King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Witness Within
Date: Saturday August 13, 2011
Chapters: Jeremiah 5-6, Proverb 13, Psalm 64
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-13
Details of Today's Chapters: Jeremiah’s second message warning to Judah, continued. God’s charges against them and His judgments, and the terrors that follow from their sin.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” - I John 5:4-11.
A witness is a testimony, someone who testifies to someone or thing by personal experience. There are many people who are saved that can not testify that they know Jesus, in fact, you may never know that they received Christ until the day you see them in heaven. There are a few though, a minority of witnesses that can and do testify that God is real, Jesus is real, and He lives in and through them today. How can they know this when they have not even seen Him in the flesh? When you truly allow Christ in Your life He changes you, He removes all the dirt and grit tugging on our bodies and little by little is seen, not only by you, but by others as well. Many, many people do, in fact, want to see God's blessings, the problem is change, they do not want to change.
God's judgment has been placed on Judah, Jerusalem is full of corruption and will soon be desolate, without God's presence. In a plea, through Jeremiah, God, talking one on one to the people, gives them one more chance to repent before they too are without God's presence.
“Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it. And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely. O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return. Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God. I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, and the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.” - Jeremiah 5:1-5.
It amazes me just how much God pleas for our attention, He never stops trying to get a person to see the truth about Him before it is too late, that is why Jesus has not returned yet. It boggles my mind that I spent years as a fool, not knowing the way of the Lord, the things I could have avoided had I just been taught the truth. My parents were none the wiser, they too were brought up on the same false doctrine. Praise God that I and my family now know the truth because we got around great men that told and showed it. It is very important that we, who do know the truth, keep speaking it, we are His witnesses and the more we allow Christ to live in us the more others can see the truth and believe it. “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.” - Hebrews 12:1,2.
Ignorance to God's truth is one thing, although it does not keep us from facing judgment, but knowingly rejecting it is another and something God detests. Through Jeremiah we learn just how God felt about Jerusalem living in constant sin and those who refused to turn from their wicked ways.
“As a fountain casteth out her waters, so she casteth out her wickedness: violence and spoil is heard in her; before me continually is grief and wounds. Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee; lest I make thee desolate, a land not inhabited. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall throughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn back thine hand as a grapegatherer into the baskets. To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days. And their houses shall be turned unto others, with their fields and wives together: for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD.” - Jeremiah 6:7-12.
You know God grieves at the sight of His people ignoring His warnings and refusing to listen to Him. Think about it, we are made in the image if God, the same feelings that we have, God has, the same anger and hurt that we have when we have been betrayed is the same emotions that God has. We ought to be counting every one of our blessings, especially the mercy and grace He has for us, and start reminding ourselves just what Jesus did for us. “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:14-16.
I cry when I think of just how ignorant to God I was before I listened to His call, all the things I did and He forgave me and not only that, He now uses me to show His truths to others. I know my works do not get me to heaven, but I also know that I am a witness that if Christ can turn my life around He can turn anyone's around. It may not be the life I would have chosen for myself, but it is a life that God has chosen for me and I rather live here knowing that God accepts me just the way I am then trying to live a wicked life someone tries to convince me is right. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Still today I can not understand why You trust me with Your precious Word, but I do understand that I am a witness to the amazing life that You have given me just in the few short years that I vowed to let Your Son work in my life. Thank You Lord, for everything that You have done for me, You literally pulled me up out of the pit I was trapped in and for that I am grateful. I am Your witness, lead me and guide me and help me to keep doing what You have called me to do, it's all for Your glory and my benefit. I love You, Lord, and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, August 13, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
What The Holy Spirit Reveals
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: What The Holy Spirit Reveals
Date: Thursday August 11, 2011
Chapters: Jeremiah 1-2, Proverb 11, Psalm 62
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-11
Details of Today's Chapters: Jeremiah's call by God to the prophecy, his doubt, God's assurance, Jeremiah's first message to backslidden Judah concerning their ingratitude to God and wickedness against Him.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” - I Corinthians 2:6-11.
