Jesus Is With Us

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” - Psalm 119:18.

Date: Saturday, October 04, 2014
Today's Chapters: Matthew 10-11
Message Title: Jesus Is With Us

Hello My Friend, 

Recently we have been hearing a lot about the horrible martyring of Christians who refuse to renounce their faith in Christ. It's sad to see how cruel the wicked are to those who believe in Christ. Even here in America we are being persecuted, and if things keep going in the path that they are, we too will be killed for our faith. The truth is, once you receive Christ as your Saviour, you are His, and no one can take you away from Him, No One. We are going to be persecuted, especially in this day and age, but we must not be afraid because Jesus is with us. “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” - Matthew 10:24-28.

Jesus was on a mission, to tell all of Israel how they can be saved from hell, and the one who can destroy the soul and body. He chose twelve men, and sent them to preach the Gospel throughout Israel. “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” - Matthew 10:5-7,14-16.

It was important that the Gospel first be preached to the Jews, it was their rejection of Christ that was needed to not only fulfill Scripture, but also pave the way for it to be introduced to the Gentiles after they rejected Him first. While God would all like to see people receive His Son, sometimes He will not let us witness to certain people or at a certain time. Why? It could harm us or cause some problems, yes, He wants all to have the opportunity to be witnessed to, but He wants to protect us too. “For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.” - Acts 28:27,28.

While the angels shouted peace on earth, good will toward men the day He came to earth in the flesh, Jesus did not promise peace on earth, in fact, He promises a fight.“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” - Matthew 10:34-40.

What Jesus is saying is that we must put our trust in Him alone if we want to be saved from the horrible fate of eternal death. Look around, as much as God would love for there to be peace on earth, there never will be. Why? Egos. Too many people trying to be God themselves, thinking they have control, and to be honest, the only way we can have peace within ourselves in through Christ. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” - John 14:27.

As Jesus sees crowds of Jews following Him, and begins to ask questions concerningthe prophecies of John the Baptist, and Himself. Of course, He knew who truly believed the Scriptures and began to fuss at them. “And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.” - Matthew 11:1,20,23-26.

God only reveals His truths to those who are willing to open their hearts to His Son. We must beware of religions that teach that they are justified by their religion or race, being Jewish, a Baptist, a Catholic or an Atheist does not save us. Regardless of our race, background, or religion, we are not saved from hell because we choose a particular religion or came from a particular race, we are saved when we believe the Gospel, which is the death, the burial, and resurrection of Christ and ask Him to save us. “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.” - Romans 10:9. 

Today's Prayer: God, You know the very intentions of all that I say and do. As I invite You to examine my heart, I lay before You the people and pursuits that try to drive me away from You. You have not removed me bodily from this world, but You have raised me up spiritually to abide in Your presence even as I carry out my daily duties, whether it is something You commanded me to do or in any of my labor. As Your presence graciously overshadows me, it is there that Your love and faithfulness sustains me and gives me the strength to endure all tribulation and remain not only in Your mercy and grace, but love and will also. I love You Lord and pray in Jesus' name. Amen. 

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? Visit: God's Price
Like Us On Facebook: I'm Following Jesus
©2014 I'm Following Jesus

Comfort, Conviction, & Commitment

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” - Psalm 119:18.

Date: Friday, September 03, 2014
Today's Chapters: Matthew 7-9
Message Title: Comfort, Conviction, & Commitment 

Hello My Friend, 

There is probably no better comfort to a born again child of God than reading your Bible, such love, peace, and encouragement unfolds, even in the darkest hour. Yet, we also find something else while reading our Bible, conviction. Conviction is simply God, through the Holy Spirit, telling us that we are doing something wrong, and need to correct it. I do not know how many times this year alone that I have read the Bible and began crying because I know I have let God down by something I have said or did. To be honest, we sin every day, but God's love for us never goes away, and He is always there to pick us up, dust us off, and get us going again. “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” - Proverbs 24:16.

Probably the most controversial topic in the Bible amongst Christians and those who claim to be Christians is talking to others about their sin. Usually the first thing a person does when caught in sin, is quote something from the Bible about not judging them. Well, Jesus explains this, after all He said it. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.” - Matthew 7:1-5.

