:1-3,9.
Christ's church is a garden, enclosed, and separated from the world, He takes care of it, delights in it, and visits it often. When Christ comes to His church it is to entertain His friends and to take believers back to His garden. He picks the lilies one by one and one day He will send forth His angels to gather all His lilies that He may be for ever admired in them. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” - John 15:5-7.
All the real excellence and holiness on earth center around the church, Christ goes forth subduing His enemies, while those who put their faith and trust in Him gain victories as they remove the old sin garments and replace them with new garments. The world, the flesh, and the devil himself is no match for the Savior, who redeems all who come to be healed of our great physician. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” - Titus 2:11-14.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
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Message Title: Open The Door
Date: Thursday July 07, 2011
Chapters: Song of Solomon 4-6, Proverb 7, Psalm 27
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-7
Details of Today's Chapters: The Bridegroom commends the beauty of the Bride and delights in her affection, the distress of the Bride because of the temporary withdrawal of the groom, due to the Bride’s neglect, and the Bridegroom applauds the beauty of the Bride, preferring her before all others.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.” - Luke 5:30-36.
Most of us only go to a doctor when we are sick, in fact, the thought of a doctor does not even come to mind until we are not feeling well. Christ, the physician of the soul, came to cure the diseased soul, such persons not only sick with sin, but sick of it and desiring to be healed. The key to being healed of any sickness is admitting that you are sick, likewise, to heal the diseased soul is admitting that it has sinned. Once a soul is cured by Christ it is healed, becomes whole, and like brand new. The word rent means to tear apart, split, or divide, it's a breach of relations or union between individuals. Believe it or not, until a person gets saved God does not pay any mind to the person, but once it accepts Christ He pays attention. When a believer sins it breaches their relationship with God and while God never leaves nor forsakes us, He will stand back and wait for us to repent. During times like these it may feel as though God is no where to be found, but He is right there knocking, waiting for us to open the door.
In this song of loves and joys we have the spouse speaking, not to her beloved, but of him, and it is a sad story she tells of her own folly and ill conduct towards him, notwithstanding his kindness, and of the just rebukes she fell under for it.
“I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.” - Song of Solomon 5:2-6.
Christ knocks to awaken us, He knocks by His Word and Spirit, He knocks by placing afflictions upon us, and by our consciences. While the believer still calls Christ it's beloved and lives by the blessed hope of eternal life through Him, it can also become so wrapped up in day to day life that it puts Jesus behind closed doors. By absenting Himself from us, He will teach us to value Him more highly, yet He continually knocks at the door. “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” - Revelation 3:19,20.
Experience makes the believer understand through grace another aspect of their relationship with Christ. Those made acquainted with the excellencies of Christ desire to know where they may meet Him. The death of a believer is not more than the owner of a garden plucking a favorite flower, He will preserve it from withering and cause it to flourish for ever with increasing beauty. This is explained further through the bride.
“Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee. My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies...My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.” - Song of Solomon 6:1-3,9.
Christ's church is a garden, enclosed, and separated from the world, He takes care of it, delights in it, and visits it often. When Christ comes to His church it is to entertain His friends and to take believers back to His garden. He picks the lilies one by one and one day He will send forth His angels to gather all His lilies that He may be for ever admired in them. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” - John 15:5-7.
All the real excellence and holiness on earth center around the church, Christ goes forth subduing His enemies, while those who put their faith and trust in Him gain victories as they remove the old sin garments and replace them with new garments. The world, the flesh, and the devil himself is no match for the Savior, who redeems all who come to be healed of our great physician. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” - Titus 2:11-14.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Have No Fear My Savior Is Near
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Have No Fear My Savior Is Near
Date: Wednesday July 06, 2011
Chapters: Song of Solomon 1-3, Proverbs 6, Psalm 26
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-6
Details of Today's Chapters: The Bride and Bridegroom in joyful communion in reference to Christ and the church, the Bridegroom speaks concerning himself and his Bride, the Bride speaks remembering her satisfaction in her beloved, and the Bride seeking the favor of the Bridegroom, she calls upon all to admire Him.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” - Luke 12:27-32.
