King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Replace The Junk Food
Date: Friday November 25, 2011
Chapters: I Corinthians 5-9
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-25
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” - Romans 12:4-9.
The physical body contains several parts to make it function properly, if it is malnourished it effects the entire body, likewise the same is true for the spiritual body. How can a spiritual body be malnourished? By feeding it things that are not healthy for it. People do not realize that the second they get saved they become a member of the Body of Christ, which means they are one with Christ. Therefore,if we want to be completely healthy in mind, body, and spirit, we need to replace the junk food in our lives with health food.
As Paul learned that fornication was going on with the Corinthians he was disturbed by some of the incidents that he found out about them, in his letter he addresses those who were condoning fornicators. The word fornication means to be unfaithful or do anything that is immorally wrong to the body.
“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:” - I Corinthians 5:1-7.
To be puffed up means to brag or advertize something not acceptable as being acceptable. Satan reigns where Christ does not and any person that is well aware that someone is living in sin and condones or encourages it is under his (Satan's) power. We are representing Christ therefore, we are to live by example, anything we do in life needs to be done with Christ leading the way. Corrupt principles and examples, if not corrected, would hurt the whole church. Therefore, we are to remove the old leaven, or habits and replace them with new habits. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” - Ezekiel 36:26.
Paul reminds the Corinthians what fornication is and does to people, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - I Corinthians 6:9-11.
To be effeminate means for a man to act like a woman, abusers of themselves with mankind means homosexuality, being covetous means to envy others, these are all acts of sin and fornication. Many people that lived lives as such have converted into Christianity and turned their lives completely around. When we accept Christ as our Savior and allow Him to work in and through us, we can be washed clean from the vilest of sins that plague us. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:9.
Paul tells the Corinthians what to do about fornication, which is something every Christian needs to adhere to if they want to live a blessed life, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” - I Corinthians 6:18-20.
We were bought with a price, Jesus paid the sin debt we owe by giving His life for us, when we accept and receive Christ into our lives we are telling Him that we are trusting solely in Him to keep us out of hell. However, those who are saved and continue to live wicked lives can care less what Jesus has saved them from. It's pretty sad and I will tell you that it angers me when I see someone who is saved defile their body. The old worldly part of me comes out and I just want to smack them upside the head. However, I just praise God that I am not the one who fell, which could have easily been me, and that His power gave me the strength to walk away. When you stop and think about all the ridiculous things that you have done with your body and that God was with you it can feel pretty shameful. However, one thing is for sure, knowing that God is with you, is the key to replacing the junk food with health food. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” -I Peter 2:1-3.
Our bodies are for the Lord to be an instrument of righteousness and holiness, therefore we are to glorify the body and never make it an instrument of sin. We should be honored that Jesus Christ has chosen us to set an example and show that while we were once dead in sin we are risen from the dead and alive through Christ. Our bodies have been redeemed from deserved condemnation and hopeless slavery by the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Praise God! “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” -Romans 5:11. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank You for sending Your Son to save me, I am redeemed and saved from hell because I believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, confessed that I am a sinner, and asked Him to save me. While I do not intentionally try to let You down, I know I will at times. Lord, feed me with the spiritual things I need to keep me healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Help me to avoid the junk food of the world that constantly tries to defile my relationship with You. Only by Your power can I resist temptation and see Your blessings unfold. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
In The Power of God
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: In The Power of God
Date: Thursday November 24, 2011
Chapters: I Corinthians 1-4
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-24
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” - I Peter 1:3-7.
The true Christian’s hope of eternal life and a glorious inheritance through the precious sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, is a hope that quickens them to service, supports them in every trial of faith, and conducts them in a way of holiness to heaven. We are going to be tried for our faith, people who are not living their lives for God are determined to see a true Christian fall, it is only in the power of God that we can know the truth, live by it, endure the constant temptations, and be honored by Christ when we stand before Him.
