Heart, Soul, & Mind

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Heart, Soul, & Mind
Date: Saturday April 21, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Kings 12-14

Hello My Friend,
Of all that laws and commandments that God had given to His people over the millenniums none of them mattered to God unless these first two commandments were followed, “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind.” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” “And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” - Mark 12:28-31.

Jehoash became king at the age of seven and he reigned for forty years, he dedicated his success to God and the godly men and women who taught him from the time he was born to love God with all his heart, soul, and mind. Jehoash ordered all the priests to use money concentrated for them to repair the broken down Temple.

“But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house. Then king Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, Why repair ye not the breaches of the house? now therefore receive no more money of your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house. But Jehoiada the priest took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the LORD: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD. And it was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king's scribe and the high priest came up, and they put up in bags, and told the money that was found in the house of the LORD. And they gave the money, being told, into the hands of them that did the work, that had the oversight of the house of the LORD: and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the LORD,” - 2 Kings 12:6,7,9-11.
The word breach is defined as the act of breaking, or a state of being broken, a space between the severed parts of a solid body. When we are born we are born breach, we are born with a space between our body, in order for a body to be a solid whole body we need to repair the breach. What is the breach? The Spirit of God. A body contains three parts, flesh, soul, and spirit, when we are born, even though the body has life in it a dead spirit, it does not have God's Spirit (This is a result of sin passed down to us through Adam and Eve). Now, when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior Jesus repairs that breach, He seals the space allowing the body and soul to become one with the Spirit of God, making the body solid and whole. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” - John 3:36.

Once Christ is in us we instantly become one of God's people and no matter what we do we still are God's. No matter how many times Israel turned their backs on God He was still there to answer their cries when they truly repented. “And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them...And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.” - 2 Kings 13:4,23.
Quite often when you read through the lives of the kings you hear that they did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father. Or you will hear, they did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, like Jeroboam, who cause Israel to sin. Amaziah did really well in the beginning, but the latter end of his reign was full of corruption, so much so that a civil war developed between Judah and Israel, in which Judah was severely defeated. We learn of king after king that would not take away the high places in Judah, which meant that idol worship was still common and that the king was not fully loving the Lord with all his heart, mind, and soul.
“He was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did. Howbeit the high places were not taken away: as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the high places. And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father. But the children of the murderers he slew not: according unto that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, wherein the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the fathers; but every man shall be put to death for his own sin.” - 2 Kings 14:2-6.

Today, there are many Christians who love God, but still keep the high places up (people, lifestyles, jobs, hobbies, etc.). Unless all the high places are removed they will not love God with all their heart, mind, and soul, which leave much room for corruption and destruction to creep in. Chastisement is inevitable for all who do not take away the high places. “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” - Hebrews 12:6,7.

God truly does everything He can to get us to give ourselves heart, mind, and soul to Him, all the trials, the afflictions, the joys, and even the tears are placed before us so that we are the best we can be only through the power of God. There is not a day that goes by where I do not thank God for taking me out of the world and the mess that He had taken me out of. No matter how much we repent, no matter how many commands we follow, unless we love God with all our heart, mind, and soul, we will go through a lot of unnecessary suffering. Yes, we need trails and affliction from time to time to keep us reminded that God is still around, but there would be far less as we yield to God and love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. Just following two commands paves the way for the rest and not only gives us honor to God, but honor from God as well. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” - 1 Peter 1:7.
Today's Psalm: 84:2 - “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.”

Today's Proverb: 24:12 - “If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?”

