Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Mark
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Mark
Date: Friday September 02, 2011
Chapters: Ezekiel 5-9, Proverb 2, Psalm 82
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-september-2
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world...Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.” - I John 4:1-4,15-17.
There are many spirits out there, but there is only One Spirit that is true and good and that is the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God lives inside of every saved, born again believer of Jesus Christ, many will claim that they have the Spirit of God in them, but God knows the truth and so do they and He will destroy every person who refuses to accept His Son. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - I John 5:12.
Fourteen years had passed after Nebuchadnezzar conquered the House of Judah and taken those who were in Jerusalem captive and into Babylon. Ezekiel was one of those held captive in Babylon, but God miraculously used him to show the Jews there what was going on back in Jerusalem. Ezekiel saw some amazing, yet heartbreaking visions as God lead him through Jerusalem, God's most disturbing news was that the city of God was wicked and everything, but godly.
“Thus saith the Lord GOD; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her. And she hath changed my judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and my statutes more than the countries that are round about her: for they have refused my judgments and my statutes, they have not walked in them. Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye multiplied more than the nations that are round about you, and have not walked in my statutes, neither have kept my judgments, neither have done according to the judgments of the nations that are round about you; Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, am against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations. And I will do in thee that which I have not done, and whereunto I will not do any more the like, because of all thine abominations.” -Ezekiel 5:5-9.
Sadly, the people that actually knew that God existed and was the One and only living God, rejected Him, mocked Him, followed false gods, idolatry, and trusted in false religion more than any heathen nation. As someone who was brought up in false religion I can honestly say, I despise it. I hate it with a passion and that is why I am determined to show people the truth. There is only One Church, the church of Christ, not the fake one people claim to call the church of Christ, but the true church the one that gives all authority to Jesus Christ. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” - Ephesians 5:23,24.
The true church is one that preaches the Gospel of Christ, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and eternal life only through Him. We are not saved by works, we are saved by believing in, confessing, and accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior. No amount of money, possessions, works, or people can save you, only Christ can! No one or deed can take away your salvation, it is eternal.
A mark is an impression, something that symbolizes who or what you are, we all have a mark of some kind, that is what makes us all unique from one another. As Christians, we have a special mark, or at least we should have an special mark upon us, one that says, “I am saved by the blood of Christ.” Through Ezekiel, God explains the mark placed upon every believer and the fate of those without the mark.
“And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.” - Ezekiel 9:2-6.
The representation of the Divine glory from above the ark, removed from the threshold, denoted that the Lord was about to leave His mercy-seat, and to pronounce judgment on the people. It is a great comfort to believers, those with the mark, that in the midst of God's judgment, there is a Mediator, a great High Priest, who has an interest in them. “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.” - Romans 5:8,9.
Many nations are considered Christian nations, yet they sit back and try to justify in our minds all sorts of evil acts, and tell ourselves that God would condone them, when God tells us just the opposite. Things like homosexuality, abortion, and evolution are being justified even in the churches. Our government, schools, churches and even families of those calling themselves Christian are mocking God and they wonder why He is so angry. However, those who forsake their sins for Christ will be safe from God's wrath. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:7-10.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, we confess that we are weak and fearful people apart from Your Holy Spirit that makes us valiant and strong as we stand up for Your righteousness. Our struggle is not physical, but spiritual in nature as the powers of this dark world as the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms battle for our souls. This conflict will not end until we unite with You in heaven, so keep us vigilant and trusting as we do battle with our enemy. You are the captain of our army and we will be victorious as we follow Your every command. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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I'm Following Jesus
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Becoming An Image of Christ
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Becoming An Image of Christ
Date: Wednesday August 31, 2011
Chapters: Lamentations 3-5, Proverb 31, Psalm 80
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-31
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” - Romans 8:26-30.