The Book of I Corinthians is the forty-sixth book of the Bible, the seventh book of the New Testament, and contains sixteen chapters. The author of the book is Paul and it was written to the believers and Corinth, the timeline for this letter is 59AD. The purpose of the book was to address the problems that have been brought to Paul's attention concerning a division between the Corinthian believers. What we are to learn from the book is that Jesus Christ our risen Lord is the Head and Body working though His people by the Holy Spirit. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” -I Corinthians 2:12.
This epistle (letter) was written to rebuke some disorderly conduct, of which the apostle had been made aware of and to give advice as to some points whereon his judgment was requested by the Corinthians. Paul spent nearly two years at Corinth, where he preached with great success and was the instrument of converting many people, who by him were formed into a church state, consisting both of Jews and Gentiles. The peace of this church was disturbed by false teachers, who undermined the influence of the apostle and now the church has split causing much strife. Now, Paul is trying to put an end to the confusion and debate.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment...For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” - I Corinthians 1:10,18-25.
Many churches and homes have been divided because people are not joined together with the same mind and judgment. There is only one Gospel and that is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning, but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy he learned of the heathen world. Christ crucified is the foundation of all our hopes, the fountain of all our joys, and by His death and resurrection we live. The preaching of salvation for lost sinners by the sufferings and death of the Son of God, if explained and faithfully applied, appears foolish to those in the way to destruction. The sensual, the covetous, the proud, and ambitious, alike see the Gospel as something that opposes their favorite pursuits. But those who receive the Gospel gladly are enlightened by the Spirit of God, see more of God's wisdom and power in the doctrine of Christ crucified, than in all His other works. If not for the blood we would still be bringing animal sacrifices to a priest in hopes to be saved. “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.
Paul had one focus after he was converted to Christianity, preaching the Gospel to anyone and everyone. He did not give long lectures or tell people how to live their lives, he told them how to have eternal life. It was only in the power of God that he was able to speak bold, simple, truth, he did not depend on his own reasoning to preach Jesus he depended solely upon God's reasoning.
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God...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. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” - I Corinthians 2:1-5,9-12.
When we do not know Christ we will never understand God, these theological scholars think they have the Bible all figured out, but they really have no clue as to what the truth is. When we accept Jesus as our Savior we receive the Holy Spirit in us, that means He indwells in you and helps you to have a mind like Christ. The Spirit of God nudges at us our entire lives, but to truly know God, to truly know His Word, and to understand His truths is by knowing and accepting Christ. It is only in the power of God that we can see the things that God freely gives to us. He loves us, He sent His Son to die for us, what more can He do to show His love, but to be the Almighty God that He always has been. When we love Him back there is nothing that He will not do for us.
“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” - I Corinthians 3:9-15.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, it's not always easy being a Christian, sometimes it is so hard to do the right thing when I am constantly facing temptation and corrupted people who would find joy in seeing me fall. It is only by Your power that I am able to stand. Lord, give Your power, help me to depend solely upon Your reasoning and not my own to remain faithful to You as I walk through this fire. I love You, Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Happy Thanksgiving to my American Readers
Christina
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Message Title: In The Power of God
Date: Thursday November 24, 2011
Chapters: I Corinthians 1-4
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-24
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” - I Peter 1:3-7.
The true Christian’s hope of eternal life and a glorious inheritance through the precious sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, is a hope that quickens them to service, supports them in every trial of faith, and conducts them in a way of holiness to heaven. We are going to be tried for our faith, people who are not living their lives for God are determined to see a true Christian fall, it is only in the power of God that we can know the truth, live by it, endure the constant temptations, and be honored by Christ when we stand before Him.
The Book of I Corinthians is the forty-sixth book of the Bible, the seventh book of the New Testament, and contains sixteen chapters. The author of the book is Paul and it was written to the believers and Corinth, the timeline for this letter is 59AD. The purpose of the book was to address the problems that have been brought to Paul's attention concerning a division between the Corinthian believers. What we are to learn from the book is that Jesus Christ our risen Lord is the Head and Body working though His people by the Holy Spirit. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” -I Corinthians 2:12.
