Stuck In A Rut

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Stuck In A Rut
Date: Saturday May 05, 2012Today's Chapters: 1 Chronicles 20-22

Hello My Friend,

Ever wonder why you seem to be stuck in a rut, it's as if no matter how much you climb you keep sliding back down to the bottom. The culprit, Satan, of all the people Satan messes with most it is God's faithful people. There is not one of God's children that Satan does not put in a rut from time to time. His purpose, too get us so frustrated that we forsake God and fall into sin trying to get out of the rut. If he put Jesus in a rut he will put you in a rut, the key to getting out of it is staying faithful to God, trusting Him, and reminding Satan that you are not giving up on God. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” - 1 Peter 5:6-9.
David was probably one of the most godliest kings of all nations, even today, but as strong as his faith in God David was just as human as the rest of us, we are all born with a sin nature. Sooner or later Satan will get the best of us and this time he got to David. “And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it. And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.” - 1 Chronicles 21:1-4.

Even with Joab's warning David still numbered the people, this was a sin based on Mose's Law which did stated that every person counted was to be compensated for, which David did not do (See Exodus 30). Often God will allow Satan to tempt us, the temptation is not a sin, acting up the temptation is sin. I have seen so many people, including myself, ignore the warnings of temptation, and fall right into sin, but once that thought turns to action the consequences are our own, we cannot escape the chastisement, non matter how light the sin seemed to be. However, God will use every chastening to teach us something, well most of us anyway. “For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” - Hebrews 12:10,11.
After the sin was committed the quilt of it set in, David immediately knew he sinned, but the damage was done, what was worse, he had to choose which form of punishment that Israel would have to endure for his sin. “And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel. And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying, Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.” - 1 Chronicles 21:7-10.

The amazing thing about God is His mercy, as God was about to bring judgment upon Israel for David's sin, David begged God not to take it out on them, but him instead, admitting he was the sinner, not them. “And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that havesinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued. Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.” - 1 Chronicles 21:16-18.

While seventy thousand people did die as a result of a plague, the rest of Israel was saved because David asked God for his forgiveness and God Himself withdrew His judgment. The command for David to build an altar was a blessed token of reconciliation with God. God testified His acceptance of David's offerings on this altar. This is an example of Christ offering Himself to God for us in order for us to be reconciled with Him for our sins. “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled” - Colossians 1:19-21.

Now, after the terrible judgment inflicted on Israel for the sin of David, God pointed out the place where he would have the temple built, upon which, David was excited to make preparations for the great work. He gathered people and supplies that would be needed to build the temple, which Solomon would be well known for instituting.
“Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel. And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God. And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.” - 1 Chronicles 22:1,2,5,11-13.

Every rut that Satan gets us into God will get us out of and while we may have to suffer some chastening or affliction while in it, we will find rest. To get out of a rut, we must be strong and of good courage, dread not or be dismayed by the situation, but trust God to help us climb out of it. God truly does love us and He does not want to see us suffer, but it is usually what is needed to help us get out of that rut. We tend to remain in there longer when we try to get out of it ourselves. Remember, our only power to defeat Satan is God's power, as long as we have the will to keep going, God will get us out of the rut. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:11-13. 
Today's Psalm: 119:31 - “I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.”

Today's Proverb: 3:11 - “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:”

Today's Prayer: God, I have felt like I have been stuck in a rut for years, no matter which way I climb to reach the top I keep sliding back down. I know you have a plan for me and that while I am in this rut You are working and preparing me for a great victory over Satan. I admit that I have created some obstacles from time to time that made me fall, and I thank You for your mercy and forgiveness to put all that behind me. I am ready to trust only You to help me out of this rut, lead me and guide me, show me which way to climb, help me to not let go of the rope, and to not stop climbing until I have reached the top. 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 Curse Is Broken

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Curse Is Broken
Date: Friday May 4, 2012Today's Chapters: 1 Chronicles 17-19

Hello My Friend,

Before God even created the heavens and earth He knew that Adam and Eve would sin and cast the curse of a dead spirit down to all mankind. However, Adam and Eve knew that God would provide as way for that curse to be broken. The only one who can end the curse is Jesus Christ. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” - 1 Corinthians 15:19-22. 

As David was setting up his home and kingdom he wanted to make sure God had a home too, he asked Nathan the prophet what he should do about building a more suitable place to put the Ark of God. God did not want David to build temple for Him, instead he reveals an amazing prophecy. “Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains. Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in: And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.

He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.” - 1 Chronicles 17:1,4,11-14.

