Beyond Our Expectations

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Beyond Our Expectations
Date: Friday May 18, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Chronicles 32-33

Hello My Friend,

I was chatting with someone the other day and he asked me a question to which I replied, “If it's in God's will I will do whatever He wants me to do.” His response, “You are that God fearing?” I believe that everyone who studies God's Word looks at something that He allows or does not allow and has questions about it. All I can say is that we must make every effort to follow all of God's Word if we truly want Him to bless our lives beyond our expectations, even if that means others disagree. God has a reason for not wanting us to do something and it is truly for our own good that we do what He says. There is not a day that goes by where we do not hear of someone getting killed, assaulted, or abused, and the majority of them could have been prevented had they just listened to God. People are going to criticize you, mock you, disrespect you, and even persecute you for standing by God, but in the end it will all be worth it because God is on your side.

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” - 1 Timothy 6:12,17-19.

Hezekiah was the first king since Solomon to observe the Passover, he removed all the high places and groves where people sacrificed, making the temple the only place for the people to bring their offerings to God. After the passover, the people harkened to Hezekiah and followed suit, it did not take long for their newly found faith to be tested when the king of Assyria moved into Judah. Hezekiah was not intimidated, instead he told everyone that God was with them.
“After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself. And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem, He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him. And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spake comfortably to them, saying, Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” - 2 Chronicles 32:1-3,6-8.

God is always there to help us fight and win our battles when we put out faith and trust in Him. I know it can seem as though we lose when a person dies, gets sick, or persecuted even when they live by faith, but God is in every circumstance, every battle, and every trial. We just need to look beyond the surface of our emotions to see that we have won. “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: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” - 1 Peter 1:7-9.
When Sennacherib realized that Hezekiah was not backing down he turned to the people of Jerusalem to try and persuade them not to put their faith and trust in God. “Doth not Hezekiah persuade you to give over yourselves to die by famine and by thirst, saying, The LORD our God shall deliver us out of the hand of the king of Assyria? Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it? Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the people of other lands? were the gods of the nations of those lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of mine hand? Who was there among all the gods of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed, that could deliver his people out of mine hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of mine hand?” - 2 Chronicles 32:11-14.
Sennacherib failed to realize that the reason why he was able to take control of the other nations who put their faith in their gods was that they were all man made gods, but this time he was up against the Only Living God. After all that taunting and boasting and trying to get the people to discredit God and Hezekiah the only thing it got him was his own shame, he was killed by his own sons. People can taunt you and give you a hard time, but they cannot change the fact that God does exist, His Word is true, and He fulfills every promise He makes to those who stand by Him. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - 1 Peter 4:12,13.

After Hezekiah died, his son, Manasseh died, he was the complete opposite of Hezekiah and even more abominable than the kings of Israel. However, he would find out the hard way that there is only one God and He is a merciful God.
“Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem: But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.” - 2 Chronicles 33:1,2,10-13.

There is so much corruption and deceitfulness in the world today that it is no wonder why people are serving false gods. It's sad really, God makes it simple, believe in My Son, trust only Him to get you to heaven, follow His example, and you will be blessed. Yet millions of people will die and end up in hell because they would not harken to the voice of God telling them that they are worshiping a false god. God will accept anyone who accepts His Son, but if they are trusting in any other god or means to save them they will not be saved. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 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.” - Ephesians 2:4,5,8,9.
Today's Psalm: 40:4 - “Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.”

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: (taken from Psalms 37 & 3)
God, The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. I will trust in You Lord and see Your blessings unfold as I remain faithful to You in everything that I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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God's Mercy Endures

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: God's Mercy Endures
Date: Thursday May 17, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Chronicles 29-31

Hello My Friend,

Once a month as a congregation we observe the Lord's supper, first, the preacher reads a verse from the Bible, a tiny wafer is passed to every member, then he says a prayer and we eat the bread. Once again, the preacher reads a Bible verse, little cups of grape juice are passed to every member, and likewise, the preacher says a prayer and we drink the juice. Now, some churches will do this and represent the bread and juice as the actual flesh and blood of Jesus Christ, but that is not what Jesus intended it to be used for, it is to remember that Jesus gave His flesh and blood to save the sinner. “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup isthe new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” - Luke 22:19,20.

I heard it be known that anyone partaking of the Lord's supper in vain would face some serious affliction in their lives should they continue to live in sin, but that is one thing I do not take lightly so I couldn't tell you if that were the case. I can tell you that as someone who lived in the world that the thought of Christ sacrificing His life to save me from what should be my punishment for the things I did is sobering. It is something that none of us should take lightly, but the sad thing is that many do take it lightly and I just pray that people start waking up and realizing that if it wasn't for Jesus God wouldn't have mercy on them. “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” - Romans 9:15,16.