Judge not, do not severely criticize those in sin because we are sinners just the same, however, see what is says, right here, “first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.” Jesus says we are to first remove the sin, this is knowingly living in sin, from our lives, and then we are be able to help those see their sin. Of course, a person knowingly living in sin who does not want to remove it is always going to take what Jesus said out of context. By the way, we should never let our salvation give us a reason to live in sin, it may not forfeit your ticket to heaven, but it will cause a lot of pain and suffering here on earth before He takes you home. “For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” - 1 Peter 2:15.16.

As Jesus entered Capernaum multitudes showed up to get a glimpse of Him, some believed, some did not, but all wanted to see if this man they only heard about was real. Along the way, He a leader of the Roman army came to Him for help. “The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” - Matthew 8:8-12.

God is not the God of those born in Israel or any other decent, He is the God of all who believe in His Son, only those who receive Him will be the children of God and join Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in His kingdom. Anyone that does not believe in and receive Christ will join the devil in hell and the lake of fire. You see, while Satan does try to play God, even he also is under the authority of God. When God tells him tells him to back off he must obey. As Jesus was sailing by boat to Gergesenes he was confronted by two men possessed by evil spirits.

“And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.” - Matthew 8:28-32.

Can I tell you that anyone can know the Bible, even the devil knows Scripture, and he also knows his fate. Does that stop him from being an evil, wicked, deceiver? No. He will continue sending many people to hell with him until the day Christ returns and He himself is cast into the lake of fire, never to bother anyone else again. Sadly, many people will be cast into the lake of fire with him because they never accepted Him. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 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 20:10,14,15. 

Today's Prayer: God, From the bottom of my heart I know that all things are possible to those who believe in You. I also know that my emotions and reasoning are what causes me to lack faith, not in your abilities, but in mine to actually follow through with what I am asking of You. Lord, give me Your power to live by faith and not by my emotions. Lead me and guide me, and help me to get past my fears, create in me a clean heart and renew my spirit to see past my own reasoning and over to Yours. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? Visit: God's Price
Like Us On Facebook: I'm Following Jesus
©2014 I'm Following Jesus

A Bountiful And Peaceful Christian Life

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” - Psalm 119:18.

Date: Thursday, September 02, 2014
Today's Chapters: Matthew 4-6
Message Title: A Bountiful And Peaceful Christian Life

Hello My Friend, 

The key to a bountiful and peaceful Christian life is following Jesus Christ, it's one thing to believe in Him and accept Him as our Saviour, thousands do that, but it's another to accept Him and follow Him. To follow means to go after or behind; to walk, ride or move behind, but in the same direction. Life is not always easy, but if we go after Jesus He will give us the strength we need to get through it. “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:12,13.

The culprit who gets us off the path of Jesus is the devil, once you are saved he has no power over your soul, but he can still have power over your thoughts, and he loves to mess with your thoughts. The devil could not wait to mess with Jesus in His physical state, now that He was in the flesh, and on the earth it would be easy to get the Son of God to sin and forfeit His plan to be the sacrifice that would save man. Three times he tried to get Jesus to sin, Jesus finally told him to get lost. “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” - Matthew 4:8-11.

The devil does not mess with us when we are strong, but in a weak state, and the incredible thing is, God allows him to do this. Now, God is not being mean, He's just trying to see if we are going to trust Him over the devil. The devil is real good at offering things that sound too good to be true, and he can, in fact, convince many to follow him instead of Jesus, the problem with that is following him always leads to pain and destruction. The only chance we have at defeating the devil is by following Jesus, and honestly, the only time we fall anyway is when we let our desires control us.“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” - James 1:12-14.

After Jesus overcame His temptation, He went into Capernaum, it was there that He began to gather His disciples. “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.” - Matthew 4:18-22.

A disciple is a follower to the doctrines of another, those who followed Jesus were called His disciples, hence all Christians who follow Him are called His disciples, as they profess to learn and receive His doctrines. Jesus encourages all who believe in Him to leave their world and follow Him, He did not promise that it will always be easy, but He did promise a blessed life through every trial, every bit of tribulation, andan escape from every temptation too. “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” - Matthew 5:1-8.

