King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Freedom From Bondage
Date: Friday December 02, 2011
Chapters: Galatians 4-6
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-02
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” -John 3:3. The term born again is given to a person who receives Jesus Christ as their Savior, so, the believer that is depending only on Jesus Christ to take them to the Kingdom of God has two birthday's. One being the flesh birth, the second being the spiritual birth and just like a child born of the flesh requires the proper care for them to grow healthy a child of the spirit requires the proper care for it to be healthy. “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. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” - I Peter 2:2-5.
I forgot to include in my message yesterday that we all grow at different levels in our Christianity, so, as we read God's Word with the Holy Spirit's guidance He reveals the truth to us according to our capacity to take it all in. It's just like going to school, you cannot expect to know how to do algebra in the first grade, therefore, God reveals things to us according to our grade level. However, every Christian from a babe is taught from spiritual birth that they are saved by grace, that is unless they have been taught a false gospel. In Paul's letter to the Galatians he reminds them, as their spiritual father, that they are not saved under the law of the flesh.
“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband...So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.” -Galatians 4:19-27,31.
There are many religions that enforce strict commands or doctrine that goes against God's Word. Law and grace are an impossible mixture, for salvation is wholly by faith in Christ and our sonship is immediately testified to in the heart by the incoming of the Holy Spirit, upon the basis of Christ’s finished work as the full satisfaction of the law. Let us not, therefore, fall again in bondage to the legality of the law, which is merely an element of salvation to reveal to us the sinfulness of our nature and the impossibility of saving ourselves. A saved person is not subject to the bondage of the law of the flesh, Jesus set us free from that. Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free...Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” -John 8:32,34-36.
The word liberty is defined as freedom, freedom from captivity, bondage, or restraint, if you have accepted Christ as your Savior you can rejoice because you have the truth in you and it made you free. Free from hell, free from Satan, and free from any bondage or guilt you have had of your past. Praise God! Wait a minute, are you sure you are free? Is there something from your past or even going on now that continues to hold you bondage. Even though we are saved, Satan loves to hold us down and keep us in bondage to our weaknesses, fears, and failures in life, but we do not have to live in bondage, it's time to come out of captivity and be free from all your burdens, guilt, shame, weaknesses, and fears. Paul explains this further.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love...This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law...If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” -Galatians 5:1-6,16-18,25,26.
Since we are justified only by faith in Christ Jesus, not by the righteousness of the law, let us not again stand in fear of and bondage to legal ordinances. While our salvation is settled by the work of Christ, the conflict of sin which still wars in the believer, may be settled by yieldedness to the Holy Spirit, Who is present in the believer to subdue the fleshly nature and to bear heavenly fruit through our lives. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” -Romans 15:13.
The cross which connects us with God separates us from the world. Having died with Christ we should therefore be done with the world. Having risen with Christ, we are connected with God in a new life. We cannot glory in the benefits Christ’s cross secures us with if we refuse the rejection which His cross involves. Paul explains this further.
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap...For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” - Galatians 6:1-7,15-17.
While our works of righteousness cannot save us, they can help us grow as strong, faithful men and women of God. The new life in Christ is not simply one of being good, but of doing good. It manifests itself, not by taking a “more holier than thou” attitude, but by bearing the burdens of others and seizing every opportunity to help saints and save sinners. Christ set you free when He died on the cross for you, if you believe that then there is hope for you to get out of any situation you are in. He can bring you out of bondage, however, you must let Him help you, He is the only one who can. Jesus said, “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. You put your trust in Jesus to set you free from hell, put your trust in Him to set you free from whatever it is that you are in bondage to. He is there for you, just go to Him.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
The burden in which I am carrying is too much for me to handle, I have tried so long to handle it in my own way, but I keep failing. I need You, Lord. Take the weight of my burdens off me, give me the peace I know only comes from You as I hand them all over to You. Open my eyes, ears, and heart to receive Your guidance and answers to my many questions. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Only One Gospel
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Only One Gospel
Date: Thursday December 02, 2011
Chapters: Galatians 1-3
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-01
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
It boggles my mind that we all read from the same Bible (KJV) yet can come up with so many different conclusions as to what we are reading. God's Word does not contradict itself, sometimes we may not understand what we are reading, but as we study it we see what is going on beyond that verse. Now, I understand that as you read the Bible the Holy Spirit reveals things to you a little at a time, but there is a big difference between the Holy Spirit's guidance and man's guidance, and let me tell you, they are not equal. People will distort the Bible so much that even they think they are living in the truth, but it is all lies. Jesus warns us, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” -Matthew 7:13-15.