Contained deep within every believer is the Holy Spirit, He guides us, protects us, teaches us, and above all He shows us the most important things we will ever know, the mysteries of God. Now, there are some things that God will never reveal to anyone, but all the important things we need to know about living life the way God wants us to live in this wretched world, including wonderful promises of eternal life, are revealed to us as the Holy Spirit reveals them to us.
The Book of Jeremiah is the twenty-fourth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains fifty-two chapters. The time line for these events took place approximately between 629BC – 588BC, about 70 years after Isaiah prophesied about the same thing. The author of the book is Jeremiah and it was written to Judah to warn them of the coming judgment and captivity of the Jews in Judah and a call for repentance. What we are to learn from the book is that national disasters and deterioration in the world is often due to disobedience to God, but like all storms they will subside and everything will be restored as we return to God. This book is actually directed to backsliders. “And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.” - Jeremiah 12:5.
Jeremiah was quite young when God called him to be a prophet, a prophet is a person inspired or instructed by God to announce future events. Just like every true believer, Jeremiah doubted his ability to perform the task that God had given him, but guess what, God assures him that he can do the job.
“Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.” - Jeremiah 1:4-9.
Today, God uses the mouths of His Son's believers to tell the nations His Word, if you are a saved, born again believer of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ then you are a mouth for God. A mouth that says, “I believe and know what Jesus has done for me and He can do the same for you as well.” I teach 5 years olds that have asked Jesus to save them that they too can tell others how they got saved, that is a mouth for God, someone who has been ordained and sanctified through the blood of Jesus Christ, someone who knows one of the mysteries of God and is able to reveal it to others. “ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” - I John 5:10.
Now, because the believer has the Holy Spirit dwelling among them God expects a little more from them than what the world has to offer. Can I tell you that there are some unsaved people that do more for God than saved? The sad thing is they have no clue that all their work is void unless they receive Christ as their Savior, yet those who know Christ continue to live wicked, sinful lives. While that behavior does not blow a persons chances of getting into heaven, it does mean that they will suffer some chastisement. Imagine Jeremiah having to be the one to tell Judah that their reckless, sinful behavior will be the destruction of Jerusalem. In Jeremiah's first message he explains the cause of God's judgment.
“For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water..Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.” -Jeremiah 2:13,19-22.
If you are saved and born again you are not a servant, you are a child of God, one of His very own. To submit and remain captive to sin is of that persons own fleshly lusts and passions. Chastisement is brought upon ourselves when we lose that dependance on God and think we can handle things on our own. God warns us not to weary ourselves in pursuits that only satisfy the lusts of the flesh, which only lead to misery and pain, but to walk with Christ to keep us from falling. If you did not know it, it is Christ who lives in us through the Holy Spirit, He and He alone is our only hope of ever become free from the things that enslave us. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” - Romans 13:12-14.
Today's Prayer:
God,
It is amazing how much You reveal to me as You bring forth Your mysteries through the Holy Spirit dwelling in me. I know sometimes I get over confident and think that I can do this on my own, yet You reveal to me time and time again that my way is a big mess, but Yours always leads to victory. Thank You for giving me those second chances to get back up and move forward, let me not be enslaved by the cares of the world, only let me depend on Your as I walk with the Savior. I love You Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Message Title: What The Holy Spirit Reveals
Date: Thursday August 11, 2011
Chapters: Jeremiah 1-2, Proverb 11, Psalm 62
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-11
Details of Today's Chapters: Jeremiah's call by God to the prophecy, his doubt, God's assurance, Jeremiah's first message to backslidden Judah concerning their ingratitude to God and wickedness against Him.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” - I Corinthians 2:6-11.