Today's Prayer: God, I long to love You with all my heart, soul, and mind, I do not want to suffer through things because I can't let go of my past or will not let go of things that are not good for me. Lord, show me the things I need to eliminate or add to my life that give You all of me just as You give me all of 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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It's God's Vengeance

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: It's God's Vengeance 
Date: Friday April 20, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Kings 9-11

Hello My Friend,

God never said that being a Christian meant that we would not have to face any pain and suffering caused by others, but He did say that He would always be there for us and protect us. So, what happens when it seems like God was not there to protect us or a loved one who has been victimized. While it is natural to want vengeance, we should never let the things that happen to us bring us down to their level. God is always with us and believe it or not, He wants vengeance more than we we do and He gets it too, and while it may seem like nothing is getting done to see justice, just like everything else, it's all in His timing. What greater law enforcement do we need than God? “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:17-21.

Since the reign of Ahab, God worship had been replaced by Baal worship, in fact, Ahab's wicked wife Jezebel, despised God so much that she had any prophet or priest executed if word got out that he was promoting the worship of God. Ahab died around 898 BC, but Jezebel was still around and so was Baal worship, now, God was about to get His vengeance upon the house of Ahab, twenty years after Elijah prophesied about it. “And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead:..And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel. And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel. For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:” - 2 Kings 9:1,6-8.

Jehu was anointed king over Israel by God's special choice, he was commanded to destroy the house of Ahab, including Jezebel. As long as he acted in obedience to God, and upon the right principles, Jehu was assured that he would not face any opposition. The murder of God's prophets is strongly noticed, showing that God never lets one hair on our heads touched go unnoticed. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” - Matthew 10:28-31.

Just as God promised Ahab's family, friends, and anyone else associated with his family, including Jezebel was executed as well as all the Baal worshipers, making sure that not a prophet, priest, or servant of God would be harmed. “So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining... And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much. Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal...And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal.” - 2 Kings 10:11,18,19,25.
After Jehu destroyed all the house of Ahab and the Baal worshipers in the Northern Kingdom it seemed as though things were looking up for Israel. However, they forgot one thing, Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, who was just as wicked as they were. When she found out that her son was dead she called for vengeance upon the house of Judah. “And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.” - 2 Kings 11:1-3.

It was important for a male of the house of Judah to keep the seed of David alive as God promised David that His seed would come through the lineage in which David's seed would come. For six years Athaliah made herself queen, but she was about to get the surprise of her life. “And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple. And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king..But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD...And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house. Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign.” - 2 Kings 11:11-13,15,21.

Although Joash was just a child he had a good guardian, a godly man, willing to train him to be a godly man himself and what was better, he had a good God to go to when he needed help. We should never disregard a child, kids are wiser than you think and if brought up godly, it is amazing what they can do. While kids need to respect and honor their parents they can still be a good influence on them, Jesus loved children and often used them as an example that we should as adults follow. “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me...Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.”- Matthew 18:2-5,10.
We have to realize that God does not bring evil upon us Himself, He is incapable of doing anything evil, even the devil cannot bring evil upon us, he can entice us and plant things in our heads, but he cannot force us to do or follow evil. The truth is there are some people out there born wicked and they will do whatever they can do to get what they want, which usually means they win the trust of good people. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” - Matthew 7:15-17.

We get ourselves and others into situations when we are not cautious about the people we get around. I got myself into a heap of a mess that I am still cleaning up because I thought that good can be found in everyone, but God is getting me through it and He will see me through it. If you or someone else has been victimized, do not blame yourself, do not blame God, Go to God, He is with you and will give you peace, comfort, forgiveness, and justice. It might take a while to see justice, but remember, everything is in God's timing, He is working and you will see the blessings that come out of what you are going through. “To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.” - Deuteronomy 32:35,36. 
Today's Psalm: 58:10 - “The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.”

Today's Proverb: 20:22 - “Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.”