The Book of Galatians is the ninth book of the New Testament, forty-eighth book of the Bible, and contains six chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to the believers of Galatia. Paul wrote this letter approximately in 60AD during his third trip to Corinth. The purpose of the letter was to correct the false teaching of Jewish legalism in the Church. What we are to learn from the book is that Jesus delivered all of us from the law to liberty. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” - Galatians 5:1. This letter for the Galatians forever settles that there is only one way to avoid eternal death and to be assured of eternal life in heaven for all mankind and that is through Jesus Christ.
The churches of Galatia were formed by both converted Jews and Gentiles, somehow the true Gospel got distorted and the churches began preaching a false gospel that stated a person was justified by both faith and works. Paul writes the Galatians to set the record straight and reassure the converts that we are only saved by our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and that salvation can never be taken away from us, whether we do the work of the Lord or not.
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” -Galatians 1:6-12.
The entire Bible, Old and New Testament, is centered around one person, that being Jesus Christ, the law that God gave the Jews was a foreshadow of Christ to come and represented Him in every way. What the law could not do was redeem a person eternally, that is where Jesus became the sacrifice that would be able to redeem a person eternally. “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” - Romans 8:3,4.
The resurrection of Christ is the very heart of Christianity, it is the one sign that tells us with perfect certainty that the sacrifice Christ made was acceptable by God and that a way had been made for us to be reconciled with God. Salvation is a gift from God to all who believe the Gospel, which is the death, burial, and resurrection, of the perfect Christ. Paul confronts some people, even the apostle Peter about perverting the Gospel.
“But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 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. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” - Galatians 2:14-21.
God instilled the law of Moses to the Jews as a way for them to be reconciled with Him. However, every time they committed sin they had to bring not one, but many animals to be sacrificed in their place to be reconciled with Him again. That is when He decided to make a way for a person to be reconciled with Him once and for all, hence, the sacrifice of the perfect lamb, Jesus Christ. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” - Hebrews 9:28.
Paul proves the doctrine he had blamed the Galatians for rejecting by the example of Abraham, whose faith fastened upon the word and promise of God, and upon his believing he was owned and accepted of God as a righteous man.
“Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith...That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” - Galatians 3:6-11,14.
It is a good thing to honor God after we are saved by living in His will, but we are not justified by our works, we are only justified or redeemed by our faith in Christ alone, no matter what religion we were brought up in. I grew up in a Catholic background, there are many things in the Catholic religion that have always been questionable to me, but we followed the rituals like clockwork year by year. Now, had I died during any of these fasts or observances I would have gone straight to hell, by the way, there is no such thing as purgatory. If you have not received Christ before you died it is a one way ticket to eternal death. I got saved when I was a teenager, but for the longest time I still followed the laws of the Catholic religion, not really understanding once saved always saved. It was not until I came to the church I am a member of today that I learned the truth, we can never lose our salvation, it is a gift from God for our faith in Christ and is given to all who believe in and accept the Gospel. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:26-28. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
It is unfathomable to think that we do not have to do anything to be saved from hell except believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for all mankind. Thank You, Jesus for making such a great sacrifice for us, we are not worthy to receive such a gift, but You offer it freely to anyone who comes to You by faith. Lord, as I live my life for You, keep me grounded in the truth, never let me fall into a false gospel, and never let me turn anyone down from knowing the truth. Let me be a witness and testimony of Your wonderful grace, which is sufficient enough for me to get to heaven. I love You, Lord and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Message Title: Only One Gospel
Date: Thursday December 02, 2011
Chapters: Galatians 1-3
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://thesaviorjesuschrist.com/bible-reading-december-01
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
It boggles my mind that we all read from the same Bible (KJV) yet can come up with so many different conclusions as to what we are reading. God's Word does not contradict itself, sometimes we may not understand what we are reading, but as we study it we see what is going on beyond that verse. Now, I understand that as you read the Bible the Holy Spirit reveals things to you a little at a time, but there is a big difference between the Holy Spirit's guidance and man's guidance, and let me tell you, they are not equal. People will distort the Bible so much that even they think they are living in the truth, but it is all lies. Jesus warns us, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” -Matthew 7:13-15.