Contained deep within every believer is the Holy Spirit, He guides us, protects us, teaches us, and above all He shows us the most important things we will ever know, the mysteries of God. Now, there are some things that God will never reveal to anyone, but all the important things we need to know about living life the way God wants us to live in this wretched world, including wonderful promises of eternal life, are revealed to us as the Holy Spirit reveals them to us.
The Book of Jeremiah is the twenty-fourth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains fifty-two chapters. The time line for these events took place approximately between 629BC – 588BC, about 70 years after Isaiah prophesied about the same thing. The author of the book is Jeremiah and it was written to Judah to warn them of the coming judgment and captivity of the Jews in Judah and a call for repentance. What we are to learn from the book is that national disasters and deterioration in the world is often due to disobedience to God, but like all storms they will subside and everything will be restored as we return to God. This book is actually directed to backsliders. “And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.” - Jeremiah 12:5.
Jeremiah was quite young when God called him to be a prophet, a prophet is a person inspired or instructed by God to announce future events. Just like every true believer, Jeremiah doubted his ability to perform the task that God had given him, but guess what, God assures him that he can do the job.
“Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.” - Jeremiah 1:4-9.
Today, God uses the mouths of His Son's believers to tell the nations His Word, if you are a saved, born again believer of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ then you are a mouth for God. A mouth that says, “I believe and know what Jesus has done for me and He can do the same for you as well.” I teach 5 years olds that have asked Jesus to save them that they too can tell others how they got saved, that is a mouth for God, someone who has been ordained and sanctified through the blood of Jesus Christ, someone who knows one of the mysteries of God and is able to reveal it to others. “ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.” - I John 5:10.
Now, because the believer has the Holy Spirit dwelling among them God expects a little more from them than what the world has to offer. Can I tell you that there are some unsaved people that do more for God than saved? The sad thing is they have no clue that all their work is void unless they receive Christ as their Savior, yet those who know Christ continue to live wicked, sinful lives. While that behavior does not blow a persons chances of getting into heaven, it does mean that they will suffer some chastisement. Imagine Jeremiah having to be the one to tell Judah that their reckless, sinful behavior will be the destruction of Jerusalem. In Jeremiah's first message he explains the cause of God's judgment.
“For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water..Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. For of old time I have broken thy yoke, and burst thy bands; and thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot. Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Lord GOD.” -Jeremiah 2:13,19-22.
If you are saved and born again you are not a servant, you are a child of God, one of His very own. To submit and remain captive to sin is of that persons own fleshly lusts and passions. Chastisement is brought upon ourselves when we lose that dependance on God and think we can handle things on our own. God warns us not to weary ourselves in pursuits that only satisfy the lusts of the flesh, which only lead to misery and pain, but to walk with Christ to keep us from falling. If you did not know it, it is Christ who lives in us through the Holy Spirit, He and He alone is our only hope of ever become free from the things that enslave us. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” - Romans 13:12-14.
Today's Prayer:
God,
It is amazing how much You reveal to me as You bring forth Your mysteries through the Holy Spirit dwelling in me. I know sometimes I get over confident and think that I can do this on my own, yet You reveal to me time and time again that my way is a big mess, but Yours always leads to victory. Thank You for giving me those second chances to get back up and move forward, let me not be enslaved by the cares of the world, only let me depend on Your as I walk with the Savior. I love You Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Thursday, August 11, 2011
Enter The Sheephold
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Enter The Sheephold
Date: Wednesday August 10, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 65-66, Proverb 10, Psalm 61
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-10
Details of Today's Chapters: The calling of the Gentiles, the rejection of the Jews, the remnant of both preserved, judgments upon the wicked, the increase of the church, when both Jew and Gentile shall be gathered together with the Redeemer, and every enemy of the church shall be destroyed, and the final ruin of ungodly men shall be seen
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out...All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” - John 10:1-3,8-11.