God promised David that He would establish His Kingdom through his seed, this is a foretelling of Jesus who would be God's seed established through David's seed. This is in contrast to what God told Eve. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” - Genesis 3:15. What this means is that her seed would bring a division between hers and Adam's seed, hence her seed (Jesus) verses his seed (man). A sacrifice would be made through her seed that would bring an end to the division. Jesus would come here in the flesh through Mary, a virgin, conceived by the Holy Ghost, to die by the hands of man, in order to bring reconciliation to God and man. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” - Romans 5:12,14,17.
David was one of the most prosperous and blessed kings of all time, his success was due to the fact that he sought God in every step of his life, with the exception of Bathsheba. His love for God and his prayer life were the key to his greatness, in every battle he sought God and saw victory through it too. “Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines. So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people. And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder. And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe; And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.” - 1 Chronicles 18:1,14-17. 
The key to victory over every battle we face is constant communication with God, we are to never cease from communicating with Him. Whether it is by prayer, reading His Word, or simply acknowledging and praising Him throughout the day, communicating with God is essential in the Christian's life if we want to see our battles won. ”Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:7-10.

Those whom believe in the Gospel of Christ, have accepted Him, and received Him as the only one who can save them from death and hell are no longer bound by the curse passed down to them from Adam. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” - Galatians 2:16,17,20,21.

While our works and faithfulness to God are not required to keep us saved, it is what we do to change our lives after we are saved that makes the difference between just getting in the door to heaven and being a testimony for God so that others can get saved as well. “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. 

Today's Psalm: 109:31 - “For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.”

Today's Proverb: 14:25 - “A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.”

Today's Prayer: God, I cannot thank You enough for sending Your Son Jesus to break the curse that I inherited. Jesus, thank You for dying for me to break that curse, but You didn't just die, You arose from the dead to not only give victory over Your own death, but for mine as well. I am no longer in bondage to Satan, death, or hell because of the sacrifice that You made for me. I am trusting only in what You did to keep me safe no matter what battles I face, I know that You are always with me. God, teach me to be an example and a testimony of the wonderful and amazing life that can be lived with You in it. Most of all to show me how to reach those who need 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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Seek God's Advice

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Seek God's Advice
Date: Thursday May 03, 2012Today's Chapters: 1 Chronicles 13-16

Hello My Friend,

I have this big orange sign that says, “Ask God!!!!” over my desk, I put it there to remind myself that I need to ask God what I should do, whether it is what I should be praying for, what I am reading from the Bible, or what I need to do today, and even what I am going wear today, it's important to ask God's advice in the matter. I admit, sometimes I follow it, but often I find myself making decisions without asking God what I should do. It really is important that we seek God's advice is every matter, it will make us more productive and we wouldn't have to work so hard either. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” - James 1:5-8.

David found out first hand the importance of asking God's advice before attempting to do anything. He gathered all the congregation together to bring the Ark of God into the city. “And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it. And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.” - 1 Chronicles 13:6-11.

Sometimes it takes a death for us to realize we need to find out what God wants us to do. This is an illustration of salvation, no matter how good our intentions are to live for God, unless a person is saved they will not got to heaven. “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:9,10.

David was well known all over the world as the king who was undefeated because his God was with them. Several nations tried to go up against Israel, but as long as David asked God what he needed to do to defeat them they never lost a war. “And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them. And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand. And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley. Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.” - 1 Chronicles 14:8-10,13,14.

You can be sure that people who know your faith in God will attempt to go to war with you, even family, but as long as you keep asking God how to handle the situation He will give you the victory. I have had family and even the man I was to marry go against me, but God got me through it, and even thy got saved in the process. As long as we have God guiding us we always get the victory, it may not seem like it at times, but never give up because God never does. “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 15:57,58.
Now that David knew what he had to do in order to get the Ark moved he took the steps needed, reminding the people that the breach came upon them because they did not ask God how to move it first. “And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it. And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it. For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order. So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.” - 1 Chronicles 15:1-3,12-14.

A breach is the act of breaking; or state of being broken, a separation between friends by means of enmity or hatred. Sin separates or places a breach between a person and God, Jesus removes that separation when we call on Him to save us from our sin. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10.

After the Ark gets properly brought and set in it's tent, David gave his first Psalm to the people, this Psalm is also written in the Book of Psalms, chapter 96. “So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God. And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren. Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.” - 1 Chronicles 16:1-3,7-9.

From simple decisions, to provisions, to impossible situations, it is important to ask God's advice in every matter, this does more that get God's attention, it gets results. Why? Because God wants to be a part of every area of your life, He knows what is going on anyway, so, talk to Him about it, let in on it and you will see so many changes in your life. In every situation we need to let go and give it to God, otherwise we only make ourselves work harder and get less results. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” - 1 John 5:14,15.
Today's Psalm: 105:40 - “The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.”

