Taking Vows

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Taking Vows
Date: Saturday February 18, 2012Today's Chapters: Numbers 30-32

Hello My Friend,

The word marriage is defined as the act of uniting a man and woman for life, wedlock, the legal union of a man and woman for life. Marriage was instituted by God Himself, it is a contract both civil and religious, by which both parties engage to live together in mutual affection and faithfulness, till death shall separate them. Much like the marriage between and man and woman is the marriage between Jesus and His bride, which is every believer, nothing shall separate them, but death, and since receiving Christ gives one eternal life that means death cannot even separate us from God.

“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:34-39.

God gave the Jews specific commands concerning vows, a vow was and still is a solemn promise of unchangeable love and faithfulness. Vows are very important to God and He expects everyone to fulfill their obligation, there were a few exceptions where God would release a person from a vow made by a woman.

“If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father's house in her youth; And her father hear her vow, and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his peace at her: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand. But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her...But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her...Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.” - Numbers 30:2-5,9,13.
In a moral and religious sense, vows are promises to God, as they appeal to God to witness their love and faithfulness to Him, and any violation of them would be a heinous offense. A vow constituted as three parts, of chastity, of poverty, and of obedience, of chastity, to remain pure and undefiled in the marriage, of poverty, to respect the property given to them, and of obedience, to be in submission to one another. Christ encourages the same vow in our marriage to Him, remain pure and undefiled, respect the Temple in which God dwells, and live in submission to Him. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” - Ephesians 5:22-25.
Lust lies within the confinements of the eyes, the more one focuses on what they see the more lustful they become of it. When the tribes of Reuben and Gad saw the beautiful land amidst them and how much there was of it, having possessed much cattle, they did not want to dwell in the land that God promised them, instead they asked if they could remain there. Moses got upset with them and reminds them of the fatal consequences of the unbelief and hardheartedness of their fathers, when they were, as themselves, just ready to enter Canaan and forsook it to stay in the wilderness. 

“And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here? And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them? Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadeshbarnea to see the land. For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them. And the LORD'S anger was kindled the same time, and he sware, saying, Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me: Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD... For if ye turn away from after him, he will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and ye shall destroy all this people...But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.” - Numbers 32:6-12,15,23.

When we vow a vow to God we must look beyond the things which are seen, otherwise we will be guided by the lust of the eye and the pride of life. The proposal of Gad and Reuben showed disregard to the land of Canaan, distrust of God's promise, and unwillingness to encounter the difficulties and dangers of conquering and driving out the inhabitants of that land. After some persuasion Moses grants their request, but warns them of the danger of breaking their word. Be sure your sin will find you out. Sin will surely find out the sinner sooner or later. It should concern us now to find our sins out for ourselves, that we may repent of them and forsake them, before they find us out to our ruin.

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” - Galatians 5:19-25.
The soul is the center of a person, it is dependent upon the flesh or the spirit for fulfillment, it is much more valuable to God than the flesh and why He expects a person who vows a vow to follow through with it. Why? The flesh is all about fulfilling the flesh and we all know how much trouble we can get ourselves into by giving into the desires of the flesh. God knows He cannot trust the flesh, but He can trust a soul who is dependent sole upon Him. “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.” -Galatians 5:16-18.
Today's Psalm: 61:5 - “For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.”

Today's Proverb: 20:25 - “It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.”

Today's Prayer: God, When You vowed to give us eternal life by receiving and accepting Your Son as our Savior You promised that we would be united for eternity. You never go back on Your promise, I am trusting in You completely to save me from death and hell. While I never intentionally try to break my vow to You, I know that while I carry this flesh with me I will disappoint You sometimes. Thank You for Your love for me and for not forsaking me no matter how many times I break my vows. Lord, help me to look beyond the surface and trust You with everything, I know You know what is best for me. Show me any sin that separates us and give me Your power to repent and forsake them and live in complete obedience to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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The Shepherd Of His Sheep

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Shepherd Of His Sheep
Date: Friday February 17, 2012Today's Chapters: Numbers 27-29

Hello My Friend,

A shepherd is a man employed in tending, feeding, and guarding of the sheep. Sheep are perhaps one of the most useful species that God Created, its wool provides material for warm clothing, its flesh provides food. Before Jesus came they were used in the sacrificial offering for atonement of the sinner. Interestingly sheep have a harmless temper, are meek, friendly, and quite submissive, but they are also quick to walk into danger if they wander from within the confinements of the shepherd. The shepherd never stops caring for his sheep, should they wander away he never stops searching for them. This is a perfect illustration of Jesus, who is the shepherd to all who have received them as His Savior, He tends to us, feeds us, and guards us within His walls, yet, if we wander, He never stops looking for us.
“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” - John 10:7-15.