Sheep are about the most vulnerable species of all God's creation, they get distracted easily and walk into constant trouble, which is why they and are in need of constant watch. The one thing about sheep is that they know who their shepherd is, they come running when they hear his voice. As Christian's, we too get distracted easily and walk into constant danger when we are left alone, which is why we are often referred to as sheep. How amazing is our Savior, Jesus Christ, that He gave His life to save those who are lost? “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.” - Matthew 18:11-13.
A sheephold is a place where sheep are collected and protected from dangers outside the walls, as long as they remain within the sheephold they are looked after and protected. Should one escape and go astray it is subject to all the predators just waiting to attack and devour it. Just like sheep who have gone astray we too can and get devoured by predators, through Isaiah God foretells the fate of His sheep, His flock, that have gone astray as well as those who reject Him.
“I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;..Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all...But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.” - Isaiah 65:1,2,8,11,12.
Praise God that He is a forgiving God and that He does not forsake any of His people, even if they have gone astray, escaped the sheephold. Those who reject the Son, reject God and are subject to hell,regardless of whether or not they believe in Him. Those who hear their Good Shepherd call their name come running when they hear His voice. Amazingly, God is patient to make sure all His people are found before He sends Jesus to claim them all. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” - II Peter 3:9.
Through Isaiah, God gives wonderful assurance to those who have hear the voice of the Son and received Him, one day when Christ does return every believer will be gathered together, praising God and the King. Jew and Gentile alike will rejoice together and see all of God's glory.
“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word...For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.” - Isaiah 66:1,2,18,19.
What a glorious day it will be when the King of kings comes to claim His people, the ones who believed in Him although they never seen Him face to face. He knows who are His, the faithful, the not so faithful, all who ever believed that a Savior would be coming and is returning to save them. Once day we will all hear Jesus say one of two things, come on in or depart from me. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name...Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name...I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:8,10-12,15,16.
Today's Prayer:
Jesus,
You are my Lord and Savior, I believe in the sacrifice that You made for me, and I put my faith and trust in You that one day I will see You face to face and all my efforts to serve You will not be void. I know my works do not get me into heaven, but they do show You just how thankful I am of what You have done for me and how much I love You. Lord, lead me and guide me, let me enter and remain in the sheephold, protected and comforted by Your loving arms, at all times. Never let me forget that I am Yours and You are mine and no matter what I have done or will do that that will never change. I love You, Lord and ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Enter The Sheephold
Date: Wednesday August 10, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 65-66, Proverb 10, Psalm 61
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-10
Details of Today's Chapters: The calling of the Gentiles, the rejection of the Jews, the remnant of both preserved, judgments upon the wicked, the increase of the church, when both Jew and Gentile shall be gathered together with the Redeemer, and every enemy of the church shall be destroyed, and the final ruin of ungodly men shall be seen
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out...All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” - John 10:1-3,8-11.
Sheep are about the most vulnerable species of all God's creation, they get distracted easily and walk into constant trouble, which is why they and are in need of constant watch. The one thing about sheep is that they know who their shepherd is, they come running when they hear his voice. As Christian's, we too get distracted easily and walk into constant danger when we are left alone, which is why we are often referred to as sheep. How amazing is our Savior, Jesus Christ, that He gave His life to save those who are lost? “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.” - Matthew 18:11-13.
A sheephold is a place where sheep are collected and protected from dangers outside the walls, as long as they remain within the sheephold they are looked after and protected. Should one escape and go astray it is subject to all the predators just waiting to attack and devour it. Just like sheep who have gone astray we too can and get devoured by predators, through Isaiah God foretells the fate of His sheep, His flock, that have gone astray as well as those who reject Him.
“I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts;..Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all...But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.” - Isaiah 65:1,2,8,11,12.
Praise God that He is a forgiving God and that He does not forsake any of His people, even if they have gone astray, escaped the sheephold. Those who reject the Son, reject God and are subject to hell,regardless of whether or not they believe in Him. Those who hear their Good Shepherd call their name come running when they hear His voice. Amazingly, God is patient to make sure all His people are found before He sends Jesus to claim them all. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” - II Peter 3:9.