After generations of halfhearted kings choosing the follow God on their terms, Hezekiah begins to reign, he walked in the ways of David. He reopened the church, had it repaired and even got the nonpracticing priests to sanctify themselves to serving God the way it was written in the Law of Moses. “And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street, And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place. For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the LORD, and turned their backs. Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the LORD God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us. My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.” - 2 Chronicles 29:4-6,10,11.

Today, God's presence no longer dwells in a building, He dwells within every believer of Christ who has been washed in His blood. It is important for those whom have called on Jesus Christ to save them sanctify themselves and return to serving God His way. God loves us all and is merciful and forgiving to all who come to Him, but He will not be mocked. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” - Galatians 6:7,8.

Hezekiah did not just want people in Jerusalem to return to God, he wanted all of Israel and those who dwelt in Israel to return to God. He sent letters all over the country in hope that everyone would come to Jerusalem for the first true passover observance since Solomon was king.

“So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria. For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him. So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.” - 2 Chronicles 30:6,9-11.

Billions of people are given some form of information about Jesus Christ and how they can be saved, such as a knock on the door, a pamphlet, a letter, or even through the internet, yet only a remnant will accept the invitation to come to the Passover Lamb. Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 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.” - Matthew 7:13,14,21.

After the passover there were so many people stirred up for God that they came together to rid their homes, business, and even the streets of the wickedness and corruption in Judah. Once they cleaned the cities they began serving God on His terms not theirs.
“Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities. And Hezekiah appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites after their courses, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the tents of the LORD. He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD.” - 2 Chronicles 31:1-3.

Many people will get saved and go on living the lives they live unknowing that the Holy Spirit is working in them, they will face affliction and challenges to get them to go beyond receiving Christ as their Savior, but will never do anything more than get saved. However, those who take that extra step to let the Holy Spirit direct them will learn to be hears and doers of God's Word and they will, day by day, eliminate the sins, the habits, and the idols that corrupt them. God will use anyone who has a willing heart, He will soften the heart of any soul that decides it wants Christ in it's life. “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Timothy 1:12-14.
Today's Psalm: 13:5 - “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.”

Today's Proverb: 16:6 - “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”

Today's Prayer: (from Psalm 30) God, I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. What profitis there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. In Jesus name. Amen. 
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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God's Judgments

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: God's Judgments 
Date: Wednesday May 16,2012Today's Chapters: 2 Chronicles 25-28

Hello My Friend,
All throughout the Old Testament we learn of how blessed people were, whether Jew or stranger, when they followed God with all their heart. We also learn of the judgments placed upon the people for not following God with all their heart. The thing was not that they sinned, everyone sins, it was that they were too proud to admit that they sinned and seek forgiveness. God knows we are going to sin and He will forgive us, but unless we confess it to Him we will suffer, it's not God who brings the suffering, we do when we rebel against His warnings. “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.” - Romans 2:9-11. 

After Joash died, his son, Amaziah reigned, he walked with God, but not with a perfect heart, which means he listened to God most of the time. We learn of a time when he hired men from Israel to help him in a battle with Edom, but a prophet showed up to warn him to send them back, he also gave him a promise.
“He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver. But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down. And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this. Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger. And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.” - 2 Chronicles 25:6-11. 

Have you ever given hard earned money to help someone only to learn it was a waste of time? You became angry and frustrated thinking what you could have done with that money? It wasn't a waste, it was a lesson, God gives and He takes away, but when we trust Him, He gives much more than a refund, he gives us an increase as well. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” - 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

Uzziah was the next king who reigned, he was probably the longest reigning godly king recorded in the history of Judah and he probably would have lived longer had he not rebelled against God. “Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did. And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper. And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.” - 2 Chronicles 26:2-5,15,16.

People who refuse to serve God on His terms might as well be sticking their finger in an electrical socket because they are going to be in for a huge shock when they face His judgment. And I am not just talking about when they face Jesus, that is another story. God rather a person not serve Him at all then serve Him on their own terms. Jesus has a warning for all who are lukewarm, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” - Revelation 3:15-19.

The second Uzziah refused to leave he got struck with leprosy and his son, Ahaz reigned, he did evil in the sight of God, as Israel did and as a result, a civil war between Judah and Israel. “Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father: But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God? Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you.” - 2 Chronicles 28:1,9-11.
If people will not be humbled by God’s judgments privately God will find public means to bring them to Him. If that does not work He did what He could and let's them deal with the consequences of their own actions. Even Christians fall and face judgment from God, but it's all a matter of getting us to be the best we can be. “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” - 1 Peter 4:16-19.
Today's Psalm: 25:9 - “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”

Today's Proverb: 19:29 - “Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.”