This epistle (letter) was written to rebuke some disorderly conduct, of which the apostle had been made aware of and to give advice as to some points whereon his judgment was requested by the Corinthians. Paul spent nearly two years at Corinth, where he preached with great success and was the instrument of converting many people, who by him were formed into a church state, consisting both of Jews and Gentiles. The peace of this church was disturbed by false teachers, who undermined the influence of the apostle and now the church has split causing much strife. Now, Paul is trying to put an end to the confusion and debate.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment...For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” - I Corinthians 1:10,18-25.
Many churches and homes have been divided because people are not joined together with the same mind and judgment. There is only one Gospel and that is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning, but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy he learned of the heathen world. Christ crucified is the foundation of all our hopes, the fountain of all our joys, and by His death and resurrection we live. The preaching of salvation for lost sinners by the sufferings and death of the Son of God, if explained and faithfully applied, appears foolish to those in the way to destruction. The sensual, the covetous, the proud, and ambitious, alike see the Gospel as something that opposes their favorite pursuits. But those who receive the Gospel gladly are enlightened by the Spirit of God, see more of God's wisdom and power in the doctrine of Christ crucified, than in all His other works. If not for the blood we would still be bringing animal sacrifices to a priest in hopes to be saved. “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.
Paul had one focus after he was converted to Christianity, preaching the Gospel to anyone and everyone. He did not give long lectures or tell people how to live their lives, he told them how to have eternal life. It was only in the power of God that he was able to speak bold, simple, truth, he did not depend on his own reasoning to preach Jesus he depended solely upon God's reasoning.
“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God...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. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” - I Corinthians 2:1-5,9-12.
When we do not know Christ we will never understand God, these theological scholars think they have the Bible all figured out, but they really have no clue as to what the truth is. When we accept Jesus as our Savior we receive the Holy Spirit in us, that means He indwells in you and helps you to have a mind like Christ. The Spirit of God nudges at us our entire lives, but to truly know God, to truly know His Word, and to understand His truths is by knowing and accepting Christ. It is only in the power of God that we can see the things that God freely gives to us. He loves us, He sent His Son to die for us, what more can He do to show His love, but to be the Almighty God that He always has been. When we love Him back there is nothing that He will not do for us.
“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” - I Corinthians 3:9-15.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, it's not always easy being a Christian, sometimes it is so hard to do the right thing when I am constantly facing temptation and corrupted people who would find joy in seeing me fall. It is only by Your power that I am able to stand. Lord, give Your power, help me to depend solely upon Your reasoning and not my own to remain faithful to You as I walk through this fire. I love You, Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Happy Thanksgiving to my American Readers
Christina
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Christian Love
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Christian Love
Date: Tuesday November 22, 2011
Chapters: Romans 11-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-22
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” -John 15:12-20.
Genuine love is a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection toward another, showing affectionate concern for the well-being of others, it's expressing goodwill or kindly feelings toward others without merit. It can be very easy to love people that we get along with, but it becomes a challenge when they cross us or hurt us. We had a luncheon at our church Sunday, people were welcome to come and get refills, but we encouraged them to wait until everyone had gone through before they came back in line. One person, who never shows gratitude or thanks at our functions, comes up with a take home container enough for three people after he went through the line four times, me being one of the servers, said to the other servers , “We do not love because we want to, we love because we are Christian.” Jesus loves everyone, regardless of whether or not we accept Him, He still died for everyone. His affectionate concern for the well-being of others is without merit, meaning He shows His love without expecting anything in return. His ability to show love toward all comes from God, only with God can we get pass the emotions of the heart to love one another as Jesus does.
Since God created the world people have been feuding over who exactly it is that God loves, there was some strife going on in Rome, the Jews and Romans were arguing that they were the only people that God saves. The Jews believed that since they were God's chosen ones only they could get to heaven. Likewise, the Romans believed that since they were Christians only they could get to heaven. First, Paul addresses the Jews, now he is addressing the Romans or Gentiles.