Today's Prayer: God, You know that many of us struggle with guilt, shame, anger, or bitterness over something that has happened to us or a loves one. Help us to let go of our burdens and hand them over to You, give us peace, comfort, and rest. Help us to be forgiving toward them and even ourselves, give us Your strength and power to wait for You to handle our situations, and remind us that in is all in Your hands, You will take care of it and seek justice for us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Work To See God Work

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Work To See God Work
Date: Wednesday April 18, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Kings 4-5

Hello My Friend,

Do you want to see how fast you can clear a room? Mention the word work. People will scatter faster than you can blink your eyes. The word work actually means to move, it's an effort to get something done. Of course, some labor is involved, such as using your brain, hands, or feet. We live in a generation today that seeks to get the most out of doing absolutely nothing, many people today are not willing to do any work to accomplish anything, but want everything given to them. They have no ambition to succeed, no drive to strive, to get them to do something is near impossible, and if you do ask them, the response is, “What are you going to give me for it?” While work does not save us, work is necessary to produce the faith needed to get things done. “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?..Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works...But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?..For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:14,17,18,20,26.
When Elisha asked Elijah for a double potion of his spirit before he got caught up in the whirlwind that would take him to heaven perhaps he did not know what that would entail. Elisha not only received that double portion he became the most sought after man of God in the country. “Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full...Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.” - 2 Kings 4:1-4,7.

Sometimes physical work is needed to see God work., Elisha put the woman and her sons to work. He instructed them to go and borrow as many empty pots as they could, then fill the pots with the oil she had. By borrowing the empty pots, they could return them without owing anymore debt, it also allowed her to see the miracle of God as He multiplied the oil to fill all of the pots and then some, not only paying off the debt without owing anything else, but still having some left over to provide for here family. God will always provide us with what we need, He will even provide us with the funds to get out of debt. We have a debt to pay for sin, death and hell. Jesus paid that debt when He died on the cross therefore, He will help anyone get out of debt, but they must ask Him. That is the work or effort needed to be saved. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23.

A little later Elisha met a woman, who was hospitable toward him whenever he passed through town, she even had a room made for him to stay in while he was there. Elisha asked her what he could do for her, she desperately wanted a child and the following year she had a son. Her joy would soon turn grievous when he suddenly died. Frantic, the woman went to Elisha for help. “And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD. And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.” - 2 Kings 4:32-35.

Sometimes spiritual work is needed to see God work, God simply wants to hear our prayers and lots of them. When we pray to God, we have faith, we believe, and we have hope, it takes work to pray, but the more you pray the more faith, belief, and hope you receive, then when we have said that last prayer, God will show us His work. “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do thiswhich is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” - Matthew 21:21,22.

By the way, Elisha used every natural means in his power to restore the boy's life, while begging God to do His part. Natural means what is in our power to do, but those that are supernatural belong to God. God knows what is best for His children, He sees beyond what we see on the surface, whether He decides it is time to bring one of His children home or keep them on earth a little longer, He knows what is best. As we do our part, and beg God to do His part we are assured the best outcome. However, if all we do is sit there hoping for the best and never make an effort we will never see God's power. “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” - Mark 11:24-26.

Now, we come to a man named Naaman, he was a chief captain in the military, a mighty man of valor, he had one problem, he was leprous. Desperately seeking a cure for his illness he seeks help from Elisha. “And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean...And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” - 2 Kings 5:10,13,14.

Sometimes the work of cleansing is what us needed to see God work, seeking forgiveness of ones own sins or forgiving those who have sinned against you. At first, Naaman did not want to to wash himself, once maybe, but seven times, he probably thought it was silly, but after some encouragement he what he was instructed to do and was miraculously healed. God wants to show us His work, but He also wants us to do some work also, whether we are helping others, praying, or simply cleaning up, when we show Him that we are willing to do our part, He will gladly show is that it's time for Him to do His part. “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,.. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” - Hebrews 6:1,10.
Today's Psalm: 128:2 - “For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.”

Today's Proverb: 8:32,33 - “Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.”

Today's Prayer: God, As I do the work that is in my power to do I am fully trusting in You to do the work You need to do to get me the things I need and even desire. God, search my heart, know my thoughts, show me any hindrances that are keeping me from seeing You answer my prayers or even my lack of prayer. Help me do the work You want me to do to get what I am asking Your for, give me Your strength, wisdom, guidance, and show me what I need to do to accomplish my part of seeing You work miracles in my life. I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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What Are You Trusting in?

