Hope And Assurance

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2015
Chapters: The Books of Zephaniah & Haggai http://imfollowingjesus.com/Bible-Reading-269.html
Message Title: Hope And Assurance

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Zephaniah is the thirty-sixth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains three chapters, the author of the book is Zephaniah and it was written to the people in Israel and all nations, the timeline for these events took place approximately between 639BC and 609BC. The purpose of the book was to warn all nations of Judgment Day. What we are to learn from the book is that God rather save then destroy, He is mighty to save all who come to Him. “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17.

It's incredible to be, Jew or Christian, we all worship the same God, yet many pick and choose which part of the Bible they want to believe and obey. Many Jews disregard any book other than the first five, while Christians disregard all of the Old Testament and much of the New. Okay, those of us who were born after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are not under the Mosaic law, but it's important that we learn of and study the times before Christ came here so that we have an understanding of what God expects of us and what is to come if we do not become hears and doers of all of His Word. Zephaniah prophesied around the time of Habakkuk, this time God addresses not only Israel, but the entire earth and points out exactly who will not survive Judgment Day.

“I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumblingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD. And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham; And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him. Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.” - Zephaniah 1:3,5-7,12.

And those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him. Among those who worship false gods, mix the Almighty with other gods, and whom have turned their backs on Him are those who never sought or even asked about Him. I heard a missionary to Africa say that where she is they never heard of Jesus, the majority of them are Muslim, and they are afraid to convert for being killed. Now, I know that anyone can get saved, and if God has laid it on someones heart to teach the Gospel to others in a foreign land then souls can be won, but to know of and not accept Christ is just the same as not knowing at all, ignorance does not save anyone, only Christ does. No one wants to admit that Judgment Day will come, but they all fear the end, we do not have to fear the end because God has a plan an escape for those who will come to Him. He explains this through Zephaniah.

“Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger come upon you. Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger. The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every one from his place, even all the isles of the heathen. This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.” - Zephaniah 2:1-3,11,15.

Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD'S anger. God only saves those who humbly admit they are a sinner and need Him. You can pray a thousand times a day, worship every man made god known, but unless you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and are saved through Him than you are a part of the billions of people who will be consumed off the land upon His return. While God is willing to wait, He is not willing to share the spotlight with false gods or those who think themselves a god. This is not cruel punishment, this is just judgment from the all mighty God.

“The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings. Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.” - Zephaniah 3:5-9,12.

The Book of Haggai is the thirty-seventh book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains two chapters, the author of the book is Haggai and it was written to the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon after seventy years of captivity, approximately 520 BC. The purpose of the book was to inspire Israel to have a new zeal for God and make the leaders aware of their responsibility to rebuild the Temple of worship. What we are to learn from the book is that God demands first place in our lives. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.” - Haggai 2:8,9.

Haggai was among the first of the exiles to return from Babylon under the leadership of Zerubbabel, who was the governor and Joshua, the high priest. Their purpose was to rebuild the Temple that was destroyed seventy years ago, but due to circumstances they let it slip and began building their own homes. Through Haggai, God calls them to get back to building the temple. “Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.” - Haggai 1:4-8.

I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD. I learned a long time ago that everything needs to be built upon the foundation of Christ. I am self employed, when business comes to a halt, I begin to wonder the cause, only to realize that I had not been putting God first. He does not want second place, He wants first place in our lives. Through Haggai, God reveals an everlasting temple that all who enter will be His glory. “According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.” - Haggai 2:5-9.

Christ is the desire of all nations, for in Him shall the families of the earth be blessed with the best of blessings. The shaking of nations will take place during the Tribulation, which will be followed by Christ’s return in all His glory. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17.

Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for giving us hope and assurance of the glorious day in which all nations will come together as one, speak one language, and worship only You in the kingdom that You are preparing for Your people. You desire our fellowship, our devotion, and our trust for all our needs, as You delight in providing us with everything we have need of. Lord, lead me and guide me in Your will and ways, help me to work only for the things that give You glory, for I know that as long as I am in Your will I will be taken care of and receive much more than I imagine. I love You Lord, and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Surviving In A Wicked World

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Friday, September 25, 2015
Chapters: The Book of Habakkuk http://imfollowingjesus.com/Bible-Reading-268.html
Message Title: Surviving In A Wicked World

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Habakkuk is the thirty-fifth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains three chapters. The author of the book is Habakkuk and it was written to the people of Judah. The timeline for these events took place approximately between 608BC and 590BC. The purpose of the book was to awaken Judah to their spiritual needs and warn them of the impending judgment from God. What we are to learn from the book is that the just shall live by faith alone. “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” - Habakkuk 2:4.