The Jews were days from the promised land, it was time for them to receive their final instructions, God told Moses to go up to mount Abarim, from that mountain Moses could see the promised land, miles and miles of beautiful plain and waters beheld him. It was there that God told Moses that that was as close to the promised land as he could get. “And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered. For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.” - Numbers 27:12-17.

Moses did not complain, He did not stop serving God when He told him that he would not be able to step foot on the promised land. This sight of Canaan, as magnificent as it was, gave Moses hope of a better country, that is, the Kingdom of God that was awaiting him. You see, while Moses was stricken from entering the promised land on earth he was not stricken from entering God's Kingdom in heaven. This is a perfect example of God's mercy and forgiveness, no matter what we have done in the past, while we may lose some of the blessings we could have received on earth, we are forgiven and allowed to enter the Kingdom of God solely because of our faith and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our hope for a better country. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” - Hebrews 11:13-16.

Moses was weary of the Jews going into the promised land with no supervision, God appointed Joshua to be the shepherd that would lead the Jews to and through the promised land, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.” - Numbers 27:18-23.

Joshua had been ordained to be the one who would not only lead the Jews into the promised land, but oversee their care as well. Talk about a huge responsibility? I imagine he was quite excited, overwhelmed, and scared all at the same time. Though he was full of the Spirit, and had all this honor put upon him, Joshua was told that he must not do anything without asking counsel of God, not leaning to his own understanding. God assures him that He would always be there to advise him, after all who knows what we need better than God. God never appoints us to do anything without His counsel, those who fall do so because they did not listen to God's warnings. God often speaks to us through His Word, the Holy Spirit, people, and prayer, we must be willing to do exactly what He instructs us to do if we want to succeed in anything. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work...And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” - 2 Timothy 2:19-21,24-26.

Today, God appoints Jesus as the Shepherd to His sheep, much more than a shepherd, He was the sheep, the sacrificial lamb that would save mankind once and for all. His death on the cross settled the war between God and man, but just like Joshua, a person must follow God's instructions if they want to succeed. God's instructions to be saved, believe in and receive my Son. Once you take that step Jesus will lead you through the counsel of God. “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:20,21.

I was out soul winning last night, a man, very kind became unkind when he realized we were Baptist, he did not want to hear about Jesus, kept telling us that he was Catholic. Being a Baptist or Catholic does not save us, only Jesus does, trusting in ones religion will sent a person straight to hell, only trusting in Christ and Christ alone will save them. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” -Romans 10:9-13.
Today's Psalm: 100:3 - “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

Today's Proverb: 3:5 - “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

Today's Prayer: God, It never ceases to amaze me just how loving and merciful you are to us, no matter what we have done with our lives you never give up on us, whether it is to get us to receive Your Son, or seek counsel from You, You are right there for us. It is so easy to be led astray when we get tempted beyond the walls of Your safety, some of us have fallen, but Your mercy and grace never falls. Show us the way, Lord, give us peace, help us to overcome all temptation and remove any hindrances that keep us confined within our own walls. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Another Gospel

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Another Gospel
Date: Thursday February 16, 2012Today's Chapters: Numbers 25-26

Hello My Friend,
Every once in a while someone will approach me with this question, “How do you know you are saved?” I respond like I always do, “Because I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and am trusting in Him alone.” Shortly after, the debate begins, they start twisting God's Word to the point that they try to convince me that I am not saved. No matter what verses I use in truth to support my belief, they debate me. After a few times I give up, tell them I am done with this debate, and stop talking to them. There is only one thing that saves us and that is by believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are not careful of who we allow in our lives, even as strong Christians, we can fall away from the truth and start trusting in a false Christ, which will not save, but send people straight to hell.

“For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many...But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come...For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect...Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” - Matthew 24:5,13,14,24,44.
No matter how nice and caring a person can be they can be destructive in our relationship with God, sooner or later, those who follow their own version of God start convincing faithful Christians that their behavior is acceptable to God, and if we take our eyes off God for one second we could be doing the same things. The Jews sojourned a while in the plains of Moab, the problem with their staying put in a foreign land was that they began to fellowship with the Moabites, who were notorious for idolatry and immorality to say the least. It did not take long for the weaker Jews to fall right into their wicked lifestyles, including worshiping their false god.

“And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.” -Numbers 25:1-5.