“I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin..For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” - Romans 11:1,25-32.
Even the Jews had hope in the Savior, known to them as the Messiah, but they rejected Jesus being the promised Messiah, one day, they will receive Him too and those who do will be saved. While it was important for the Jews to reject Christ as it paved the way for Him to be introduced to the Gentile nations, it was equally important to remember that a remnant of Jews would believe in Christ and be saved as well. Salvation is not for the Jew, Arab, or Roman, it's not for the Jewish, Muslim, or Catholic faith, it is for those who believe in Jesus Christ and have received Him. “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.” - John 3:16. Salvation has nothing to do with religion, it's only about believing in Jesus Christ and regardless of who you are He is the only way to heaven. It is a gift from God, it cannot be earned or bought with anything that we do and it certainly cannot be given to us by any other person. There is only one way to heaven and Christ bought that right with His blood. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” - I Corinthians 6:20.
You know, it is a good thing that Christ's love for us is not determined by how we treat Him or others after we are saved, if that were the case we'd all be cast away. For the life of me I will never understand how a person can turn their love for someone on and off like a light switch, but we do not have to try and figure that out because Jesus will never turn His love off, and the amazing thing is we do not have to show Him any love in return. Only a God so great can take us as His own simply by saying, “I believe in Your Son” and not expect any love in return. Just imagine the life we would really have if we loved one another as God loves us, no matter how badly we are treated. Paul explains the need for the Christian to live as a Christian at all times.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith...If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:1-3,18-21.
We are going to have to deal with some ungodly and even ungodly saved people in our lives, whether they are a child, parent, spouse, relative, or co-worker. Our relationship with them cannot alter our relationship with God, no matter who that person is, it is God that we have to answer in the end not them. Over the years I have realized that people who cause you to live in sin don't care about you, all they care about is themselves, and while you live with the guilt, shame, and distress of it all they have forgotten all about you. Getting even makes things worse, so, instead of seeking revenge, seek peace, be cordial and forgiving, then watch God work in yours and their lives.
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake...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 13:1-5,12-14.
In the seven years that I have been a member of my church I have knocked hundreds of doors, the responses we get are amazing, some receive us happily, some are cordial, but really do not want to talk to us, some ignore us, and once in a while we will get someone who is down right rude. I have come to realize over the years that it's not personal, we have no idea what these people are going through, there is an emotional attachment to how they respond, even if they swear at us or send their dogs out after us (yes, it just happened to me), they are rejecting God not us. To bow down to their level and argue with them is pointless, they are full of bitterness, rage, and pride. However, to pray for them will never return void, God is always with us, He sees and knows everything and will never go back on His promises. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” -Hebrews 10:35-37.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Your love for us is just astounding, no one can love us as much as You love us unconditionally. No matter how many times I mess up You never leave nor forsake me. Lord, forgive me for the times I have gotten myself into situations that I could not get myself out of and tried to handle them on my own. I know that Your love and power is strong enough to help me endure and break free from every evil that is trying to wreck my relationship with You. Continue to grow me and teach me to love others unconditionally, as You love me, even those who have treated me badly. Also help me to let go of my pride and humble myself in forgiveness to anyone that I have wronged. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Message Title: Christian Love
Date: Tuesday November 22, 2011
Chapters: Romans 11-13
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-22
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” -John 15:12-20.
Genuine love is a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection toward another, showing affectionate concern for the well-being of others, it's expressing goodwill or kindly feelings toward others without merit. It can be very easy to love people that we get along with, but it becomes a challenge when they cross us or hurt us. We had a luncheon at our church Sunday, people were welcome to come and get refills, but we encouraged them to wait until everyone had gone through before they came back in line. One person, who never shows gratitude or thanks at our functions, comes up with a take home container enough for three people after he went through the line four times, me being one of the servers, said to the other servers , “We do not love because we want to, we love because we are Christian.” Jesus loves everyone, regardless of whether or not we accept Him, He still died for everyone. His affectionate concern for the well-being of others is without merit, meaning He shows His love without expecting anything in return. His ability to show love toward all comes from God, only with God can we get pass the emotions of the heart to love one another as Jesus does.