Today's Prayer: God, Your judgments are true and just, whether they be the cause of my own actions or Yours. Everything we go through is meant to grow, strengthen, discipline, and guide us to be the best that You know we can be. Just like a parent or teacher pushes us a little bit harder to excel, so do You, Your commands and laws are not meant to keep us from living life they are meant to give us the best life we can live in a wicked and corrupt world. Lead us and guide us, help us to watch and listen for all the warning signs and to keep going through Your power and strength. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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In The Blink Of An Eye

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: In The Blink Of An Eye
Date: Tuesday May 15, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Chronicles 21-24

Hello My Friend,

I never can praise God enough for taking me out of the life I lived before I made the choice to live my life with Christ in it. Once in a while I think, “How did I ever let things get so far out of hand?” and vow to never let myself get to that point again. But I know that no matter how strong my faith in God, in the blink of an eye I could fall, it's not that I do not trust myself, but I know my flesh is weak. Therefore, I am not trusting in my flesh to keep me out of trouble, but the Spirit of God.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” - Galatians 5:1,13,16,17,26.

After Jehoshaphat died, his son Jehoram reigned, since he was married to Ahab's daughter he walked in the wicked ways as she did, bringing that wickedness into Judah. He was so wicked that he killed all of his brothers, who, were godly and better qualified to reign. While God was angry with him He did not destroy him because of the covenant he made with David. “Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD. Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.” - 2 Chronicles 21:4-7.

Any person who puts their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as the only one who can save them and take them to heaven makes a covenant with God. His covenant, “Believe in My Son, receive eternal life.” While God promises eternal life to all who believe in Christ, that doesn't mean they do not face the consequences of their actions should they continue to live in sin. “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” - Romans 13:4,12-14.

Jehoram only reigned eight years, when he was struck with an incurable disease and died. His son, Ahaziah was even more wicked than him, and only reigned one year before the people rebelled, killed him and his brothers too. After Ahaziah died his mother made herself queen and killed every male in the house of David, except one, which her grand-daughter hid from her.
“And it came to pass, that, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them. And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him, (for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom. But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah. But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not. And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.” - 2 Chronicles 22:8-12.

What a mess? It is definitely true that what you reap is what you sow, those who wickedly seek their way to the top always fall the same way they began. It was important that one male of the seed of David be alive as his lineage or seed would be where Jesus would descend from. All it takes is one person to change a life, but if no one is willing to make a move than nothing will change. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:19,26.

Joash was taught the ways of God through Jehoiada, the priest and Athaliah, and encouraged the kingdom as well. He reigned for forty years, but that quickly came to an end after Jehoiada died. “Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass. Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear. And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.” - 2 Chronicles 24:17-21.

The problem was that the people wanted to build groves and altars to worship God in their own places rather than take the journey to Jerusalem every time. Zechariah was explaining that it was against the law of God, Joash took his eyes off God for one second and ordered Zechariah to be killed, whom his grew up with, for being the only person to do the right thing. Later on Joash died as a result of his ordering the execution of Zechariah. As Christians, it's very important that we never take our eyes off God for a second, not because we are not forgiven, but because we are forgiven children of the living God. We might get persecuted, mocked, chastened, or even threatened with out lives, but God is always with us and will help us if we come to Him.

“Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” - Romans 6:8-12.
Today's Psalm: 86:5 - “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”

Today's Proverb: 24:16 - “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.”

Today's Prayer: God, As much as I believe that I can do all things through Christ, I know my flesh is weak, it always gets me in trouble when I take my eyes off You. Lord, lead me and guide me, keep me focused and give me Your power to overcome the constant forces trying to get me to fall away from living in Your will. I thank You for Your mercy and grace to always forgive me no matter how many times I fall. I love You Lord, and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Compromising Situations

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Compromising Situations
Date: Monday May 14, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Chronicles 18-20

Hello My Friend,

As Christians, we are told to love one another as brothers, so, where do we draw the line to avoid compromising situations. To do that we have to understand what brotherly love is, it means we are to treat everyone with respect, be kind to all, even if all are not kind to us. However, showing brotherly love toward one another is a lot different than aligning ourselves with people who put us into compromising situations.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Jehoshaphat was a godly king, he was the first king since David to serve God wholeheartedly and encouraged the kingdom to do so also. Jehoshaphat had one problem that often put him in compromising situations, he never said no. First, Jehoshaphat put himself in a compromising situation when he aligned himself with wicked Ahab, by allowing his son to marry Ahab's daughter. Then he does it again by joining him in his battle between Israel and Syria.

“And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle. Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel. And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him. For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him.” - 2 Chronicles 18:29-32.
We would all go through a lot less suffering if we just learn to say no more often. Let me tell you, that people might mock you, call you a Jesus freak or something like that, but it is better to suffer for doing the right thing than the wrong. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - 1 Peter 4:12,13.

Jehoshaphat barely escaping with his life, returned to Jerusalem to find Jehu, a seer, to warn him of a battle that was about to take place in Judah because of his decision to join Ahab. Jehoshaphat admitting he was wrong proclaimed a fast throughout all of Judah in order to get right with God and stop the battle from happening or at least have God's help in it.