Through Isaiah, God gives wonderful assurance to those who have hear the voice of the Son and received Him, one day when Christ does return every believer will be gathered together, praising God and the King. Jew and Gentile alike will rejoice together and see all of God's glory.
“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word...For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.” - Isaiah 66:1,2,18,19.
What a glorious day it will be when the King of kings comes to claim His people, the ones who believed in Him although they never seen Him face to face. He knows who are His, the faithful, the not so faithful, all who ever believed that a Savior would be coming and is returning to save them. Once day we will all hear Jesus say one of two things, come on in or depart from me. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name...Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name...I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:8,10-12,15,16.
Today's Prayer:
Jesus,
You are my Lord and Savior, I believe in the sacrifice that You made for me, and I put my faith and trust in You that one day I will see You face to face and all my efforts to serve You will not be void. I know my works do not get me into heaven, but they do show You just how thankful I am of what You have done for me and how much I love You. Lord, lead me and guide me, let me enter and remain in the sheephold, protected and comforted by Your loving arms, at all times. Never let me forget that I am Yours and You are mine and no matter what I have done or will do that that will never change. I love You, Lord and ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Tuesday, August 9, 2011
The Only Cure
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Only Cure
Date: Monday August 08, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 61-62, Proverb 8, Psalm 59
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-8
Details of Today's Chapters: Two advents of Christ's return in one view, the Kingdom blessing after the day of vengeance and Israel’s restoration, God’s favor on Israel and His honor with all nations.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:14-18.
Represented by the deadly sting of the bite of a snake is sin, sin is truly a disease that kills the mind, body, spirit, and soul, it begins with just a prick then spreads quickly as the poison takes control of your entire being. God hates sin, utterly despises is, we all have to admit that we do not like sin either, tell me you feel good when you find out that someone has been lying to you? Jesus Christ came to save us by healing us of our disease, just as the children of Israel who were stung with fiery serpents, were cured and lived by looking up to the brazen serpent (See Numbers 21:6-9), Christ saves all who look to Him. “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 5:13.
Because sin is so wicked and deceitful God places the same judgment upon all who sin, that judgment, to be cast into the lake of fire. What is sin? It is all summed up in this verse, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:18. Let me tell you, if you did not realize it before, realize it now, we are all sinners, no one is incapable of sin, but thanks to Jesus, who knew no sin, we do not have to end up suffering that horrible second death, the death of our soul. “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 3:23,24.
Through Isaiah, Jesus speaks to Israel, well before He even came to earth in the flesh, about the very same things He came to earth and spoke about in the flesh, seek Him and be saved. Everyone, Jew or Gentile, is subject to the same judgment, no one on earth escapes the judgment of God unless they believe in the Son. One day the Jews will no longer be despised as they are today, nations will know them as the blessed seed of God, and all who believe in the Son will join them, clothed in the garments of salvation.
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;..For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” - Isaiah 61:1,2,8-10.
Many Jews are brought up believing that since they were the chosen of God that they are exempt from eternal damnation, but they too suffer the same fate as the rest of us. Only the believing are saved, “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.
We learn more of this, through Isaiah, God foretells of the glorious Kingdom awaiting believers and the fate of those who will not believe, just as the Jews will no longer be despised by the world, the Gentiles will not longer be despised by the Jews.
“For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God...The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.” - Isaiah 62:1-3,8,9.
God gives all several chances to get right with Him, come Judgment Day, will be the last chance, once we die physically that's it, no more chances. Sadly, there are a lot of people, who were religious as could be, I grew up believing that Jesus died on the cross, but if I had died before I told Jesus that I believed in Him I would be in hell right now, many are suffering in hell because they did not do that one thing that could have saved their lives. It is not enough to believe, we must receive Christ to be saved. He died for you, so, if you have not received Him yet, now is your chance, let Him know just how much you believe in Him by receiving Him into your life. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10.