The lily, pure, and delicate, is a genus of plants of many species, produces bell-shaped, white flowers with streaks of pink in them. Its beauty and fragrance foreshadow the preciousness of Christ to the Church. All who clothe themselves in the robe of Christ receive His precious blood, making them as pure and white as the lily. Our Savior often represents Himself as a shepherd, making His followers His little flock. Few really follow Christ compared to the multitude who profess to love Him, but those who do need not fear for our Savior is near and will provide us with everything we need here on earth as we await our day in the Kingdom of God.
The Book of Song of Solomon is the twenty-second book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains eight chapters. The author of the book is King Solomon and it was written to Israel and all believers. The time line is approximately 1014 BC. The purpose of the book is to show the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Church as demonstrated by the intimate marriage relationship between a husband and wife. What we are to learn from the book is that the divine model of love between a man and his wife is the pattern for the relationship between Christ (Man) and the Church (His Bride). “My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.” - Song of Solomon 2:16.
Gracious souls take most pleasure in loving Christ and being loved of Him. Christ's love is more valuable and desirable than the best this world can give. In this dramatic poem, the spouse, first introduces herself to the bridegroom and then to the daughters of Jerusalem.
“I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.” - Song of Solomon 1:5-8.
This is an illustration of the sinners soul, being defiled by a sinful nature it is black. The blackness of their hearts made them suffer hardships, which caused them to neglect the care of her own soul, making them wretched slaves to sin. That is until the Savior came in and cleansed then white as snow. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” - Isaiah 1:18.
Jesus said that even king Solomon, the richest and most magnificent of all the kings of Israel, whose grandeur, and glory, exceeded all the princes of the earth, acknowledged that he was not clothed in a robe so pure and white as the lily that grows wild in the field. Humble souls see the most beauty in the Bridegroom. Chapter 2 gives us a little illustration of the lily.
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.” - Song of Solomon 2:1-5.
Believers are beautiful, as clothed in the righteousness of Christ, fragrant as adorned with the graces of His Spirit and they thrive under the refreshing beams of the Sun of righteousness. To them He is the precious rose and the lily. Those whose hearts are filled with the love of Christ and the hope of heaven are rejoicing in Him and longing for the day they get to see their Savior face to face. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” - Titus 2:11-13.
When a man and woman become husband and wife they become one flesh, two souls are joined together as one flesh, in other words, they become soul mates. When one soul is away from the other it feels alone and disconnected from the other, longing for the day it can reunite with it's love. Before a soul finds it's soul mate it is lost and a lost soul will go searching for any one or thing that finds it until it finds the one it is to be with. Once the two souls find each other there is no separating them.
“By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.” - Song of Solomon 3:1-4.
This is a great illustration of a lost soul that finds Christ, once it finds Him they become soul mates, Jesus grabs a hold of it and never lets it go. As soul mates with Christ He promises to never leave nor forsake us. When Christ is with us we can boldly say, “I have no fear for my Savior is near!” We need not fear anything with our Savior. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” - Hebrews 13:5,6.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Have No Fear My Savior Is Near
Date: Wednesday July 06, 2011
Chapters: Song of Solomon 1-3, Proverbs 6, Psalm 26
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-6
Details of Today's Chapters: The Bride and Bridegroom in joyful communion in reference to Christ and the church, the Bridegroom speaks concerning himself and his Bride, the Bride speaks remembering her satisfaction in her beloved, and the Bride seeking the favor of the Bridegroom, she calls upon all to admire Him.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” - Luke 12:27-32.