The word predestinate means to appoint or ordain beforehand by an unchangeable purpose, it's what we know as destiny or fate. Before we are even thought of in our mother's belly God has already appointed us with some purpose in life. Everything we go through is to fulfill the purpose that God has brought us here for, now, to fulfill that purpose we need to go through some things. Perhaps some of us have hindered God in some way and He places affliction upon us to get us back on His purpose. Perhaps some of us have had to face sorrow or suffering as God prepares us to be able to fulfill that purpose. Perhaps some of us have had to deal with affliction, suffering, and sorrow. Regardless, all things work out for good to them who love God as every one of them shape us in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ.
It is not easy becoming an image of Christ, just the other day I realized that those who faithfully serve God are like little Christ's. They are committed to God, tell others about Christ, and set the example of a true Christian, yet the more Christlike they become the more affliction, suffering, and sorrow they face. As Jeremiah is pondering the destruction of Jerusalem he begins to wonder why he had to see and even be in the middle of God's wrath. He somewhat has questions for God that all of us at one point have. “I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light. Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day...He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy. Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer...And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity. And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.” -Lamentations 3:1-3,7,8,17-20.
Sometimes when we are going through things it seems as if God is no where to be found, but the truth is this, God is closer that you think. It is through our pain and suffering that God has us under His wing, protecting us, strengthening us, preparing us, and guiding us for His purpose. Believe it or not, some of the things we endure are to be a testimony and comfort for others in the future. “Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” - I Thessalonians 2:10-13.
While God allows us to go through some affliction He never puts us through more than we can handle. As Jeremiah was thinking about his afflictions he began to realize something, things could have been a lot worse had it not been for the mercy of God upon him. “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD...For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” - Lamentations 3:21-26,31-33.
Think about all the suffering that an unsaved person or even a person that has backslidden faces and how hopeless they feel. Why do you think the suicide rate is so high? People do not have God in their lives and can not handle the pressure. The word mercy means to receive compassion, kindness, and favor with God, God has enough mercy for all who come to Him. We can not escape affliction, but we can endure it and find peace through it. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.
Jesus endured more suffering than anyone here on earth will have to face, but through that suffering came redemption, reconciliation, and resurrection for all who believe in Him. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” - Romans 8:31-34.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I want to thank You for Your goodness in supplying for all my needs. Certainly You have blessed me with physical blessings such as food, clothing, shelter. You also shower me with spiritual blessings as You place godly men and women in my path who honor You with their lives. They live above reproach and serve as examples of those who have overcome the world! Just as You brought these dear brothers and sisters into my life for a season, I pray that I, too, will make a positive difference for those who are presently watching my life. I want my testimony to be an example of Your life-changing, all-sufficient, and all-sustaining mercy and grace. I love You, Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Becoming An Image of Christ
Date: Wednesday August 31, 2011
Chapters: Lamentations 3-5, Proverb 31, Psalm 80
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-31
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” - Romans 8:26-30.
The word predestinate means to appoint or ordain beforehand by an unchangeable purpose, it's what we know as destiny or fate. Before we are even thought of in our mother's belly God has already appointed us with some purpose in life. Everything we go through is to fulfill the purpose that God has brought us here for, now, to fulfill that purpose we need to go through some things. Perhaps some of us have hindered God in some way and He places affliction upon us to get us back on His purpose. Perhaps some of us have had to face sorrow or suffering as God prepares us to be able to fulfill that purpose. Perhaps some of us have had to deal with affliction, suffering, and sorrow. Regardless, all things work out for good to them who love God as every one of them shape us in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ.
It is not easy becoming an image of Christ, just the other day I realized that those who faithfully serve God are like little Christ's. They are committed to God, tell others about Christ, and set the example of a true Christian, yet the more Christlike they become the more affliction, suffering, and sorrow they face. As Jeremiah is pondering the destruction of Jerusalem he begins to wonder why he had to see and even be in the middle of God's wrath. He somewhat has questions for God that all of us at one point have. “I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light. Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day...He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy. Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer...And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity. And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.” -Lamentations 3:1-3,7,8,17-20.