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.” - 2 Chronicles 20:3,4,15-17.

God will warn us when we are about to do something against His will, but once we make the choice to do it anyway the consequences are all our own. We need to be very careful not to let people charm us into going against God, but God knows our heart and our intentions and although He allows the affliction to continue He will help us endure it as long as we seek His help. “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 12:11.
We all have a choice to make, God's way or the world's way, ignorance does not keep us from the affliction we face for our actions, regardless of what compromising situations we get ourselves into. We must not let anyone, but God convince us that we are making the right decision. However, even when we do make mistakes God knows our hearts and if we truly seek Him He will actually help us through our affliction. The battle is God's and when we seek Him we cannot be defeated and if we are, we will always come back even stronger.

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” - Philippians 4:5-9.
Today's Psalm: 18:24 - “Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.”

Today's Proverb: 13:20 - “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

Today's Prayer: God, As much as I try to do the right thing, I often find myself stuck in compromising situations because I do not want to offend or make someone feel bad. Thank You for helping me endure every situation I got myself into by not coming to You in the first place. Lord, help me to never make a decision that will compromise my relationship with You or what I believe in You. Help me to not even walk into compromising situations in the first place by keeping my eyes on You and listening for Your warnings. 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 First

King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Seek God First
Date: Sunday May 13, 2012Today's Chapters: 2 Chronicles 15-17

Hello My Friend,

This past year I found out that I have am gluten intolerant, it's been a bit of a struggle, it can be quite bothersome to have to read every label to make sure it does not have something that I cannot eat. However, I am adjusting, but noticing one thing that irritates me so much, the food is at least 3 times the cost of the regular stuff, talk about people making a fortune off others misfortunes. The amazing thing is that God provides me with the food I need and I am much healthier than I have been in years. I was talking with a woman from my church about my situation and she said, “I don't know how you do it, I could never afford to eat that way.” God knows what we are in need of, but if we only rely on ourselves to get the things we need we often settle for what we can get rather than what we really need. However, if we have faith and seek God first, He will give us exactly what we need.

“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” - Matthew 6:30-34.
After their victory over the Ethiopians, Asa and his army got a visit from Oded, a prophet, he was not there to compliment them and congratulate them on their success, but to remind them of their duty. Asa and the rest of the people in Judah responded with a covenant. “And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD. And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.” - 2 Chronicles 15:8,9,12,13.

It does not matter who we are, rich, poor, male, female, ignorant, dumb, or smart, once we are at an accountable age, the age in which we know right from wrong, we face the same judgment. God is not a respecter of persons, all people born face death unless they seek the Lord, God of Israel, who is God of all. “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:” - Romans 3:21-24,29.
Asa and the kingdom of Judah enjoyed many years of peace and prosperity, but later when Baasha, king of Syria, became a threat, Asa made a foolish decision to find peace. The result, there was war in Judah the rest of his days as king and he was struck with a disease and died because he stopped seeking God. “And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” - 2 Chronicles 16:7-9,12.

Asa let his pride get the best of him, when he found out that God was angry at the decision he made he was ashamed to stand before him, so, instead of seeking forgiveness he forsook God. Had he just let go of his pride and humbled himself before God he would have been healed. “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 4:8-10.
After Asa died his son Jehoshaphat reigned, now, for the first time in generations a godly king, one such as David reigned. “And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.” - 2 Chronicles 17:1-5,10.

When a person puts God first they will prosper and not only will they prosper, so will everyone that does business with them, even more strange is that they will prosper even if they do not follow God themselves. How and why is that possible? Someone will be converted, God's purpose is always to see someone get saved. Now, should that person never want to be converted, God will take His servant elsewhere, leaving the unbeliever to his own devices. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” - Psalm 1:1-6.
While the same Jesus was looked upon to save both Old and New Testament Christians, Christians of the New Testament and still today have an advantage over the people of the Old Testament, the indwelling Holy Spirit. God's Spirit would come and go in a person before Jesus died on the cross and resurrected, but today it dwells in every believer of Jesus Christ. I read a quote that says, “If God seems far away, guess who moved.” God is always with us and never leaves us, but when we stop seeking Him first and circumstances arise it will seem as though He is no where to be found. To find Him all we have to do is seek Him, first. “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” - 1 John 6:6-10.
Today's Psalm: 9:10 - “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”

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

Today's Prayer: God, As much faith as I have in You and Your Word I still find myself struggling to find a way to get the things I am in need of. Help me to always seek You first so that I can truly get the things I truly need and not just the things I settle for. Give me faith that not only moves mountains, but crushes them, and help me to let go of any guilt or shame from the past or present that keeps me from moving closer to You and seeking You for what I truly am in need of. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night. God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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