The Book of Galatians is the ninth book of the New Testament, forty-eighth book of the Bible, and contains six chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to the believers of Galatia. Paul wrote this letter approximately in 60AD during his third trip to Corinth. The purpose of the letter was to correct the false teaching of Jewish legalism in the Church. What we are to learn from the book is that Jesus delivered all of us from the law to liberty. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” - Galatians 5:1. This letter for the Galatians forever settles that there is only one way to avoid eternal death and to be assured of eternal life in heaven for all mankind and that is through Jesus Christ.
The churches of Galatia were formed by both converted Jews and Gentiles, somehow the true Gospel got distorted and the churches began preaching a false gospel that stated a person was justified by both faith and works. Paul writes the Galatians to set the record straight and reassure the converts that we are only saved by our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and that salvation can never be taken away from us, whether we do the work of the Lord or not.
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” -Galatians 1:6-12.
The entire Bible, Old and New Testament, is centered around one person, that being Jesus Christ, the law that God gave the Jews was a foreshadow of Christ to come and represented Him in every way. What the law could not do was redeem a person eternally, that is where Jesus became the sacrifice that would be able to redeem a person eternally. “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” - Romans 8:3,4.
The resurrection of Christ is the very heart of Christianity, it is the one sign that tells us with perfect certainty that the sacrifice Christ made was acceptable by God and that a way had been made for us to be reconciled with God. Salvation is a gift from God to all who believe the Gospel, which is the death, burial, and resurrection, of the perfect Christ. Paul confronts some people, even the apostle Peter about perverting the Gospel.
“But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 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. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” - Galatians 2:14-21.
God instilled the law of Moses to the Jews as a way for them to be reconciled with Him. However, every time they committed sin they had to bring not one, but many animals to be sacrificed in their place to be reconciled with Him again. That is when He decided to make a way for a person to be reconciled with Him once and for all, hence, the sacrifice of the perfect lamb, Jesus Christ. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” - Hebrews 9:28.
Paul proves the doctrine he had blamed the Galatians for rejecting by the example of Abraham, whose faith fastened upon the word and promise of God, and upon his believing he was owned and accepted of God as a righteous man.
“Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith...That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” - Galatians 3:6-11,14.
It is a good thing to honor God after we are saved by living in His will, but we are not justified by our works, we are only justified or redeemed by our faith in Christ alone, no matter what religion we were brought up in. I grew up in a Catholic background, there are many things in the Catholic religion that have always been questionable to me, but we followed the rituals like clockwork year by year. Now, had I died during any of these fasts or observances I would have gone straight to hell, by the way, there is no such thing as purgatory. If you have not received Christ before you died it is a one way ticket to eternal death. I got saved when I was a teenager, but for the longest time I still followed the laws of the Catholic religion, not really understanding once saved always saved. It was not until I came to the church I am a member of today that I learned the truth, we can never lose our salvation, it is a gift from God for our faith in Christ and is given to all who believe in and accept the Gospel. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:26-28. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
It is unfathomable to think that we do not have to do anything to be saved from hell except believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for all mankind. Thank You, Jesus for making such a great sacrifice for us, we are not worthy to receive such a gift, but You offer it freely to anyone who comes to You by faith. Lord, as I live my life for You, keep me grounded in the truth, never let me fall into a false gospel, and never let me turn anyone down from knowing the truth. Let me be a witness and testimony of Your wonderful grace, which is sufficient enough for me to get to heaven. I love You, Lord and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Waiting Patiently With Faithfulness
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Waiting Patiently With Faithfulness
Date: Tuesday November 29, 2011
Chapters: II Corinthians 5-8
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-29
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
Perhaps one of the most asked questions of the faithful Christian is, “Why does the person living the wicked life always prosper?” The truth is, while it might look as though they have everything they want and do whatever they want to get it, it's all a storefront, it looks good on the surface, but deep down, it's a big mess. The culprit, Satan, he will do anything he can to get a person to stop living their lives for God, especially if it is a saved person. Why? To keep others from getting saved. I always imagine that since Satan knows his fate he may think that if he keeps people from getting saved he might prolong his life, but he is a fool because Jesus can come any day to claim His crown, no one, escapes the lake of fire unless they are saved. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever...He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 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 20:10, 21:7,8.