Today's Proverb: 19:21 - “There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

Today's Prayer: God, I know that whatever I ask of You believing I will receive it, I know that if I ask You which direction to go You will tell me, but often I do not stop the noise to hear You speaking to me and I end up getting side tracked because of it. However, Your loving mercy and grace always gets me back on track when I just talk to You. God, help me to learn to ask You for everything and to listen for Your still small voice telling me what I need to do. In Jesus' name. Amen
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Members of The Body

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Members of The Body
Date: Wednesday May 02, 2012Today's Chapters: 1 Chronicles 11-12

Hello My Friend,

The body is made up of several members, each member is made for a specific purpose and is useful, for example, hands are used primarily to pick things up. If you had no hands, I am sure you would make a way to pick things up, but it would be a little more challenging to you. That is why God gives us specific members used for specific reasons. “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” - 1 Corinthians 12:14-18.
We are taken back to the account of David finally becoming king of Israel after Saul's death. After years of struggles, patience, and praying, David is finally receiving the promise that God made to him when he was anointed to be king by Samuel. The first thing he does as king is set up his army, David chose men of all tribes who were skilled in specific weaponry instead of choosing just one tribe. “So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him. These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time... And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.” - 1 Chronicles 11:9-11,20.
The body of Christ is made up of several members, or rather people, people from all over the world, every race, color, and language make up the body of Christ. Each member is used for specific reasons. What is the body of Christ? It is every saved, born again believer of Jesus Christ. If you have trusted only in the death, burial, and resurrection of our sinless Savior to save you then you are a member of the body of Christ. Because you are a member of the body of Christ, God has a specific purpose for you. You say that you are not a model Christian? You just got saved? You do not even go to church? None of that matters, you are still a member of the body of Christ and one day He will use you for purpose He made you for. Never let anyone tell you that you are not useful or they are a better Christian than you. We all grow in Christ at different levels, yet we are just as important as everyone else.

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” - Romans 12:3-5.

David continued to set up Israel in the way God directed him, even if that meant he had to deal with some people who he thought was his friends, but were against him in every way. At first, the majority of Israel was against David being king. In fact, they chose Saul's son to reign over them, while David reigned in Hebron. It was not until all of the House of Saul had been killed before they accepted David as their king. “And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David. And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it. Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.” - 1 Chronicles 12:16-18.

Because you are a member of the body of Christ you are going to get a lot of criticism, even from other Christians. People will try to test your faith, see if you are a real Christian, and see if they can get you to go against your beliefs. However, once you get past all that you will find some members that will truly help you in your walk with Christ. In the meantime just do what God wants you to do and everything else will fall into place. “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” -Ephesians 4:26-30.
We all have to remember one important thing, God is with us. Satan knows this, in fact, the stronger our faith in God, the more Satan is trying to weaken us. Our strength comes from Christ and as long as we remain in His power, no one can knock us down, not even Satan. Therefore, as a member of the body of Christ we must arm ourselves with the armor that God has given us. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:11-17.

Today's Psalm: 139:16 - “Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”

Today's Proverb: 11:17 - “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.”

Today's Prayer: (taken from Psalm 143) God, Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Book of Your Life

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Book of Your Life
Date: Tuesday May 01, 2012Today's Chapters: 1 Chronicles 9-10

Hello My Friend,
One day Jesus will return and when He does He will sit upon His throne and every person will stand before Him to be judged. There will be no jury, no lawyer, and no prosecutor. The book of your life will be opened, an overview of all the good, the bad, and the ugly things will be instantly replayed. However, there is another book that will determine whether we are acquitted or punished for eternity, that book is the Book of Life. No matter what we have done, good or bad, it is the Book of Life that will determine if we are saved from judgment. What is in the Book of Life? The names of every person who not only believes that Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected, but that He and He alone is the only one who saved them from judgment, by asking Him to save them. Anyone's name not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, to burn for eternity.

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:11-15. Oh, and those bad and ugly things that were once written in your book will be edited out because Christ's blood has washed all those away. “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.
After Nebuchadnezzar took the remaining Jews to Babylon for seventy years they lived amongst the Babylonians and really had no idea where they came from. The Chronicle books were written to give an account of the history of the Israelites so they could find out what tribe they actually came from and see how they were actually taken into captivity. “So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression. Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh;” - 1 Chronicles 9:1-3.

Names are very important to God, He wants to make sure everyone knows where they come from and how special they are to Him,especially those who will be a part of His Kingdom. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - 1 Peter 2:9,10.

Chapter ten begins with the end of the reign of King Saul, God reminds us of the reasons why he was stripped of the crown and died such a painful death. “And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers. Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.” - 1 Chronicles 10:2-4,13,14.

If you read the Book of 2 Samuel it explains this in more detail, Saul, after Samuel died went to a fortune teller to bring up Samuel's spirit. While the woman really did not have the ability to summon a spirit, God allowed it for the purpose of showing Saul his fate, Samuel's response, “Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me:” - 2 Samuel 28:19a. While Saul's wickedness cost him the throne and some suffering for his sin it still did not cost him his life.