Every faithful Christian becomes more cautious of their actions the closer they get to Christ, they are the first to admit that they are just sinners saved by the grace of God. We get the affliction we face when we have sinned, but when we are suffering for things when there seems to be no explanation, that is when we often don't. Habakkuk prophesied in the latter years of Josiah, he expresses an attitude that many faithful Christians have, a disgust for his wicked nation. Habakkuk asked God how much longer he had to suffer and keep praying for an end to it all when things keep getting worse.

“O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction. Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?” - Habakkuk 1:2-4,12,13.

Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity. This is what Habakkuk was witnessing, in his town, immorality, idolatry, destruction, violence, no justice in the courts, and the wicked out numbered the righteous. Sound a little like what is going on today? He wonders why God doesn't do anything to judge the wicked, while the righteous are the ones suffering. God hates sin, any sin, and it is all punishable by death, He cannot look sin straight in the eyes, if He did we would all be in hell. That is why He sent His Son, those who are saved are no longer wicked in His eyes because they are made righteous through Christ. It may seem as those who live wickedly get away with what they are doing, but that is not what is happening, their time is running out.

“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” - 1 Peter 4:14-16.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye, it is far better to suffer under the hand of God rather than mans hands. God answers Habakkuk, reminding him that nothing gets pass Him, and they will not get away with what they have done. “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein. Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil! Thou hast consulted shame to thy house by cutting off many people, and hast sinned against thy soul. Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!” - Habakkuk 2:3,4,8-10,15.

Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. God is reminding all us that no wickedness will go unpunished, we may not see things happening right now, but He is watching and listening to everything that is going on, and when the time is right, judgment will come. Let me tell you, this past year I have never seen so many people try to steer me away from living and teaching God's Word. Every time I think I have learned of every religion and cult you can think of I am subject to another, and I can truly understand why Jesus says not everyone who says they know Him will enter His Kingdom. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” - 2 Peter 3:9,10.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise. It may not look like it right now, but God is going to do something marvelous that we as Christian's will find hard to understand and believe. Through the afflictions we face we can rejoice knowing that no matter what happens to us we still have God. Habakkuk praises God in prayer. “O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” - Habakkuk 3:2,17-19.

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. No matter what difficulties we face, God is with us, He is our joy, He is our salvation, and He is all we need. Everything and everyone can fail us, which is why we go through so much needless suffering in the first place, but God never does. Anything He takes from us is going to be replaced by something much better, My goodness, these verses struck me hard today because I was praying to God this morning wondering what was going on with me and then He answered me. God is just as uncompromising toward sin today as He always has been. He assures us that no matter what we are going through or how long it seems to take to receive an answer, He is at work and we will see an end to the suffering. “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.

Today's Prayer: God, I may not know what tomorrow brings, but I do know that You will be there and You will see me through everything that I go through. Lord, it's not always easy to avoid the temptations of the world, ot the false prophets out to pull us away from Your truths, but with You by my side I know I will survive. Lead me and guide me, keep me looking to You, let me not turn to the right or left, just keep eyes straight on You. Give me Your power and strength to walk away from temptation and those who are trying to lead me away from You. I will rejoice in You for You are the God of my salvation, I am nothing without You, and I know that I can endure all things with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Proud Sinners

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2015
Chapters: The Book of Nahum http://imfollowingjesus.com/Bible-Reading-267.html
Message Title: Proud Sinners

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Nahum is the thirty-forth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains three chapters. The author of the book is Nahum and it was written to the city of Nineveh. The timeline was about 660BC. The purpose of the book was to warn them of the coming judgment on Nineveh, after they fell away from God. What we are to learn from the book is that God hates and avenges all evil. “God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.” - Nahum 1:2.