Today's Prayer:
Jesus,
No words can describe the incredible sacrifice that You made by giving Your life for me, a sinner, bound for an eternity in hell. Thank You, Jesus for never giving up on me and allowing me in Your life. Thanks for receiving and giving me eternal life through Your precious blood. Lord, I can not offer much, but what I can offer is to be a living sacrifice for You. Lead me and guide me and work in and through me so that I pass up no opportunity to show Your love to others who suffer the same fate that I once did. I love You, Lord, I need You, and I am nothing without You. Thanks for everything. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: The Only Cure
Date: Monday August 08, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 61-62, Proverb 8, Psalm 59
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-8
Details of Today's Chapters: Two advents of Christ's return in one view, the Kingdom blessing after the day of vengeance and Israel’s restoration, God’s favor on Israel and His honor with all nations.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:14-18.
Represented by the deadly sting of the bite of a snake is sin, sin is truly a disease that kills the mind, body, spirit, and soul, it begins with just a prick then spreads quickly as the poison takes control of your entire being. God hates sin, utterly despises is, we all have to admit that we do not like sin either, tell me you feel good when you find out that someone has been lying to you? Jesus Christ came to save us by healing us of our disease, just as the children of Israel who were stung with fiery serpents, were cured and lived by looking up to the brazen serpent (See Numbers 21:6-9), Christ saves all who look to Him. “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 5:13.
Because sin is so wicked and deceitful God places the same judgment upon all who sin, that judgment, to be cast into the lake of fire. What is sin? It is all summed up in this verse, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:18. Let me tell you, if you did not realize it before, realize it now, we are all sinners, no one is incapable of sin, but thanks to Jesus, who knew no sin, we do not have to end up suffering that horrible second death, the death of our soul. “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 3:23,24.
Through Isaiah, Jesus speaks to Israel, well before He even came to earth in the flesh, about the very same things He came to earth and spoke about in the flesh, seek Him and be saved. Everyone, Jew or Gentile, is subject to the same judgment, no one on earth escapes the judgment of God unless they believe in the Son. One day the Jews will no longer be despised as they are today, nations will know them as the blessed seed of God, and all who believe in the Son will join them, clothed in the garments of salvation.
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;..For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” - Isaiah 61:1,2,8-10.
Many Jews are brought up believing that since they were the chosen of God that they are exempt from eternal damnation, but they too suffer the same fate as the rest of us. Only the believing are saved, “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.
We learn more of this, through Isaiah, God foretells of the glorious Kingdom awaiting believers and the fate of those who will not believe, just as the Jews will no longer be despised by the world, the Gentiles will not longer be despised by the Jews.
“For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God...The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured: But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.” - Isaiah 62:1-3,8,9.
God gives all several chances to get right with Him, come Judgment Day, will be the last chance, once we die physically that's it, no more chances. Sadly, there are a lot of people, who were religious as could be, I grew up believing that Jesus died on the cross, but if I had died before I told Jesus that I believed in Him I would be in hell right now, many are suffering in hell because they did not do that one thing that could have saved their lives. It is not enough to believe, we must receive Christ to be saved. He died for you, so, if you have not received Him yet, now is your chance, let Him know just how much you believe in Him by receiving Him into your life. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10.
Today's Prayer:
Jesus,
No words can describe the incredible sacrifice that You made by giving Your life for me, a sinner, bound for an eternity in hell. Thank You, Jesus for never giving up on me and allowing me in Your life. Thanks for receiving and giving me eternal life through Your precious blood. Lord, I can not offer much, but what I can offer is to be a living sacrifice for You. Lead me and guide me and work in and through me so that I pass up no opportunity to show Your love to others who suffer the same fate that I once did. I love You, Lord, I need You, and I am nothing without You. Thanks for everything. Amen.