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: What Are You Trusting in?
Date: Tuesday April 17, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Kings 1-3

Hello My Friend,

What is is that you are trusting in to know God and see Him in heaven one day? Is it your race, your religion, your kindness, obedience, or good? Is it your faithfulness to church, tithing, volunteering, supporting a cause? Is it your constant confession of sin, getting baptized, fasting, and prayer? If you are depending on any of these things to get you to God and heaven it is time for a reality check. There is only one way to the only living God and heaven and that through Jesus Christ.

“For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:..That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?..And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.” - Romans 9:3-6,8,24,26.

The Book of II Kings is the twelfth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-five chapters. The author of the book is Jeremiah and it was written to the Israel. The timeline for these events took place approximately from 896 BC to 588 BC. The purpose of the book was to record how God dealt with the Israelites before the coming of Christ. What we are to learn from the book is that the kingdoms of this world are only temporal, they will rise and fall, but are all under God's control. “But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.” - 2 Kings 17:39.

After the death of Ahab his son Ahaziah became king, Ahaziah fell and was seriously ill, frantically searching for answers Ahaziah looked to the false god he only knew for answers. God sent Elijah to answer questions that only a living God can answer. “And the angel of the LORD said unto Elijah, Go down with him: be not afraid of him. And he arose, and went down with him unto the king. And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.” - 2 Kings 1:15,16.

By the time Ahaziah realized that God was the only living God who could save him it was too late, he died that day. Many people are going to be in for a real shock when they have to stand before Jesus upon their physical death to be cast down to hell because they never sought the living God. “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 7:21-23.

There is a question that every person will hear at one point in their lives, “If you died today are you 100% sure that you will be in heaven?” Not everyone knows that answer to that question. While we cannot know the hour in which God decides to separate a soul from it's flesh we can know that our soul will be in heaven. Amazingly, we do learn of one instance, other than Jesus ascending up to heaven in the flesh, where Elijah knew when God was taking him up to heaven. Upon learning this he went to the different schools of the prophets to give them his last exhortations and blessing before that miraculous event. While passing through, Elisha follows him seeking to know God as he did.

“And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal...And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on...And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.” - 2 Kings 2:1,6,9,10.

Three times Elijah told Elisha to stay where he was, but Elisha refused, saying “As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.” Elisha saw the amazing blessings that God brought upon Elijah as he served Him, he not only wanted what Elijah had, he wanted a double portion of it. Jesus tells all who believe in Him that they will not only do the work He did, but even more and they will be blessed for it. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” - John 14:12-14.

Elisha did receive a double portion of the spirit that Elijah had, but just as fast as he received it God put him to the test. God wants to make sure we follow through with our commitment to serve Him, so, He will put us through several tests to remind us of that commitment. Elisha was put to the test when three kings approached him. “And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the LORD hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab. And Elisha said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.” - 2 Kings 3:12-14.

Elisha was not very comfortable about these three kings coming to him, the only reason he even listened to them was because of Jehoshaphat, who sought counsel from a man of God. It is good being with those who have God's favor, and the love of His people. Wicked men often seem to have the better things in life, God allows them property for a time in an attempt to give them a chance to repent. “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” - James 5:19,20.

There is only one living God, who is in the form of three persons, God, the Father, Jesus, the Son (also known as the Word in the flesh), and God, the Holy Spirit. “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” - 1 John 5:7. These three in one make One Almighty God, who will save all who come to Him through the Son. Trusting in any other way will not get you to God or heaven. “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - 1 John 5:12,13.
Today's Psalm: 55:16 - “As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.”

Today's Proverb: 11:30 - “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.”

Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for loving us so much that You were willing to come here Yourself in the flesh of man to become a sinless sacrifice in order us to be able to reach You and heaven. Not by our righteousness do we know You, but by our faith in what You did in the form of the Son, Jesus Christ do I receive Your favor as one of Your people. Lead me and guide me, help me to be a witness and a testimony to those who do not know You, open my ears to hear when You tell me to speak to someone about Jesus, and give me Your power and the boldness to speak the truth and not be offended or intimated by those who refuse to listen. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Standing by God

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Standing by God
Date: Monday April 16, 2012Today's Chapters: 1 Kings 21-22

Hello My Friend,

It's not always easy becoming a Christian, you learn rather quickly who your real friends are by the way they react to your new found faith. As you grow in Christ, it gets even harder when you place God before family or friends. However, there is truly no better life than the Christian life. Jesus said, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” - John 15:18-20.

Just think about it, whether you know Christ or not you still have to deal with cruelty, hate, hardships, temptation, just to name a few, but at least with Christ by your side He makes it much easier to deal with these things. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 15:57,28.

Ahab was one of the most detestable, vile kings of the Old Testament, at the center of all this was his wife, Jezebel. While he may have been king in Israel, she was the one in control and whatever Ahab wanted, she got for him. This time Jezebel did something so wicked that God would place judgment upon his entire family. “And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?” - 1 Kings 21:1-5.

The wicked Jezebel had Naboth killed so that Ahab could get that property. The one time in her life she uses God's name and it is to lie to the people to get them to stone an innocent man. Wicked people may claim that they do not believe in God, but they will sure use His name to get what they want. The devil is the biggest liar there is to use God's name to his advantage, taking multitudes of people down to hell with him, but one day he and every person who has used God's name in a wicked way have the same fate. “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.

Naboth was right to stand by God, even if that meant it would end his life because he knew that his new life would begin in heaven. “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:” -Philippians 1:20-23.
Now, Elijah never backed down in his faith in God, no matter what task God gave him he remained faithful and obedient to His commands, even when they seemed life threatening. Of course he got discouraged at times, even ran for his life a couple of times, but he never lost his faith in the Almighty God. When God saw Ahab walking through Naboth's vineyard He called on Elijah to go back to the Northern Kingdom to face Ahab with some dire news. “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it. And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine. And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD...And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.” - 1 Kings 21:18-20,23.

Ahab looked to Elijah as an enemy, someone out to get him, what he failed to realize was that Elijah was not against him, but for him, God was trying to get him to repent. Those who are living in sin get very offensive when confronted about their sin, especially by those who are living for God. While we are not to judge the sinner, for we all are sinners, we are able to give the right judgment to people. “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” - James 5:19,20.

Elijah's prophecy would soon unfold, Ahab disguised himself and went into battle to get Benhadad to return a portion of land to Ahab that he had possession of for sparing his life. “And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded...So the king died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the king in Samaria. And one washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up his blood; and they washed his armour; according unto the word of the LORD which he spake.” - 1 Kings 20:34,37,38.

Elijah and Naboth was hated by their own people because they would not go against God nor lie to keep peace. Lies do nothing, but create more problems, you see where it got Ahab and eventually all the evil that Jezebel thought she got away with would come back to haunt her as well. While it may seem easier to compromise with the world, all it does is make a godly person sin against God. Those who truly are a friend will respect what we believe, will not try to get us to go against what we believe, and will believe too . “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; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” - 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
Today's Psalm: 20:8 - “They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.”

Today's Proverb: 28:5 - “Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.”