An amazing thing happens the instant a person receives Christ as their Savior, you not only escape the second death, you also get God. He dwells in every person who accepts and receives His Son, I tell people all the time that God is not in many of those churches. We might have churches or buildings that we gather in to worship God, but God the truth is, He is not contained withing those four walls you enter unless there are saved people in them. In Paul's second letter to the Corinthians he reminds them that God they are God's building.
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens...Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause..Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” -II Corinthians 5:1,11-13,17.
It's sad, but there are many saved people out there living horrible wicked lives, they do not realize or care that God is right there with them. I tell you what, while I am no saint, there are some things that get me thinking if I do that God will do it too and it stops me from doing them. I saw someone that I have known for a long time, he is saved, he knows my faith and I imagine he thought he could break me because we did have a history. He got a rude awakening when I told him I wasn't doing what he wanted and not to contact me anymore. It is only by God's grace that we are saved, but that does not give us a free pass to live immoral, wicked lives. While God's mercy keeps us from being cast into that fire after we are saved, we will still face the consequences for our actions before we get to heaven. No one can receive God's grace in vain and not expect repercussions, which Paul explains further.
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain...But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things...Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” -II Corinthians 6:1,1,4-10,14-16.
We must, as much as possible, separate ourselves from those who live wicked lives, all they do is bring us down, make us commit sin, and cause havoc in our relationship with God. Faithful Christians are by no means perfect, we are going to sin, but we learn from our mistakes because we grow in Christ each day. Believe it or not, we represent Christ, we are the example that others follow to know Christ too. How are they going to know the importance of being saved if a saved person is living more wickedly then they are? God wants us to prosper, He truly does, but before we prosper He is going to afflict us, chastise us, and let Satan test us, no matter who we are, even faithful Christians have some things they need to clean up in their lives as they grow in Christ. We need not let God's role as our Father discourage us from living the Christian life. Paul explains the reason he was so hard on the Corinthians in his first letter.
“For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.” -II Corinthians 7:8-12.
There is no one more convicting, outside of the Holy Spirit, than a true man of God, my preacher knows how to tell it like it is, he is strong in his faith, admits the things he has done wrong, and knows how to minister to you know matter what you are haunted with from your past. Conviction brings repentance, repentance brings faith, faith brings commitment, commitment brings salvation to others. When you face Jesus one day your faithfulness in Him is going to pay off. Jesus is going to show you how much you He appreciates all the hard work and suffering that you had to go through for standing by your faith. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad...Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” -II Corinthians 5:10,20,21.
I know it's hard to deal with people ruining other peoples lives to get what they want and not want to just lash out at them, trust me, I have lashed out at people and it did not do anything, but cause me more pain. However, there was a positive to my brief moment of forgetting myself, it reminded me that I never want to go back to the life I lived without Christ. We do not have to let people get the best of us, we do not have to live like they do because they refuse to have some morals, we do need to stand firm in our faith, but we do not need to bow down to their level. God will take care of things for us, all we have to do is wait patiently for Him. “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” - Psalm 37:7-11.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
In my attempt to live the best life I can live with You in it I am constantly being tested in my faithfulness to You. While I cannot escape being tempted, I can escape the temptation as You always give us a way out of any temptation. Lord, give me Your power, work in me, only You can help me overcome the weakness of my flesh to succumb to those who want to see me fall. As I patiently wait for You, let me be the example You want me to be. I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Message Title: Waiting Patiently With Faithfulness
Date: Tuesday November 29, 2011
Chapters: II Corinthians 5-8
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-29
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
Perhaps one of the most asked questions of the faithful Christian is, “Why does the person living the wicked life always prosper?” The truth is, while it might look as though they have everything they want and do whatever they want to get it, it's all a storefront, it looks good on the surface, but deep down, it's a big mess. The culprit, Satan, he will do anything he can to get a person to stop living their lives for God, especially if it is a saved person. Why? To keep others from getting saved. I always imagine that since Satan knows his fate he may think that if he keeps people from getting saved he might prolong his life, but he is a fool because Jesus can come any day to claim His crown, no one, escapes the lake of fire unless they are saved. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever...He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 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 20:10, 21:7,8.