The lily, pure, and delicate, is a genus of plants of many species, produces bell-shaped, white flowers with streaks of pink in them. Its beauty and fragrance foreshadow the preciousness of Christ to the Church. All who clothe themselves in the robe of Christ receive His precious blood, making them as pure and white as the lily. Our Savior often represents Himself as a shepherd, making His followers His little flock. Few really follow Christ compared to the multitude who profess to love Him, but those who do need not fear for our Savior is near and will provide us with everything we need here on earth as we await our day in the Kingdom of God.
The Book of Song of Solomon is the twenty-second book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains eight chapters. The author of the book is King Solomon and it was written to Israel and all believers. The time line is approximately 1014 BC. The purpose of the book is to show the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Church as demonstrated by the intimate marriage relationship between a husband and wife. What we are to learn from the book is that the divine model of love between a man and his wife is the pattern for the relationship between Christ (Man) and the Church (His Bride). “My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.” - Song of Solomon 2:16.
Gracious souls take most pleasure in loving Christ and being loved of Him. Christ's love is more valuable and desirable than the best this world can give. In this dramatic poem, the spouse, first introduces herself to the bridegroom and then to the daughters of Jerusalem.
“I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon. Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept. Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents.” - Song of Solomon 1:5-8.
This is an illustration of the sinners soul, being defiled by a sinful nature it is black. The blackness of their hearts made them suffer hardships, which caused them to neglect the care of her own soul, making them wretched slaves to sin. That is until the Savior came in and cleansed then white as snow. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” - Isaiah 1:18.
Jesus said that even king Solomon, the richest and most magnificent of all the kings of Israel, whose grandeur, and glory, exceeded all the princes of the earth, acknowledged that he was not clothed in a robe so pure and white as the lily that grows wild in the field. Humble souls see the most beauty in the Bridegroom. Chapter 2 gives us a little illustration of the lily.
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick of love.” - Song of Solomon 2:1-5.
Believers are beautiful, as clothed in the righteousness of Christ, fragrant as adorned with the graces of His Spirit and they thrive under the refreshing beams of the Sun of righteousness. To them He is the precious rose and the lily. Those whose hearts are filled with the love of Christ and the hope of heaven are rejoicing in Him and longing for the day they get to see their Savior face to face. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;” - Titus 2:11-13.
When a man and woman become husband and wife they become one flesh, two souls are joined together as one flesh, in other words, they become soul mates. When one soul is away from the other it feels alone and disconnected from the other, longing for the day it can reunite with it's love. Before a soul finds it's soul mate it is lost and a lost soul will go searching for any one or thing that finds it until it finds the one it is to be with. Once the two souls find each other there is no separating them.
“By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.” - Song of Solomon 3:1-4.
This is a great illustration of a lost soul that finds Christ, once it finds Him they become soul mates, Jesus grabs a hold of it and never lets it go. As soul mates with Christ He promises to never leave nor forsake us. When Christ is with us we can boldly say, “I have no fear for my Savior is near!” We need not fear anything with our Savior. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” - Hebrews 13:5,6.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To 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
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
True Delight
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: True Delight
Date: Tuesday July 05, 2011
Chapters: Ecclesiastes 11-12, Proverbs 5, Psalms 25
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-5
Details of Today's Chapters: Solomon's advice on liberality, advice for the young to be religious, and the vanity of the world.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” - Luke 12:29-34.
It is amazing to learn of the things that one treasures, some people treasure what the world can give them, such as wealth and riches, which are usually hoarded. Some people treasure little things that are given to them, something that is precious to them and will never let go of them. Some people treasure what is in their mind and keep it safely retained in there until the day they die. What we treasure the most is determined by what the heart desires, if we are seeking godly things the heart will long for those, likewise, if we are seeking worldly things the heart will long for those as well. Interestingly enough though, when we give our hearts to God He places new desires upon them and gives us treasures that nothing here on earth can compare to.
Solomon observed that one day we will all be judged for our actions as adults, in our youth, it's easy to fall for the things of the world because we are learning and growing, but as we grow we learn that life is not all about fun and games.
“Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. “ - Ecclesiastes 11:7-10.