Baal-Peor, Baal was a general name for “lord,” and Peor for a “mount” in Moab. The real name of the idol was Chemosh, and his rites of worship were celebrated by the grossest obscenity. In participating in this festival, the Jews committed a triple offense, idolatry, worshiping another god, and condoning deliberate sin, which all resulted in instant death. A person can say that they know God or even profess Christ as their Savior, but if they are trusting in a false god or another Gospel to save them then they are not saved. “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.” - Galatians 1:6-8.
What is another Gospel? There are 5 things to believe and accept to be saved. 1. We are all sinners. 2. The price for sin is death and hell. 3. Jesus Christ, who is the sinless Son of God, died to pay that price, He was buried and three days later arose from the dead to give us victory over death and hell. 4. God has a gift for all who believe in Jesus Christ, eternal life. 5. To receive eternal life, believe and accept the last four things and ask Jesus to save you. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10.
This simple plan becomes altered and corrupt when people add to it, such as you must do these things and be baptized, or the recent claim, you must have been witnessed to with a King James Bible or you are not saved. If you received Christ according to those 5 statements then do not believe anyone who tries to tell you otherwise. If you have been taught another Gospel, it's time to accept the true Gospel because you are not saved. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” -John 5:24,25.
It is one thing to commit sin of your own doing, we face affliction for our own actions, but it is another to cause others to commit sin, God will not stand for someone causing His people to fall into corruption, especially idolatry and immoral corruption. The curse that falls upon those who corrupt God's people is all upon themselves, not God, not Satan. We all have a choice, if you know Jesus Christ personally as your Savior then the curse has been removed and you are blessed with eternal life, nothing you do can make you lose your salvation. Satan may try to get you to doubt your salvation, but nothing or no one can remove the blessing that God has given you for believing in His Son. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38,39.

A second census was taken of the Jews, 602,730 men twenty years old and above were counted, not including the Levites, out of the 602,730 only two men were from the first generation that came out of Egypt. “These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names. To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him...But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.” - Numbers 26:51-54,64,65.

Those who receive Jesus Christ as their Savior receive not only eternal life, but an inheritance from God, and while the things we do after we are saved do not keep us saved, they do increase the amount we inherit in heaven and beyond. “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” -Matthew 16:27.
Today's Psalm: 118:14 - “The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.”

Today's Proverb: 8:35 - “For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.”

Today's Prayer: God, Error, confusion, and false teaching have existed since You created man, leading millions of people to face death and hell. We know it is crucial that we adhere to the true teachings of Christ and His Gospel as we know it from Your Word. As we acknowledge that He is the only way to salvation, give us confidence, peace, and disinterment when approached by those who, in truth, question their own faith. Let us not be persuaded nor plagued by those who are determined to question Your Word and distort it with their own perversions. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Turning Curses Into Blessings

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Turning Curses Into Blessings 
Date: Wednesday February 15, 2012Today's Chapters: Numbers 22-24

Hello My Friend,

The word curse is defined as the cause of evil, tribulation, misfortune, or trouble, to afflict one with great evil. While God does allow His people to face some trials and tribulations, it is impossible for Him to cause great evil or afflict us with great evil. Many people will question how God can destroy a nation or allow such evil to take place in the world, but God is not the one who brings about these curses. While Satan executes them, man submits to them all by themselves. You know, Satan may tempt and provoke us, but he cannot make us do anything we do not want to do any more than God can. We are given countless examples in the Bible that prove that very thing. 

“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents...There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:6-9.

While curses can have some power, they can only go so far, they cannot overthrow God. The Jews were getting close to the promised land, as they were traveling through the wilderness news got around of how strong and powerful they were and that scared the people. As they were passing through Moab, Balak, the king of Moab, persuaded one of God's prophets, Balaam to place a curse on the children of Israel.
“He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed... And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people. And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more.” - Numbers 22:5,6,16-19.

God did not want Balaam to go to Balak, He even went as far as using the donkey he was riding on to speak to him, but he continued. God's promise and warning to Balaam, was the more you try to curse my people the more blessed they will become. Yet, he had a strong desire to accept the offer, and hoped that God might give him leave to go. God always warns us of the dangers we face, but just like Balaam, personal desires often persuade one into going against God's will. However, once Christ enters your life you are one of God's and nothing or no one can curse you, in fact, curses become blessings as long as we endure them with God's help. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” - James 1:12,13. 

Balaam did meet up with Balak, three times he instructed Balak to build seven altars and offer seven oxen and ram sacrifices, in an attempt to curse the people or Israel, each time Balaam went to God to see what they curse would be, but instead of being cursed, blessings were foretold. “And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether. And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?” - Numbers 23:7-12.