Sometimes when we are going through things it seems as if God is no where to be found, but the truth is this, God is closer that you think. It is through our pain and suffering that God has us under His wing, protecting us, strengthening us, preparing us, and guiding us for His purpose. Believe it or not, some of the things we endure are to be a testimony and comfort for others in the future. “Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” - I Thessalonians 2:10-13.
While God allows us to go through some affliction He never puts us through more than we can handle. As Jeremiah was thinking about his afflictions he began to realize something, things could have been a lot worse had it not been for the mercy of God upon him. “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD...For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” - Lamentations 3:21-26,31-33.
Think about all the suffering that an unsaved person or even a person that has backslidden faces and how hopeless they feel. Why do you think the suicide rate is so high? People do not have God in their lives and can not handle the pressure. The word mercy means to receive compassion, kindness, and favor with God, God has enough mercy for all who come to Him. We can not escape affliction, but we can endure it and find peace through it. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.
Jesus endured more suffering than anyone here on earth will have to face, but through that suffering came redemption, reconciliation, and resurrection for all who believe in Him. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” - Romans 8:31-34.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I want to thank You for Your goodness in supplying for all my needs. Certainly You have blessed me with physical blessings such as food, clothing, shelter. You also shower me with spiritual blessings as You place godly men and women in my path who honor You with their lives. They live above reproach and serve as examples of those who have overcome the world! Just as You brought these dear brothers and sisters into my life for a season, I pray that I, too, will make a positive difference for those who are presently watching my life. I want my testimony to be an example of Your life-changing, all-sufficient, and all-sustaining mercy and grace. I love You, Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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I'm Following Jesus
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Come Out Of Babylon
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Come Out Of Babylon
Date: Monday August 29, 2011
Chapters: Jeremiah 51-52, Proverb 29, Psalm 78:46-72
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-29
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe...For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” - I Corinthians 14:18-22,33.
Did you ever see someone in a church start speaking this, strange, confusing gibberish and think they must be pretty spiritual? Can I tell you that they are no more spiritual than you and I. The truth about speaking in tongues is this, a person speaks in their own language, but is heard by others in their own language. For example, while I am speaking in English, each person can hear what I am saying in their own language. “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance...And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” - Acts 2:4,7-11.
The word confusion is defined as to make unclear, to fail to distinguish between, God wants us to understand Him. He does not want us to be confused, He gives us simple, straight forward truth. Now, I am not against anyone who says they speak in tongues, but honestly, when I see someone talking all that gibberish, even before I knew the above verses existed, I often thought of it as an act of some sort. Why? Who can understand them, I do not know if God can even understand them. That is why God gave us the Bible in so many different languages, so we can understand Him, it is man that makes it confusing. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” - Romans 1:20,21.
As the Jews in Babylon learn to adjust to life in Babylon they were unaware of the fate of Babylon seventy years later, that is unless they had God's Word with them. God instructed Jeremiah to write down every word that He spoken to them about this so they can be prepared for what is about to happen in the future.
“Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against them that dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me, a destroying wind; And will send unto Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about. Against him that bendeth let the archer bend his bow, and against him that lifteth himself up in his brigandine: and spare ye not her young men; destroy ye utterly all her host. Thus the slain shall fall in the land of the Chaldeans, and they that are thrust through in her streets. For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel. Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.” - Jeremiah 51:1-6.
See the promise God made to the Jews? He will not forsake them, but save them. Incidentally, the word Babylon in Greek means confusion, God is telling them to come out of confusion. God saves His people, oh, we might get confused sometimes and wonder why God allows some things to happen in our lives, but He has not forgotten us, He is right there with us, will protect us, and will bring us out of our Babylon if we let Him. I often say this verse in prayer each morning to keep me from getting confused myself. “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.” - Psalm 71:1.
God loves us and wants us to be prepared, He does not expect us to know everything, but what He does expect is that we study His Word so we will not be deceived when confusion surrounds us. God's Word prepares us for the unexpected, because Satan is around and about planting Christians with all kinds of confusion to get them away from the truth. Studying God's Word is the only way we can be armed with the only sword that can knock Satan down. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:13-17.