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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Monday, August 8, 2011
Repentance
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Repentance
Date: Sunday August 07, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 59-60, Proverb 7, Psalm 58
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-7
Details of Today's Chapters: The causes of sin and wickedness, the confession of sin, and lamentation for the consequences, the promise of deliverance, the glories of the church of God when the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in and the Jews are converted.
I apologize for this being sent out late, I had some internet connection problems, will space out the messages and send today's this evening. Thanks for your faithfulness and patience. God bless you.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament...Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” - Hebrews 7:22,25-28.
The word consecrated means to make or declare to be sacred, to set apart, dedicate, or devote, to the service and worship of God. Jesus was sent just for the service of the Lord, not only to set an example for the world, but to save the world. Until Jesus came, in order to reach God a person had to go before the high priest, bringing offerings to take their place as a sacrifice. These offerings had to be clean animals without spot or blemishes, undefiled and pure, which is why it is important that we realize Jesus was not born into sin as the rest of us, making Him that pure sacrifice that would put an end to the endless animal sacrifices once and for all.
I grew up thinking when someone told you to repent that it meant that you had sinned and needed to confess your sins to get right with God, but I have been wrong about that. To repent means to change your way of thinking, to feel deep sorrow for something said or done that may not have been sin at all. Feeling regret is a not the same as feeling guilty. God often repented, felt grief or sorrow over things He had done or thought and God can not sin, but God can feel pain, sorrow, and anger just as we do, remember, we are created in His image, so, He has the same emotions as we do, only without the sin nature. “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” - Genesis 6:5,6.
Every person here on earth is capable of doing some evil, no matter how good you were brought up or try to be, we all have some wickedness in us and this is what God is talking about. This is why we can never do enough good to measure up to God's standard and why He sent Jesus to give us a chance to repent. Through Isaiah, God explains this to the believing Jews who had gotten themselves caught up in the world.
“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity...The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace...As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.” - Isaiah 59:1-4,8,21.
God is longsuffering, meaning patient in waiting for the very last person to accept His Son before He sends Him to judge the world of all it's wickedness. Only those who are saved can escape the judgment awaiting all who have not trusted in the Savior. God will save anyone who believes in His Son, and while God will never go back on His promises and send a saved person to hell He will turn His eyes away from any saved person who has no intention of repenting until they repent. It is a much painful life to live in sin being saved, but God loves us and sooner or later leads us all to repentance one way or another. “And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” - Hebrews 6:5,6.
The amazing thing about God is that He waits for us to repent and the second we do it is as if you were never separated yourself from Him. When you stop and think about all the crazy things you have done over the years and that God still loves you and has been merciful to you you ought to feel pretty humble. People ask me all the time, if God is so loving how can He send people to hell or why so much suffering in the world. My response, God is not doing it, the people are. We all have a choice and unfortunately the choices we make affect everyone else around us. I have some issues going on with me over someone who is thousands of miles away from me because of the decisions he is making. We may be caught up in some of the messes of others, but God is still on our side and as long as we keep our eyes on Him the suffering will be minimal, God knows what we can handle. Through Isaiah, God foretells if the light that shines upon all who believe in His Son and assures us that all the darkness will come to pass one day..
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising...And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee...Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.”- Isaiah 60:1-3,10,18-20.
One day we will not have to feel any more pain or sorrow, we will have utter peace, that is if you have the light in You. The light is the Lord Jesus Christ and I will tell you what, without the Light you are never at peace, there is not better peace found then going to Jesus and letting Him take care of you. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for the Light that You sent to enable me to come out from under the darkness. Lord, You picked me up, dusted me off, and gave me a reason to live. No other life has more meaning that one with Your Son, thank You for sending Him, for giving me some hope and peace through the endless trials that come and go in my life. Thank You for the assurance of everlasting light as I put my faith and trust in Your Son. Lord, lead me and guide me to the Light, never let me be darkened again from the pains and sorrows of life and let me see the blessings in store as I wait patiently for answers. I love You, Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Repentance
Date: Sunday August 07, 2011
Chapters: Isaiah 59-60, Proverb 7, Psalm 58
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-7
Details of Today's Chapters: The causes of sin and wickedness, the confession of sin, and lamentation for the consequences, the promise of deliverance, the glories of the church of God when the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in and the Jews are converted.