An amazing thing happens the instant a person receives Christ as their Savior, you not only escape the second death, you also get God. He dwells in every person who accepts and receives His Son, I tell people all the time that God is not in many of those churches. We might have churches or buildings that we gather in to worship God, but God the truth is, He is not contained withing those four walls you enter unless there are saved people in them. In Paul's second letter to the Corinthians he reminds them that God they are God's building.
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens...Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause..Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” -II Corinthians 5:1,11-13,17.
It's sad, but there are many saved people out there living horrible wicked lives, they do not realize or care that God is right there with them. I tell you what, while I am no saint, there are some things that get me thinking if I do that God will do it too and it stops me from doing them. I saw someone that I have known for a long time, he is saved, he knows my faith and I imagine he thought he could break me because we did have a history. He got a rude awakening when I told him I wasn't doing what he wanted and not to contact me anymore. It is only by God's grace that we are saved, but that does not give us a free pass to live immoral, wicked lives. While God's mercy keeps us from being cast into that fire after we are saved, we will still face the consequences for our actions before we get to heaven. No one can receive God's grace in vain and not expect repercussions, which Paul explains further.
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain...But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things...Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” -II Corinthians 6:1,1,4-10,14-16.
We must, as much as possible, separate ourselves from those who live wicked lives, all they do is bring us down, make us commit sin, and cause havoc in our relationship with God. Faithful Christians are by no means perfect, we are going to sin, but we learn from our mistakes because we grow in Christ each day. Believe it or not, we represent Christ, we are the example that others follow to know Christ too. How are they going to know the importance of being saved if a saved person is living more wickedly then they are? God wants us to prosper, He truly does, but before we prosper He is going to afflict us, chastise us, and let Satan test us, no matter who we are, even faithful Christians have some things they need to clean up in their lives as they grow in Christ. We need not let God's role as our Father discourage us from living the Christian life. Paul explains the reason he was so hard on the Corinthians in his first letter.
“For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.” -II Corinthians 7:8-12.
There is no one more convicting, outside of the Holy Spirit, than a true man of God, my preacher knows how to tell it like it is, he is strong in his faith, admits the things he has done wrong, and knows how to minister to you know matter what you are haunted with from your past. Conviction brings repentance, repentance brings faith, faith brings commitment, commitment brings salvation to others. When you face Jesus one day your faithfulness in Him is going to pay off. Jesus is going to show you how much you He appreciates all the hard work and suffering that you had to go through for standing by your faith. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad...Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” -II Corinthians 5:10,20,21.
I know it's hard to deal with people ruining other peoples lives to get what they want and not want to just lash out at them, trust me, I have lashed out at people and it did not do anything, but cause me more pain. However, there was a positive to my brief moment of forgetting myself, it reminded me that I never want to go back to the life I lived without Christ. We do not have to let people get the best of us, we do not have to live like they do because they refuse to have some morals, we do need to stand firm in our faith, but we do not need to bow down to their level. God will take care of things for us, all we have to do is wait patiently for Him. “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” - Psalm 37:7-11.
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
In my attempt to live the best life I can live with You in it I am constantly being tested in my faithfulness to You. While I cannot escape being tempted, I can escape the temptation as You always give us a way out of any temptation. Lord, give me Your power, work in me, only You can help me overcome the weakness of my flesh to succumb to those who want to see me fall. As I patiently wait for You, let me be the example You want me to be. I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Monday, November 28, 2011
Finding Consolation In Christ
King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Finding Consolation In Christ
Date: Monday November 28, 2011
Chapters: II Corinthians 1-4
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-28
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
The word consolation means comfort; alleviation of misery, or distress of mind; refreshment of mind or spirits. It's a comparative degree of happiness in distress or misfortune, springing from any circumstance that destroys the evil, or supports and strengthens the mind, as hope, joy, courage and the like. Affliction comes and goes, sometimes it seems to last a lifetime, but through every trial, every circumstance, and every bit of suffering, Christ grows, strengthens, and gives consolation to every person who comes to Him. “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” -II Thessalonians 2:15-17.