We do not have to live in a state of confusion, there is a season of life and of death, of happiness and of sorrow, of growth, and of famine, regardless of whether or not we are a Christian. How we choose to handle these situations all comes down to whether or not we put our faith and trust in God. We can come out of Babylon simply by trusting in God to help us through all our circumstances. “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 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.” - Proverb 3:3-6.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I am thankful for the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures that provide an objective and accurate guide for every season of my life. The Bible is a lamp unto my feet and a light for the path that lies before me. It comforts, teaches, convicts, corrects, and trains me in the ways of Jesus Christ, who is my light. Though many will choose other authorities to guide their lives, I choose Your Holy Word to equip me for the works You have called me to do. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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I'm Following Jesus
Message Title: Come Out Of Babylon
Date: Monday August 29, 2011
Chapters: Jeremiah 51-52, Proverb 29, Psalm 78:46-72
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-august-29
Hello My Friend/Guest,
“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe...For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” - I Corinthians 14:18-22,33.
Did you ever see someone in a church start speaking this, strange, confusing gibberish and think they must be pretty spiritual? Can I tell you that they are no more spiritual than you and I. The truth about speaking in tongues is this, a person speaks in their own language, but is heard by others in their own language. For example, while I am speaking in English, each person can hear what I am saying in their own language. “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance...And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” - Acts 2:4,7-11.
The word confusion is defined as to make unclear, to fail to distinguish between, God wants us to understand Him. He does not want us to be confused, He gives us simple, straight forward truth. Now, I am not against anyone who says they speak in tongues, but honestly, when I see someone talking all that gibberish, even before I knew the above verses existed, I often thought of it as an act of some sort. Why? Who can understand them, I do not know if God can even understand them. That is why God gave us the Bible in so many different languages, so we can understand Him, it is man that makes it confusing. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” - Romans 1:20,21.
As the Jews in Babylon learn to adjust to life in Babylon they were unaware of the fate of Babylon seventy years later, that is unless they had God's Word with them. God instructed Jeremiah to write down every word that He spoken to them about this so they can be prepared for what is about to happen in the future.
“Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against them that dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me, a destroying wind; And will send unto Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about. Against him that bendeth let the archer bend his bow, and against him that lifteth himself up in his brigandine: and spare ye not her young men; destroy ye utterly all her host. Thus the slain shall fall in the land of the Chaldeans, and they that are thrust through in her streets. For Israel hath not been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel. Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.” - Jeremiah 51:1-6.
See the promise God made to the Jews? He will not forsake them, but save them. Incidentally, the word Babylon in Greek means confusion, God is telling them to come out of confusion. God saves His people, oh, we might get confused sometimes and wonder why God allows some things to happen in our lives, but He has not forgotten us, He is right there with us, will protect us, and will bring us out of our Babylon if we let Him. I often say this verse in prayer each morning to keep me from getting confused myself. “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.” - Psalm 71:1.
God loves us and wants us to be prepared, He does not expect us to know everything, but what He does expect is that we study His Word so we will not be deceived when confusion surrounds us. God's Word prepares us for the unexpected, because Satan is around and about planting Christians with all kinds of confusion to get them away from the truth. Studying God's Word is the only way we can be armed with the only sword that can knock Satan down. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:13-17.
We do not have to live in a state of confusion, there is a season of life and of death, of happiness and of sorrow, of growth, and of famine, regardless of whether or not we are a Christian. How we choose to handle these situations all comes down to whether or not we put our faith and trust in God. We can come out of Babylon simply by trusting in God to help us through all our circumstances. “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 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.” - Proverb 3:3-6.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I am thankful for the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures that provide an objective and accurate guide for every season of my life. The Bible is a lamp unto my feet and a light for the path that lies before me. It comforts, teaches, convicts, corrects, and trains me in the ways of Jesus Christ, who is my light. Though many will choose other authorities to guide their lives, I choose Your Holy Word to equip me for the works You have called me to do. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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