This is a reminder to all who are saved, once saved always saved, even if you turn your back on God in the latter part of your earthly life it does not forfeit your name in the Book of Life. It is your faith and trust in Jesus Christ that saved you, not your works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10.

While our works do not get us to heaven, they do determine the rewards we will receive in heaven. I always say, if I am scrubbing floors in heaven at least it's better than burning in hell, but imagine the gifts we receive simply by living the morally, godly lives that God would rather see us living. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 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 16:26,27.

What about the people of the Old Testament? They also lived by the same faith, only their hope was in His coming. The people of the Old Testament knew just much about Jesus as we do, even His coming back to judge the world (found in Daniel), they too will be judged. “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” - Romans 2:9-13.
Today's Psalm: 1:5 - “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.”

Today's Proverb: 8:20 - “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:”

Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for giving us a way to escape the dreaded judgment placed on every person who is born. We do not have to be good to be saved, we just have to believe that only Your Son can save us. It is so amazing and simple that all we need to do is receive Christ to be saved, yet so many people are still trying to work their way to be saved. Of course, you love the good that we do and will even bless us for it here on earth and even more in heaven, but you love more than anything that we solely believe in and are trusting only Your Son to save us. Thank You Jesus! I praise 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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A Brave Warrior

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Brave Warrior
Date: Monday April 30, 2013Today's Chapters: 1 Chronicles 7-8

Hello My Friend,

A soldier is also known as a brave warrior, a soldier gives up the only life they know for their country, a soldier lays down their life to save people they will never know. A soldier leaves at a moments notice to go where they are called to be. While there are many, many people blessed to be able to walk in the Kingdom of God through their faith in Jesus Christ, only a select few will be soldiers of Christ. A soldier for Christ becomes a living sacrifice, for their country, which is the Kingdom of God, going wherever God will take them to save people they will never know. There will be lots of sacrifices and suffering, but all who endure will receive far more than any medal of honor, they will receive the crown of life. “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.“ - Revelation 2:10.

While God enlists some soldiers just for the service of His ministry, the majority He enlists are outside of the church. Amazingly, all the wars throughout the years and even those today are organized by God, the world is just too blinded to see that God's hand is in all of this. Chapter 7 lists the tribes of Issachar who were listed specifically as mighty men of valor, men trained and ready for war. “And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men. And with them, by their generations, after the house of their fathers, were bands of soldiers for war, six and thirty thousand men: for they had many wives and sons...The sons of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three. And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour; and were reckoned by their genealogies twenty and two thousand and thirty and four.” - 1 Chronicles 7:3,4,6,7.

As soldiers of Christ we are to faithfully fulfill the duty God enlists for us to do, whether a teacher, cook, janitor, salesman, mother, or father. Whatever job you are doing, God has enlisted you to do it wholeheartedly for Christ. “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 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.” - 1 Corinthians 7:20-23.

Chapter 8 lists the tribes of Benjamin, also enlisted as soldiers, “Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third, Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. And the sons of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud, And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. And the sons of Eshek his brother were, Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third. And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin.” -1 Chronicles 8:1-3,38-40.
Great strength as well as skill was required in ancient archery, as the bow, which was of steel, was bent by treading with the feet and pulling the string with both hands. As soldiers for Christ, we are required to have strength in the skill of reaching the lost to Christ, that strength comes from Jesus Christ alone, and cannot be obtained by any other means. Do you know how strong you have to be to stand before a complete stranger and even worse, your own family and friends and talk to them about Jesus? Through the strength of Christ we can talk to anyone about the Gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” - Ephesians 3:16-19.
The first and far most skill of all is that they be saved themselves, which is believing and accepting that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all that is needed to be saved from death and hell and personally asking Jesus to save them upon that belief. “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 whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:9,10,13.

Being a brave warrior of any kind is not easy, but it is rewarding and honoring not only to our country, but to our God. We are going to face many difficulties, but none of our efforts will go unnoticed, God knows and sees all. Remember, people's lives are in your hands, they may reject you, but the important thing is that you tried. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” - 2 Timothy 2:3,4,10-12.
Today's Psalm: 18:39 - “For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.”

Today's Proverb: 10:29 - “The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.”

Today's Prayer: God, Since I am saved and only trusting in the Gospel of Your Son to keep me saved I understand that You have enlisted me in Your army to seek and find lost souls. I want to be a brave warrior, but I know I am weak, scared, or may even be a little intimated to talk to people because I do not want have conflicts with family, friends, or people I do not even know. Give me Your strength, wisdom and guidance to go out and be a good soldier, with Your Son walking with me I know I can do it. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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