The book of II Corinthians is the forty-seventh book of the Bible, eight book of the New Testament, and contains thirteen chapters. The author of the book is Paul and it was written to the believers at Corinth. The timeline for this letter took place approximately 60AD. The purpose of the book was to reestablish his apostolic authority and to show gratitude and thanks for their faithfulness in Christ. What we are to learn from the book is that human weakness provides an opportunity for the manifestation of the power of God. “For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.” - II Corinthians 13:4.
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians is one of discipline, this one, which was written about a year later, was written when he himself was in despair and heard that they had turned things around. He wanted to show them how pleased he was that they were living by the true Gospel, reminding them that they are also an encouragement to others.
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.” -II Corinthians 1:1-7.
We really have no idea the impact we have on others who are depressed and discouraged, to live a life with Christ, to endure our afflictions with Him, really gives consolation and salvation to others. We are going to be afflicted from time to time, but it is during that affliction that we find comfort in God and learn that Christ is with us. Also, we must be careful not to let those who find no consolation in Christ discourage us, many people think that the second they call on Christ to save them that all their troubles will disappear immediately and they can bring discouragement to us as well. We cannot grow in Christ without affliction, He suffered more than we ever will and survived, we too can survive. We did not get into the messes that we get into overnight, it takes some time, so, we cannot expect all our sufferings to go away overnight either. What we can do is trust God and let Him handle it in the manner He knows best for us. “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” - I Timothy 4:10.
I understand how affliction can cause depression and discouragement, it happens, but we can get through it with God's help, we must also be careful not to let our afflictions cause others to become discouraged, there is nothing worse than a bunch of negative people hanging around each other. We can find only find consolation in our afflictions when we hand them over to God. Paul explains this further.
“But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you...Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” - II Corinthians 2:1-4,14-17.
Think about it, if God cleaned up our messes without any repercussions how would we find consolation in Him? Likewise, if we had everything handed to us, how would we learn to depend on God? Everything that we go through in life is placed before us, not only to get us to be dependent on God for everything, but to get us to realize that it all comes from Him. We are going to face trials whether we choose to follow Christ or not, at least by following Him we have that assurance that someone is on our side and that greater blessings will come as we learn to trust Him. I have had kids in my Sunday School class never made an effort to improve their behavior because they were never taught the consequences of doing wrong. We all must face the consequences for our actions, whether we are saved or not, salvation is not a free ticket to live a wicked life and not face any consequences for it, we will suffer here on earth until we figure that out. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” - I Peter 4:17-19.
If you are saved and living a life with Christ in it, it is not by chance, it is not because you were forced, it is because you willingly chose Christ. From that moment on your name was written in the Book of Life, you are not better than anyone else, you just have God's favor. Paul makes an apology for seeming to boast of himself, and is careful not to assume too much of himself, but give all praise to God for his changed life. “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life...But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” -II Corinthians 3:3-6.
We can face trials and suffering with consolation, knowing that our Lord never makes a mistake in what He does in our lives. As we submit to His will during times of testing, God imparts consolation through the Holy Spirit who not only lifts our burdens, but also qualifies us to be of consolation to others. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body...For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” -II Corinthians 4:7-10,17,18. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
When affliction comes my way, I admit that I can lose sight of You, all I want to do it hide in a corner somewhere and not talk to anyone, but when I come to my senses You are always there, ready to pick me up and show me how to handle things. You are so merciful to me that it tears me to think that I suffered when all I had to do was come to You. Lord, there is no one like You, so loving, so trusting, so fearing, just as a Father should be, You may not remove the thorn from my side, but Your grace is sufficient enough to help me through it and I thank You for that. Walk with me, guide me, and abide in me, give me that consolation that I know only comes as I remain in Your presence. 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: Finding Consolation In Christ
Date: Monday November 28, 2011
Chapters: II Corinthians 1-4
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-28
All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.