There is a difference between being satisfied physically and be satisfied spiritually, physical satisfaction is only temporary, we feel great for the moment, but afterward we are longing for more. However, spiritual satisfaction is eternal, we find joy even when things are not going so great. That joy comes from Jesus Christ alone, Jesus said, “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.” - John 16:22,23.
Solomon spent his lifetime searching for pleasure from every worldly source he could find, he used the word vanity over thirty times in the Book of Ecclesiastes and concluded that ignoring the Word of God was the vanity of all vanities.
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;.. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity. And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth... Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” - Ecclesiastes 12:1,7-10,13.
When we begin to seek the things that are in the world, our heart turns away from God and turns toward what it finds pleasure in, but there comes a time in our lives when we must grow up and stop seeking pleasure in something that will never truly satisfy. It is only when we give our hearts completely over to God will we find true pleasure. True pleasure in life only results from giving one's time, talents, and resources to fulfill the will of God. This is the only true source of happiness, peace of mind, and genuine enjoyment in life. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” - II Corinthians 12:9,10.
The only way to please God is to first know His Son, Jesus Christ as your Savior, otherwise nothing we try to do will even matter, God will not pay attention to us unless the Savior is in us. “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him...And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” - I John 5:1,20.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: True Delight
Date: Tuesday July 05, 2011
Chapters: Ecclesiastes 11-12, Proverbs 5, Psalms 25
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-5
Details of Today's Chapters: Solomon's advice on liberality, advice for the young to be religious, and the vanity of the world.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” - Luke 12:29-34.
It is amazing to learn of the things that one treasures, some people treasure what the world can give them, such as wealth and riches, which are usually hoarded. Some people treasure little things that are given to them, something that is precious to them and will never let go of them. Some people treasure what is in their mind and keep it safely retained in there until the day they die. What we treasure the most is determined by what the heart desires, if we are seeking godly things the heart will long for those, likewise, if we are seeking worldly things the heart will long for those as well. Interestingly enough though, when we give our hearts to God He places new desires upon them and gives us treasures that nothing here on earth can compare to.
Solomon observed that one day we will all be judged for our actions as adults, in our youth, it's easy to fall for the things of the world because we are learning and growing, but as we grow we learn that life is not all about fun and games.
“Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun: But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity. Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. “ - Ecclesiastes 11:7-10.
There is a difference between being satisfied physically and be satisfied spiritually, physical satisfaction is only temporary, we feel great for the moment, but afterward we are longing for more. However, spiritual satisfaction is eternal, we find joy even when things are not going so great. That joy comes from Jesus Christ alone, Jesus said, “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.” - John 16:22,23.
Solomon spent his lifetime searching for pleasure from every worldly source he could find, he used the word vanity over thirty times in the Book of Ecclesiastes and concluded that ignoring the Word of God was the vanity of all vanities.
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;.. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity. And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth... Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” - Ecclesiastes 12:1,7-10,13.
When we begin to seek the things that are in the world, our heart turns away from God and turns toward what it finds pleasure in, but there comes a time in our lives when we must grow up and stop seeking pleasure in something that will never truly satisfy. It is only when we give our hearts completely over to God will we find true pleasure. True pleasure in life only results from giving one's time, talents, and resources to fulfill the will of God. This is the only true source of happiness, peace of mind, and genuine enjoyment in life. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” - II Corinthians 12:9,10.
The only way to please God is to first know His Son, Jesus Christ as your Savior, otherwise nothing we try to do will even matter, God will not pay attention to us unless the Savior is in us. “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him...And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” - I John 5:1,20.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To 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
Monday, July 4, 2011
Distinguishing Christian's
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Distinguishing Christian's
Date: Monday July 04, 2011
Chapters: Ecclesiastes 9-10, Proverb 4, Psalm 24
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-4
Details of Today's Chapters: Solomon explains that good and bad men fare alike in this world, all men must die to this life, disappointments are common, but wisdom comes from them, respecting subjects and rulers, and the duties of subjects and rulers.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” - I Peter 1:16-21.