While many, many people will get saved, very few will follow Christ, but the more we allow His doctrines to seep into us the more we can endure all that not only the devil throws at us, but everyone else as well. Jesus reminds us that God is always with us, He loves us, and will always take care of us, but the key to a bountiful and peaceful Christian life, even through the trials is faith, and trusting that God will take care of every hair on our head. “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.

Today's Prayer: Jesus, Help me to walk faithfully with You day by day. As I earnestly seek You I will receive the reward You promise to those who do. Daily temptations, doubts, and distractions seek my heart, but I will remain faithfully committed to You, my Lord and Saviour. Though I’ve not seen You physically Your Spirit indwells me and I am filled with Your joy. No matter what circumstances I face, I believe in You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I know that I can do and endure all things through You. Lord, Lead me and guide me in Your will and Your way. I love You, Lord and pray in Your name, Jesus, Amen. 

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? Visit: God's Price
Like Us On Facebook: I'm Following Jesus
©2014 I'm Following Jesus

Follow By Example

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” - Psalm 119:18.

Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Today's Chapters: Matthew 1-3
Message Title: Follow By Example

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament, the fortieth book of the Bible and it contains twenty-eight chapters. The author of the book is Matthew and it was written to all believers, it was directed to the Jews to whom Jesus was presented as the Messiah, the Son of David. The timeline for these events took place approximately between 4BC and 33AD. The purpose of the book was to present the ministry of Jesus, stressing His role as King of the Jws. What we are to learn from the book is the Gospel of Christ and that it is to be preached in all the world until He returns. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” - Matthew 24:14. 

After all the centuries, and millenniums, the prophecies concerning the long awaited Messiah were about to come to pass. Joseph, a descendant of David, was betrothed to marry a young woman named Mary, but something happened that made him question whether he should marry her, she became pregnant. Now, anyone would question such a thing, but this was no ordinary act of conception, this was done by none other than the Almighty God Himself. He comforted Joseph, and encouraged him.

“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” - Matthew 1:20-25.

One of the hardest things for people to believe is that Mary was a virgin, unbelievers love to discredit this miracle because they refuse to believe that anything that supernatural can occur by an all powerful God. It's easier to believe that life just evolved over billions of years ago than in a Creator who put His seed inside of a woman. Go figure? Jesus could have come any other way, but it was very important that God send Him this way so that He would not be born with the sin nature the rest of us are born with. Isaiah confirmed this also, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.” - Isaiah 7:14-16.

Now, after Jesus was born, men from all over the world followed the star that would lead them to their King, some ended up in Jerusalem, asking king Herod where He was. This did not go well with Herod, in fact, he was so worried that a new King would take the throne over him that he ordered all the males in Bethlehem under the age of two to be killed. God sent Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Egypt until Herod died. 

“And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.” - Matthew 2:12-16.

Another thing that unbelievers love to do to discredit God is destroy any proof that they have on His existence. They should know by now that when God says something will happen, it will happen, and no one can stop Him. I love the way people scramble for scientific proof of strange occurrences, and the stupid answers they give instead of acknowledging it as something from God. By the way, nothing happens without God knowing it, while it is sad that all those babies had to die under a ruthless killer, the person to blame is not God, it's the person. Evil happens because of the sin nature we have all been born with, Herod's be fat ego refused to submit himself to an all powerful King. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” - James 1:13,14.

Jesus spent thirty years on earth as an ordinary man, He knew that God was His Father, but still obeyed His mother and Joseph, just as any other godly child would do. He went to see John the Baptist, in the Book of Malachi, we learn that he was the forerunner that God would send to the Jews. God used him to show them that even though they were of Abraham's seed, they too were under the same judgment as everyone else in the world, but can be saved. “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:” - Matthew 3:7-11.