Hello My Friend,
The word consolation means comfort; alleviation of misery, or distress of mind; refreshment of mind or spirits. It's a comparative degree of happiness in distress or misfortune, springing from any circumstance that destroys the evil, or supports and strengthens the mind, as hope, joy, courage and the like. Affliction comes and goes, sometimes it seems to last a lifetime, but through every trial, every circumstance, and every bit of suffering, Christ grows, strengthens, and gives consolation to every person who comes to Him. “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” -II Thessalonians 2:15-17.
The book of II Corinthians is the forty-seventh book of the Bible, eight book of the New Testament, and contains thirteen chapters. The author of the book is Paul and it was written to the believers at Corinth. The timeline for this letter took place approximately 60AD. The purpose of the book was to reestablish his apostolic authority and to show gratitude and thanks for their faithfulness in Christ. What we are to learn from the book is that human weakness provides an opportunity for the manifestation of the power of God. “For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.” - II Corinthians 13:4.
Paul's first letter to the Corinthians is one of discipline, this one, which was written about a year later, was written when he himself was in despair and heard that they had turned things around. He wanted to show them how pleased he was that they were living by the true Gospel, reminding them that they are also an encouragement to others.
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.” -II Corinthians 1:1-7.
We really have no idea the impact we have on others who are depressed and discouraged, to live a life with Christ, to endure our afflictions with Him, really gives consolation and salvation to others. We are going to be afflicted from time to time, but it is during that affliction that we find comfort in God and learn that Christ is with us. Also, we must be careful not to let those who find no consolation in Christ discourage us, many people think that the second they call on Christ to save them that all their troubles will disappear immediately and they can bring discouragement to us as well. We cannot grow in Christ without affliction, He suffered more than we ever will and survived, we too can survive. We did not get into the messes that we get into overnight, it takes some time, so, we cannot expect all our sufferings to go away overnight either. What we can do is trust God and let Him handle it in the manner He knows best for us. “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” - I Timothy 4:10.
I understand how affliction can cause depression and discouragement, it happens, but we can get through it with God's help, we must also be careful not to let our afflictions cause others to become discouraged, there is nothing worse than a bunch of negative people hanging around each other. We can find only find consolation in our afflictions when we hand them over to God. Paul explains this further.
“But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you...Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” - II Corinthians 2:1-4,14-17.
Think about it, if God cleaned up our messes without any repercussions how would we find consolation in Him? Likewise, if we had everything handed to us, how would we learn to depend on God? Everything that we go through in life is placed before us, not only to get us to be dependent on God for everything, but to get us to realize that it all comes from Him. We are going to face trials whether we choose to follow Christ or not, at least by following Him we have that assurance that someone is on our side and that greater blessings will come as we learn to trust Him. I have had kids in my Sunday School class never made an effort to improve their behavior because they were never taught the consequences of doing wrong. We all must face the consequences for our actions, whether we are saved or not, salvation is not a free ticket to live a wicked life and not face any consequences for it, we will suffer here on earth until we figure that out. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” - I Peter 4:17-19.
If you are saved and living a life with Christ in it, it is not by chance, it is not because you were forced, it is because you willingly chose Christ. From that moment on your name was written in the Book of Life, you are not better than anyone else, you just have God's favor. Paul makes an apology for seeming to boast of himself, and is careful not to assume too much of himself, but give all praise to God for his changed life. “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life...But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” -II Corinthians 3:3-6.
We can face trials and suffering with consolation, knowing that our Lord never makes a mistake in what He does in our lives. As we submit to His will during times of testing, God imparts consolation through the Holy Spirit who not only lifts our burdens, but also qualifies us to be of consolation to others. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body...For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” -II Corinthians 4:7-10,17,18. Praise God!
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
When affliction comes my way, I admit that I can lose sight of You, all I want to do it hide in a corner somewhere and not talk to anyone, but when I come to my senses You are always there, ready to pick me up and show me how to handle things. You are so merciful to me that it tears me to think that I suffered when all I had to do was come to You. Lord, there is no one like You, so loving, so trusting, so fearing, just as a Father should be, You may not remove the thorn from my side, but Your grace is sufficient enough to help me through it and I thank You for that. Walk with me, guide me, and abide in me, give me that consolation that I know only comes as I remain in Your presence. I love You Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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