While no amount of good we do in life can take us to heaven (it is only my accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior that we can get to heaven) it is the good that we do after we are saved that distinguishes Christians from the rest of the world. Let's face it whether you are a Christian or not God is no respecter of persons, He treats everyone the same. However, what happens to us after we die is what actually distinguishes us from the world, while we receive our rewards for our good after we are saved when we get to heaven, those who refuse Christ receive eternity in hell. “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” - Matthew 25:46
Solomon, when applying his heart to know the work of God took went through a great deal of pain to search into it, although he was no closer to an answer than when he first began he did come up with one conclusion.
“For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” - Ecclesiastes 9:1-4.
While there is life there is an opportunity of preparing for death, and since death is certain, it is our wisdom to make the best possible use of life while it lasts, cheerfully taking our share of life’s enjoyments. If a man has Christ as His Savior, he may be happy though the world frowns upon him, and if he is without Christ, he may be miserable, though the world smiles upon him. Regardless of how the outward condition of men may seem to us, let it be remembered that all men's affairs are in God’s hands and that prosperity is not necessarily a sign of God’s love or affliction of His hatred, much of the worlds riches are not the work of God at all, but in fact, Satan to keep them away from God. ”Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21.
Fools are apt, at every turn, to proclaim their deceitfulness, for if one is lacking in true wisdom, it cannot be concealed. True wisdom is true honor and will gain a man a reputation which is very valuable. Solomon, having shown the benefit of wisdom, and of what great advantage it is to us in the management of our affairs, also shows the mischief of deceitfulness and how it exposes foolish men to their wickedness.
“The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.” -Ecclesiastes 10:12-15.
I do not know how many times I have made the statement, “There is only one way to heaven and that is asking Jesus to save you” only to get the response, “Oh, yeah, I ask Jesus to save me everyday.” Those who really have Christ in their lives know that all it takes is one time to ask Jesus to save you and take you to heaven. Many people call salvation by grace easy believism and that it is false. It is not false, plenty of Scripture proves that the only way to heaven is by asking Jesus to save you, all it takes is one time because He died for us one time. Fools take the simplicity out of getting to heaven, they do not understand the plainest things, which makes them miss the only way to true happiness. “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” - Hebrews 9:26-28.
The true believer is united with Christ in a union which can never be broken and by virtue of that union he is justified, sanctified and yet to be glorified. Since, his true life is hid with Christ inside of him, it is his business to mind the concerns of that world to which Christ has ascended. We are to be examples of Christ living in us. “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” -Colossians 3:22-25.
God is no respecter of persons, He gives all the choice to know Christ, the same fate goes to those who accept His offer likewise the same fate goes to those who reject His offer, regardless of how good they try to be. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:11-13.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be: http://www.godsprice.com
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
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Message Title: Distinguishing Christian's
Date: Monday July 04, 2011
Chapters: Ecclesiastes 9-10, Proverb 4, Psalm 24
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-4
Details of Today's Chapters: Solomon explains that good and bad men fare alike in this world, all men must die to this life, disappointments are common, but wisdom comes from them, respecting subjects and rulers, and the duties of subjects and rulers.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.” - I Peter 1:16-21.
While no amount of good we do in life can take us to heaven (it is only my accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior that we can get to heaven) it is the good that we do after we are saved that distinguishes Christians from the rest of the world. Let's face it whether you are a Christian or not God is no respecter of persons, He treats everyone the same. However, what happens to us after we die is what actually distinguishes us from the world, while we receive our rewards for our good after we are saved when we get to heaven, those who refuse Christ receive eternity in hell. “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” - Matthew 25:46
Solomon, when applying his heart to know the work of God took went through a great deal of pain to search into it, although he was no closer to an answer than when he first began he did come up with one conclusion.
“For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” - Ecclesiastes 9:1-4.