I had a person ask me why I follow a religion that was initiated by John the Baptist. I honestly did not know how to answer that question, but as I studied the Scriptures I learned why John was named the Baptist (one who administers baptism), and it has nothing to do with religion.John got his title because he baptized (immersed in water) any person who repented (turn away from sin) and turned to Jesus. Baptism was and still is a symbol of a person turning away fromsin and publicly acknowledging they believe in Jesus. 

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” - Matthew 3:13-17.

Baptism is not to be saved, it is a public profession of faith in believing in Jesus. Jesus went to John to be baptized not for repentance of sin, but that He might show that the Holy Spirit fully emerges in all who believe in and receive Him. It is also a symbol of His death, burial, and resurrection, and how we were once dead to sin, were buried in the Living water of Christ, and resurrected into everlasting life through Him. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” - Colossians 2:12.

Today's Prayer: God, You have called all Your people to warn others of the judgment placed upon them for their sins and to also show them the way to escape that judgment. Lord, Thank You for finding us and saving us, let us not take our salvation in vain by ignoring Your call to tell the lost about Your Son. Give us Your power, wisdom, and the boldness to speak the truth about the Gospel and tell whoever You put on our heart to do so. Let us be the example You need us to be as Jesus is for us. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? Visit: God's Price
Like Us On Facebook: I'm Following Jesus
©2014 I'm Following Jesus

Turn To Him Wholeheartedly

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” - Psalm 119:18. Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2014 Today's Chapters: Book of Malachi  Message Title: Turn To Him Wholeheartedly  Hello My Friend, The Book of Malachi is the thirty-ninth book of the Old Testament/Bible, the final book of the Old Testament, and contains four chapters. The author of the book is Malachi and it was written to Israel. The timeline for these events took place approximately between 440BC and 410BC. The purpose of the book was to call Israel to repentance and return to righteousness in order to restore the nation, calling great emphasis on the Levites. What we are to learn from the book is that it is not enough to turn to God,we must turn to Him wholeheartedly. “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.” - Malachi 2:2. Malachi was the last of the Old Testament prophets, he speaks clearly of Jesus, and encourages God's people to repent. Through Malachi, God addresses those who have been complaining and questioning Him of His judgment. “I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? saith the LORD: yet I loved Jacob, And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness. Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD hath indignation for ever. And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel. For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.” - Malachi 1:2-5,11. The problem here was that the people were relying on false religion to tell them who God was and how He wanted them to live instead of learning from God Himself. Now, God is seen as someone who is evil and only picks certain kind of people to be His people. Does this all seem a little familiar to you? It drives me nuts when people say, “I'm Catholic” or “I'm Jehovah's Witness” or “I'm a Jew”. Religion gets us nowhere with God! He is begging all to realize that the only religion we need is the Gospel. He does not care what color or nationality we are, He cares that we believe in His Son, andthat we accept Him, and trust only in Him to save us. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - 1 John 5:13. Now, God has something to say to the leaders of the church, those who were using His name for their own financial gain, but were not teaching the truth or using the money they were getting for the church. “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name. For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.” - Malachi 2:2,5-9. People look to men and women who they think know God for guidance and direction, but when they are not reading and following God's Word themselves all they are doing is deceiving those who are truly trying to live for God. Heads up to religions who use other books as God's Word, if churches do not encourage you to read the Bible or read from the Bible themselves in the church service then they are deceiving you. “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:13. If we as Christians are not living our lives as the example that God wants us to be you can imagine why so many people reject Christ and think that it is no different than living their lives the way they are living now. We are representatives of Christ, do not be ashamed of it, embrace it, true freedom comes when we wholeheartedly serve Him. “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.” - 1 John 2:28,29.  Today's Prayer: God, We can live in such a way that our limitations define us and guide us in all that we think, do, and say to the point that we feel like prisoners. Lord, we can recognize our true freedom when You accomplish Your will in our lives when we humbly serve You. The constraints we place on ourselves can be lifted by the power of Your Holy Spirit as we give You all that we are and wholeheartedly devote ourselves to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.  God Bless You, I am praying for you, Christina Are You 100% Sure That You Are Going To Heaven? Visit: God's Price Like Us On Facebook: I'm Following Jesus ©2014 I'm Following Jesus