Since God created the world people have been feuding over who exactly it is that God loves, there was some strife going on in Rome, the Jews and Romans were arguing that they were the only people that God saves. The Jews believed that since they were God's chosen ones only they could get to heaven. Likewise, the Romans believed that since they were Christians only they could get to heaven. First, Paul addresses the Jews, now he is addressing the Romans or Gentiles.
“I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin..For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” - Romans 11:1,25-32.
Even the Jews had hope in the Savior, known to them as the Messiah, but they rejected Jesus being the promised Messiah, one day, they will receive Him too and those who do will be saved. While it was important for the Jews to reject Christ as it paved the way for Him to be introduced to the Gentile nations, it was equally important to remember that a remnant of Jews would believe in Christ and be saved as well. Salvation is not for the Jew, Arab, or Roman, it's not for the Jewish, Muslim, or Catholic faith, it is for those who believe in Jesus Christ and have received Him. “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.” - John 3:16. Salvation has nothing to do with religion, it's only about believing in Jesus Christ and regardless of who you are He is the only way to heaven. It is a gift from God, it cannot be earned or bought with anything that we do and it certainly cannot be given to us by any other person. There is only one way to heaven and Christ bought that right with His blood. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” - I Corinthians 6:20.
You know, it is a good thing that Christ's love for us is not determined by how we treat Him or others after we are saved, if that were the case we'd all be cast away. For the life of me I will never understand how a person can turn their love for someone on and off like a light switch, but we do not have to try and figure that out because Jesus will never turn His love off, and the amazing thing is we do not have to show Him any love in return. Only a God so great can take us as His own simply by saying, “I believe in Your Son” and not expect any love in return. Just imagine the life we would really have if we loved one another as God loves us, no matter how badly we are treated. Paul explains the need for the Christian to live as a Christian at all times.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith...If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:1-3,18-21.
We are going to have to deal with some ungodly and even ungodly saved people in our lives, whether they are a child, parent, spouse, relative, or co-worker. Our relationship with them cannot alter our relationship with God, no matter who that person is, it is God that we have to answer in the end not them. Over the years I have realized that people who cause you to live in sin don't care about you, all they care about is themselves, and while you live with the guilt, shame, and distress of it all they have forgotten all about you. Getting even makes things worse, so, instead of seeking revenge, seek peace, be cordial and forgiving, then watch God work in yours and their lives.
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake...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 13:1-5,12-14.
In the seven years that I have been a member of my church I have knocked hundreds of doors, the responses we get are amazing, some receive us happily, some are cordial, but really do not want to talk to us, some ignore us, and once in a while we will get someone who is down right rude. I have come to realize over the years that it's not personal, we have no idea what these people are going through, there is an emotional attachment to how they respond, even if they swear at us or send their dogs out after us (yes, it just happened to me), they are rejecting God not us. To bow down to their level and argue with them is pointless, they are full of bitterness, rage, and pride. However, to pray for them will never return void, God is always with us, He sees and knows everything and will never go back on His promises. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” -Hebrews 10:35-37.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Your love for us is just astounding, no one can love us as much as You love us unconditionally. No matter how many times I mess up You never leave nor forsake me. Lord, forgive me for the times I have gotten myself into situations that I could not get myself out of and tried to handle them on my own. I know that Your love and power is strong enough to help me endure and break free from every evil that is trying to wreck my relationship with You. Continue to grow me and teach me to love others unconditionally, as You love me, even those who have treated me badly. Also help me to let go of my pride and humble myself in forgiveness to anyone that I have wronged. In Jesus' name. 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
Missed A Devotional: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/daily-bible-study
Subscribe To This Devotional: King James Bible Study
Visit: I'm Following Jesus
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