While there is life there is an opportunity of preparing for death, and since death is certain, it is our wisdom to make the best possible use of life while it lasts, cheerfully taking our share of life’s enjoyments. If a man has Christ as His Savior, he may be happy though the world frowns upon him, and if he is without Christ, he may be miserable, though the world smiles upon him. Regardless of how the outward condition of men may seem to us, let it be remembered that all men's affairs are in God’s hands and that prosperity is not necessarily a sign of God’s love or affliction of His hatred, much of the worlds riches are not the work of God at all, but in fact, Satan to keep them away from God. ”Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21.
Fools are apt, at every turn, to proclaim their deceitfulness, for if one is lacking in true wisdom, it cannot be concealed. True wisdom is true honor and will gain a man a reputation which is very valuable. Solomon, having shown the benefit of wisdom, and of what great advantage it is to us in the management of our affairs, also shows the mischief of deceitfulness and how it exposes foolish men to their wickedness.
“The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him? The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.” -Ecclesiastes 10:12-15.
I do not know how many times I have made the statement, “There is only one way to heaven and that is asking Jesus to save you” only to get the response, “Oh, yeah, I ask Jesus to save me everyday.” Those who really have Christ in their lives know that all it takes is one time to ask Jesus to save you and take you to heaven. Many people call salvation by grace easy believism and that it is false. It is not false, plenty of Scripture proves that the only way to heaven is by asking Jesus to save you, all it takes is one time because He died for us one time. Fools take the simplicity out of getting to heaven, they do not understand the plainest things, which makes them miss the only way to true happiness. “For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” - Hebrews 9:26-28.
The true believer is united with Christ in a union which can never be broken and by virtue of that union he is justified, sanctified and yet to be glorified. Since, his true life is hid with Christ inside of him, it is his business to mind the concerns of that world to which Christ has ascended. We are to be examples of Christ living in us. “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” -Colossians 3:22-25.
God is no respecter of persons, He gives all the choice to know Christ, the same fate goes to those who accept His offer likewise the same fate goes to those who reject His offer, regardless of how good they try to be. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - I John 5:11-13.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To 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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Sunday, July 3, 2011
Waiting For Expected Good
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Waiting For Expected Good
Date: Sunday July 03, 2011
Chapters: Ecclesiastes 7-8, Proverb 3, Psalm 23
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-3
Details of Today's Chapters: Prudence is recommended as a means of avoiding much of the vanity and vexation of the world and Wisdom is recommended as an antidote against the temptations and vexations arising from the vanity of the world.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God...And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” -Hebrews 12:1,2,5,6.
While we may not understand the trials we go through at the time, they often prove to be valuable lessons later on as they come to pass. The word patience means the suffering of afflictions without complaining about them, it's the act of waiting for justice or expected good without discontent. Whether we have Christ in our lives or not we will have to endure some afflictions in life, but those who have Christ can endure them peacefully.
God blessed Solomon with much knowledge and wisdom, he was not only taught to be a good king, but a godly one and he became a preacher as well. For a while he prospered greatly because of his relationship with God, however once he started allowing the world to come into his life he became what we call now, a worldly Christian. He loved God, but made some wrong decisions which caused much affliction in his life, Solomon actually wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes at the end of his life when he realized all the worldly things he longed for was pure vanity. Solomon teaches us some amazing things about enduring affliction and being careful about dwelling on the past.
“Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” - Ecclesiastes 7:7-12.
We need to be careful not to become too angry so quickly or resent the trials we are facing, it is perfectly fine to get angry, but we are not to allow ourselves to get so angry that we commit sin. We are not to keep dwelling over and over about wrong decisions we made in the past, we can not do anything about the past, dwelling on it only keeps us from moving forward, but we can do something about now. God allows the decisions we make for a reason, it is through the afflictions we face through those decisions that we learn, grow, and become stronger not only in our relationship with God, but as a person as well. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” - II Corinthians 4:17.