Jacob is referred to as the children of Israel, God will never reverse His blessing of eternal life to any of His people. No one can curse one of God's people to the point that they lose their salvation, the more we endure the more God blesses us. Today, if you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior than you are one of God's people. Those who are saved may expect some affliction or chastisement once in a while for living in and out of God's will, but we will never end up in hell, we have been removed from that curse. The good that we do or even the bad does not determine our eternal state, trusting in and only in Jesus Christ to save you determines that state. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23.

Those who oppose God and His people will sooner or later be made to see for themselves that they are only deceiving themselves. An amazing prophecy of Christ, who is coming to reign in great glory, not only over Israel but over all, is revealed after the third and final attempt on Balaam and Balak to curse Israel. “And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.” - Numbers 24:15-19.

Under the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit, God foretold the future prosperity and dominion of Israel as well as Balaam's own life for trying to curse Israel. A Star would come from the seed of Jacob, Balaam shall see the Star, but not be able to get near Him. Christ is that star and shall be King, not only of the house of Jacob, but of all the world. Many will get a taste of what Christ can do for them, but will never enter the Kingdom of God because they tried to curse God's people for their own glory. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened...Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” - Matthew 7:7,8,21-23.
Today's Psalm: 2:12 - “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.”

Today's Proverb: 3:33 - “The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.”

Today's Prayer: God, When we come up against afflictions and trials that exceed our own ability to endure we rely not on ourselves but on You, who heals the sick and raises the dead, who delivers us from death. It is only You that we have hope and confidence that You will continue to deliver us, that You will make a way to endure when there is none. God, keep me in Your Word, grace, and mercy, let me not be tempted to do things my way instead of Your way, help me to endure all temptation looking only to You for guidance. In Jesus' name. Amen
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Separation From The Rebellious

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Separation From The Rebellious 
Date: Monday February 13, 2012Today's Chapters: Numbers 16-18

Hello My Friend,

The word rebellion means an open, organized, and armed resistance to one's government or ruler, a resistance to or defiance of any authority, control, or tradition. Most often people who rebel against God rebel against any form of authority. The worse thing is that they do not keep it to themselves, they are usually obnoxious, loud, and seem to attract every other obnoxious and loud person as well. While we all have a little bit of rebellion in us from time to time, there is a big difference when there is a complete resistance to God's Law, which causes them and everyone who follows them to suffer, and those who stand by God's Law no matter what obstacles they face. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” - Isaiah 1:18-20.

News of the eldest Jews not being able to go into the promised land did not go so well, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, who were Levites, decided to gather a group of people together to challenge these laws. They cornered Moses and Aaron, accused them of being the ones who caused all these things to happen and took it upon themselves to be the ones in authority of the congregation. While Korah and his accomplices contend for the priesthood against Aaron, Moses pleads with God to save the lives of the people. “And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.” - Numbers 16:20-24. 

God complies, but He commanded the congregation to separate themselves from them for His judgment was upon all who rebelled against Him. As soon as Moses had spoken to the congregation, God caused the earth to open and swallow all the rebels, including the ones who followed Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and everything that belonged to them.
“And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me. But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.” - Numbers 16:28-33.

This is an example of false religion, people who go against God's commands to serve Him on their own terms, only to find themselves cast straight into hell for their rebellion. The sad thing is they deceive people into believing their lies and drag them into the pit with them. It does not matter if we accept false religion out of ignorance, the same judgment applies to all, we are all presented with the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as our personal Savior at least once in our lives, He is the only one who can save us from being cast into the pit. “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:8.

Just as Moses pleaded with God time and time again to save those who did not rebel against Him, Jesus pleads with God to save those who believe in Him and accept Him into their lives. While we would be quick to send our enemies to hell God does not want to send anyone to hell, His desire is that all repent of their rebellion and be saved from that fiery death, but He will not save anyone who does not want to be saved. “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,..The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” - 2 Peter 3:3,9,10.
If rebels are going to cause the righteous to sin God will separate them, sometimes He is subtle, but most of the time He is going to let the whole congregation know that unbelievers are not welcome in His Church. God not only separates the rebels from the righteous He also rewards those who believe in and follow Him no matter what obstacles they faced. God reconfirmed the covenant that He made with the Levites, they would be the ones who would do the service of His ministry and all the rest of the tribes would give to them accordingly. “And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness...And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households: for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation.” - Numbers 18:1,2,31.

God always rewards those who diligently seek and serve Him, we do not have to give into the rebellious instigators, God is always with us, even if we have to live amongst them, and He will always take care of His people. The most important thing anyone can do to overcome those who try to get us to rebel against God is to keep our eyes on Him, stay in His Word, study it, and apply it daily to our lives. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” -2 Timothy 2:12-16.
Today's Psalm: 68:18 - “Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.”