I apologize for this being sent out late, I had some internet connection problems, will space out the messages and send today's this evening. Thanks for your faithfulness and patience. God bless you.
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament...Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” - Hebrews 7:22,25-28.
The word consecrated means to make or declare to be sacred, to set apart, dedicate, or devote, to the service and worship of God. Jesus was sent just for the service of the Lord, not only to set an example for the world, but to save the world. Until Jesus came, in order to reach God a person had to go before the high priest, bringing offerings to take their place as a sacrifice. These offerings had to be clean animals without spot or blemishes, undefiled and pure, which is why it is important that we realize Jesus was not born into sin as the rest of us, making Him that pure sacrifice that would put an end to the endless animal sacrifices once and for all.
I grew up thinking when someone told you to repent that it meant that you had sinned and needed to confess your sins to get right with God, but I have been wrong about that. To repent means to change your way of thinking, to feel deep sorrow for something said or done that may not have been sin at all. Feeling regret is a not the same as feeling guilty. God often repented, felt grief or sorrow over things He had done or thought and God can not sin, but God can feel pain, sorrow, and anger just as we do, remember, we are created in His image, so, He has the same emotions as we do, only without the sin nature. “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” - Genesis 6:5,6.
Every person here on earth is capable of doing some evil, no matter how good you were brought up or try to be, we all have some wickedness in us and this is what God is talking about. This is why we can never do enough good to measure up to God's standard and why He sent Jesus to give us a chance to repent. Through Isaiah, God explains this to the believing Jews who had gotten themselves caught up in the world.
“Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity...The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace...As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.” - Isaiah 59:1-4,8,21.
God is longsuffering, meaning patient in waiting for the very last person to accept His Son before He sends Him to judge the world of all it's wickedness. Only those who are saved can escape the judgment awaiting all who have not trusted in the Savior. God will save anyone who believes in His Son, and while God will never go back on His promises and send a saved person to hell He will turn His eyes away from any saved person who has no intention of repenting until they repent. It is a much painful life to live in sin being saved, but God loves us and sooner or later leads us all to repentance one way or another. “And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” - Hebrews 6:5,6.
The amazing thing about God is that He waits for us to repent and the second we do it is as if you were never separated yourself from Him. When you stop and think about all the crazy things you have done over the years and that God still loves you and has been merciful to you you ought to feel pretty humble. People ask me all the time, if God is so loving how can He send people to hell or why so much suffering in the world. My response, God is not doing it, the people are. We all have a choice and unfortunately the choices we make affect everyone else around us. I have some issues going on with me over someone who is thousands of miles away from me because of the decisions he is making. We may be caught up in some of the messes of others, but God is still on our side and as long as we keep our eyes on Him the suffering will be minimal, God knows what we can handle. Through Isaiah, God foretells if the light that shines upon all who believe in His Son and assures us that all the darkness will come to pass one day..
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising...And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee...Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.”- Isaiah 60:1-3,10,18-20.
One day we will not have to feel any more pain or sorrow, we will have utter peace, that is if you have the light in You. The light is the Lord Jesus Christ and I will tell you what, without the Light you are never at peace, there is not better peace found then going to Jesus and letting Him take care of you. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for the Light that You sent to enable me to come out from under the darkness. Lord, You picked me up, dusted me off, and gave me a reason to live. No other life has more meaning that one with Your Son, thank You for sending Him, for giving me some hope and peace through the endless trials that come and go in my life. Thank You for the assurance of everlasting light as I put my faith and trust in Your Son. Lord, lead me and guide me to the Light, never let me be darkened again from the pains and sorrows of life and let me see the blessings in store as I wait patiently for answers. I love You, Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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