Today's Prayer: God, You know my heart, You know my faith, and You know my desire to love You with all my heart, mind, and soul, but there is not a day that goes by where I am not being challenged by family, friends, or even strangers, to change what I believe. People mock me, tease me, and constantly try to test me to see if I will stand by You or fall. Lord, give me Your power and strength to get through this day and every day, even when I fall I know You are there to pick me up and get me back on my feet again. Let me not lose sight of You in anything that I do. I ask this in Jesus; name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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When You Feel Alone

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: When You Feel Alone
Date: Sunday April 15, 2012Today's Chapters: 1 Kings 19-20

Hello My Friend,

It can be discouraging to be a Christian sometimes, it seems the more you try to live your life for God, the harder things get. Well, the truth is, they do sometimes. The devil is so mad at you for living and accomplishing things for God that he will do anything to get you to stop. So, as soon as you reach that mountain top for God you can be sure that the devil is going to try to make you fall. If he can get a strong Christian to fall he has done his job, he wants to destroy every Christian and make them doubt not only their faith in God, but God Himself. Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” - Matthew 5:6-9.

After Elijah proved to Ahab and the four hundred and fifty false prophets that there was only one living God, he expected the miracle to turn the nation from Baal worship and bring about a national repentance to return to the one and only True God. However, Elijah got the opposite of what he expected, when Ahab told Jezebel that her false prophets were all dead Jezebel ordered Elijah to be executed. Fearing for his life, Elijah fled into the wilderness.

“And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? ” - 1 Kings 19:9-13.

As Elijah was wallowing in his sorrows, the most demonstrative symbols of God's mighty power were seen, a storm, an earthquake, and a fire, passed before him, but it was not in any of these great wonders that God appeared to him, but it was in a still small voice, where He told him to keep going and finish the job He gave him to do. The question God asked Elijah is one that He asks many Christian's, “What are you doing here?” We all have a job to do for God, instead of running from it we need to head straight into it. “For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.” - 1 Corinthians 7:22-24.

It was Elijah's desire to see Israel be transformed back into one Kingdom for God, although that did not happen God did show him seven thousand people in the Northern Kingdom who remained faithful to God. “And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:..Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” - 1 Kings 19:15,18.

While it may seem like you are the only person trying to live God's way, there are many others, they are just scattered all over the world. We are the elite, a small remnant compared to the over 7 billion people in the world, but you are not alone. Oh, and Jesus is with you too! “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” - Matthew 28:19,20.

While that still small voice can reach the servants heart, it is not so apparent to the world, therefore, God has to get His point across in a different way. God will use anyone to get his point across, even wicked people, He used a man named Benhadad to prove that God does not just exist in certain cities or countries, He exists period and is in control of every thing, including their fate. “And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots; and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it...And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they...And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the LORD. And they pitched one over against the other seven days. And so it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined: and the children of Israel slew of the Syrians an hundred thousand footmen in one day.” - 1 Kings 20:1,22,23,28,29.

These foolish men thought that their gods had their own particular charge and jurisdiction and that theycould defeat Israel in their own territory. They failed to realize that there is only One God and He is everywhere, but soon got the shock of their lives when they lost the battle. No one can escape God, they can pretend that He does not exist, ignore Him, even burn His Word, but God still exists and is in control of all things. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” - Revelation 1:8.

All Christians have lonely hours, days of disappointment, and moments of hopelessness, times when their highest feelings have been misunderstood and purest motives are met with doubt and ridicule. God is saying to you, “What are you doing here? Get up and do what I told you to do!” During times like these, we are to look beyond the circumstances we are facing and look to Jesus Christ. He will work every trial and every circumstance to strengthen us and do the work that He calls us to do, even if we have let the devil deceive us a time or two. We need not fear, just listen to that still small voice of Jesus telling you, “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 11:29,30.
Today's Psalm: 31:23 - “O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.”

Today's Proverb: 28:20 - “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.”

Today's Prayer: God, I will admit that does not always give me joy to do the things that You want me to do when I feel like I am the only one doing them. When I see people in the world getting things I desire I get a little curious as to why I cannot have what they have, but I know deep down, I have more than what they have and that You have much more in store for me than what anything the world has to offer. God, keep me faithful to You, do not let the devil make me think I am losing out on something by sticking by You, help me to see the visions You have for me and reach for them as I serve You the best I know how with the gifts You have given me. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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