Today's Proverb: 11:27 - “He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.”

Today's Prayer: God, At times we can foolish, unruly, and rebellious people, we need Your guidance and enduring patience constantly to even get through the day. Through Your Word You teach us what is good and nourishes our soul and that which is destructive, bringing us down and others along with us. We invite the work of Your Holy Spirit to cleanse our soul and create a hunger that gives us spiritual cravings for more of You and obedience to Your Word as we study it to be approved unto You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Tempting God

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Tempting God
Date: Sunday February 12, 2012Today's Chapters: Numbers 14-15

Hello My Friend,

The word temptation means the act of tempting; it's the solicitation of the passions, enticements to do evil proceeding from the prospect of pleasure or advantage. How many times have you been tempted to do something when you were forbid to do it? Thanks to our sin nature, temptation comes easy for us, even things that we would never think of doing can entice us when we are told not to do it and if we do not keep our eyes on God we will fall right into them. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” - James 1:12-15.

While we have all had our share of falling into temptation or even being the tempter, the worse person we can ever tempt is God. Now, it is one thing to say to God, “You did it for them, I know You can do it for me.” But it is another thing to say, “I am going to do what I want, I do not believe You can do that to me.” That is tempting God and cause for His wrath, no matter how small the temptation. Right after the twelve spies came back from their expedition to the promise land ten of them discouraged the people and said we cannot enter, it's too dangerous. A big uproar came about to stone Moses and Aaron, but Joshua and Caleb, the other two spies tried to calm them down.“And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.” - Numbers 14:1,2,6-9.

The people did not listen to Joshua and Caleb, or Moses and Arron, God was so angry at their behavior that He was ready to destroy the whole congregation. After Moses pleaded with God and reminded Him of His promise He repented of destroying the people, but not one person that murmured against God, was allowed to enter the promised land, including the ten who caused the uproar in the first place.“Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me, Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised...And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly. And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned. And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper...Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.” -Numbers 14:29-31,39-41,45.

So many people think (unbelievers) that they have the power to go up against God and live to tell about it. These unbelieving Jews pretty much told God, “I am going to the promised land whether you forbid me to or not.” No one can get to heaven on their own, no one, if anyone tries to buy their way or force their way into heaven they will bare their own sins and just like the unbelieving Jews died so will anyone else that tries to go against God. The devil himself has no power over God, even he must obey God and will be cast into hell and the lake of fire with all those who do not believe in Christ. “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.” - Revelation 20:10.

After the uproar God had Moses gather everyone together to tell them how every sinner, Jew or stranger (Gentile) could reconcile with God and be saved. “One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you...And if any soul sin through ignorance, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him. Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.” - Numbers 15:15,16,27-30.

Sins committed ignorantly must have an atonement made for them too, although God is very merciful with the ignorant, their ignorance cannot justify them, we face the same judgment for sins committed ignorantly and willingly. Sadly, we learn the fate of a man tempting God in this manner, “And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day...And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.” - Numbers 15:32,35.

Many people ask me why God was so cruel to have this man stoned for picking up some sticks. The reason he was stoned was because he tempted God, He purposely sinned against Him. Do you think God wanted to cast him into hell? Of course He didn't! He does not want to cast anyone into hell, but He will allow it if they have no faith in Him. God loves us so much that He gave Himself as a sacrifice to save us! Who do you know that would take the blame and punishment for your sins? I do not know anyone who would. Therefore, as Christians we are to, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage...For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh...And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” - Galatians 5:1,13-16,24,25.

If you have personally received Christ as your Savior than you are saved, that means you have been reconciled with God simply by trusting in Jesus Christ. We are going to be tempted, we are going to be tried, but as long as we keep our eyes on God we will not fall into the temptation nor will we become the tempter. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”- 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Today's Psalm: 78:18 - “And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.”

Today's Proverb: 16:27 - “An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.”

Today's Prayer: God, it is Your desire that we stay faithful to Your teachings. Scripture gives many examples of those who knew to do right, but chose to do wrong. The consequences of their wrong actions brought upon death, loss, life-long regret and emotional pain, not only for themselves, but those around them as well. Lord, help us to avoid the traps Satan has set for Your believers by not only reading Your Word, but applying its truth to our lives, and standing firm when the temptation to do wrong is ever before us. Help us keep our eyes on You so that we do not fall into temptation nor bring anyone else into temptation by not following You in the first place. In Jesus' name. Amen.Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
ChristinaAre You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? You Can Be. Visit: God's Price
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