Solomon also warns us not to boast too much about our abilities, God gives us some great gifts to be used while we are here on earth, but we are not irreplaceable, there is always someone out that who can do the job we do a lot better willing to grab it if we are not careful.
“Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” -Ecclesiastes 7:16-20.
We are not to be conceited in our own abilities nor find fault with everything others do, it is perfectly fine to feel good about our accomplishments, but we are not to boast about it so much that we put ourselves above everyone else. We are all sinners and have faults, but those who fear God will shine above all and do not need to boast of themselves because others do it. “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.
Wise and good men have been perplexed with the difficulty of understanding how the wicked prosper. No man, no matter how wise, is able fully and perfectly understand these things. Solomon explains that this is something that we endure through lots of faith in God.
“There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.. Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.” -Ecclesiastes 8:8,9,15-17.
The oppression of the defenseless and the prosperity of the wicked is a great puzzle until you read all of the Bible. As you study God's Word little by little you learn that it's not important what the wicked are doing nor other Christians, what's important is what you are doing. God has much more waiting for you as you patiently endure your afflictions through your faith in Him. “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.” - Romans 2:6-11.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To 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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Message Title: Waiting For Expected Good
Date: Sunday July 03, 2011
Chapters: Ecclesiastes 7-8, Proverb 3, Psalm 23
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-july-3
Details of Today's Chapters: Prudence is recommended as a means of avoiding much of the vanity and vexation of the world and Wisdom is recommended as an antidote against the temptations and vexations arising from the vanity of the world.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God...And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” -Hebrews 12:1,2,5,6.
While we may not understand the trials we go through at the time, they often prove to be valuable lessons later on as they come to pass. The word patience means the suffering of afflictions without complaining about them, it's the act of waiting for justice or expected good without discontent. Whether we have Christ in our lives or not we will have to endure some afflictions in life, but those who have Christ can endure them peacefully.
God blessed Solomon with much knowledge and wisdom, he was not only taught to be a good king, but a godly one and he became a preacher as well. For a while he prospered greatly because of his relationship with God, however once he started allowing the world to come into his life he became what we call now, a worldly Christian. He loved God, but made some wrong decisions which caused much affliction in his life, Solomon actually wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes at the end of his life when he realized all the worldly things he longed for was pure vanity. Solomon teaches us some amazing things about enduring affliction and being careful about dwelling on the past.
“Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” - Ecclesiastes 7:7-12.
We need to be careful not to become too angry so quickly or resent the trials we are facing, it is perfectly fine to get angry, but we are not to allow ourselves to get so angry that we commit sin. We are not to keep dwelling over and over about wrong decisions we made in the past, we can not do anything about the past, dwelling on it only keeps us from moving forward, but we can do something about now. God allows the decisions we make for a reason, it is through the afflictions we face through those decisions that we learn, grow, and become stronger not only in our relationship with God, but as a person as well. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” - II Corinthians 4:17.
Solomon also warns us not to boast too much about our abilities, God gives us some great gifts to be used while we are here on earth, but we are not irreplaceable, there is always someone out that who can do the job we do a lot better willing to grab it if we are not careful.
“Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” -Ecclesiastes 7:16-20.
We are not to be conceited in our own abilities nor find fault with everything others do, it is perfectly fine to feel good about our accomplishments, but we are not to boast about it so much that we put ourselves above everyone else. We are all sinners and have faults, but those who fear God will shine above all and do not need to boast of themselves because others do it. “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.
Wise and good men have been perplexed with the difficulty of understanding how the wicked prosper. No man, no matter how wise, is able fully and perfectly understand these things. Solomon explains that this is something that we endure through lots of faith in God.
“There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.. Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.” -Ecclesiastes 8:8,9,15-17.
The oppression of the defenseless and the prosperity of the wicked is a great puzzle until you read all of the Bible. As you study God's Word little by little you learn that it's not important what the wicked are doing nor other Christians, what's important is what you are doing. God has much more waiting for you as you patiently endure your afflictions through your faith in Him. “Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.” - Romans 2:6-11.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To 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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