While every believer and receiver of Christ is saved by the grace of God through their faith in Him and not by any works it is wise to live in obedience to God. Apart from showing God honor and glory by our obedience, we also show those in world the importance of Christ being in their lives. Yeah, we are saved by grace, but if we are living as the world or even worse, how are they going to know Christ? Nations get destroyed because they forget God, and it all starts by His people failing to live in obedience to Him. Nahum prophesied during the reign of Hezekiah, about a hundred and fifty years after God used Jonah to warn Nineveh of the judgment upon them and they were spared. Now, Nineveh had failed to keep God's commands, and are facing judgment again, this time there was no escape.

“Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more. For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder. And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile. Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.” - Nahum 1:12-15.

Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, so many churches lay quiet, they do their own thing, follow their own doctrine, yet do not even notice that they are a time bomb about to go off. God will deliver His faithful from destruction, but those who are not will be judged. Those who say they know God, but make their own god, proclaiming it as Him will have Him to answer to. “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” - Revelation 2:2-5.

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, God gives many warnings for repentance to avoid the consequences of judgment, that is why He is longsuffering with us and Jesus has not returned yet. However, there does come a time when there is a final warning, even for Christians who do not repent of their ways, which is what He was doing with Nineveh. And when they finally do cry out to God, it will be too late. “He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared. The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved. And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts. But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back.” - Nahum 2:5-8.

Like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away, many people from all over the world settled there, it was corrupted, stale, and idle. The pool was filled, but at the rebuke of the Lord they shall flee. So many Christians are stale, idle, corrupted by their world or their religion, instead of turning to Christ, they flee. While no saved, born again Christian will face Christ for eternal judgment, they will face judgment, there is sin that will bring death even for them because they are not living in the will of God. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” - Matthew 12:36,37.

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, to be justified means to be pardoned and clear from guilt. When we receive Christ as our Saviour we are pardoned and cleared from all sin, but that does not mean we will not suffer for sin. The sins of Nineveh were charged, and they were about to be judged for their sins. “Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departeth not; The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the pransing horses, and of the jumping chariots. The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear: and there is a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcases; and there is none end of their corpses; they stumble upon their corpses: Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts. Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will shew the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame.” - Nahum 3:1-5.

I will shew the nations thy nakedness, every sin gets exposed, especially if it is arrogantly done and they vainly justify their actions through their salvation. Proud sinners are preparing enemies for themselves, and if God sees fit to punish them in this world, they will have no one to pity them, and they will bring themselves to shame. Israel was instructed to feel sorrow for what was to come to them, not rejoice as they did when they were judged. When others sins are exposed, we should never lift ourselves up nor tear them down, we are all sinners saved by the grace of God, and are capable of falling. “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 3:17-19.

Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for Your mercy and grace that saved a sinner like me when I trusted in Your Son as my Saviour. I know that I am forgiven of all my sins, past, present, and future because You no longer look at me through me, but through Your Son. You promise to never leave nor forsake me no matter what I do, and that I am justified forever no matter how many times I mess up. Lord, I do not want to sit idle, living anyway I please, without any regard for the great sacrifice You made to set me free from my sins. I want to be honorable and respectable in Your eyes, even if everyone else shuns me or mocks me for living in obedience to all of Your commands. Lead me and guide me, give me Your power, strength, wisdom, and guidance to be the godly example You need me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Overcoming Struggles From Sin

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Chapters: The Book of Micah http://imfollowingjesus.com/Bible-Reading-266.html
Message Title: Overcoming Struggles From Sin

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Micah is the thirty-third book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains seven chapters. The author of the book is Micah and it was written to all nations. The timeline for these events took place between 758BC and 710BC. The purpose of the book is to call all to repentance to avoid judgment. What we are to learn from the book is that God judges all, He pardons all who repent, and trust in Him for their salvation. “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” - Micah 7:19.

As much as we would like to admit that we live by every word of God, the truth is, we do not. Every single saved, born again Christian struggles with something they are trying to overcome, but a few are content to keep the sin in their lives. Now, we are all saved by the grace of God and nothing can take away our salvation, but we will still suffer for the sinful things that remain. If we are working to overcome them God will help us, but if we have no intention of changing our ways, judgment comes, and until we repent, God will not hear our pleas for help. Micah was called by God to tell not to the Jews, but Gentiles of the immoral condition of Israel and the judgment that would result from it. These are people who know God, who know to do right, but still remain in sin.

“And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment? Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God. But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.” - Micah 3:1,2,-8,11.

Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us, many Christians make the assumption that because they are saved they can live as they please. Then when judgment comes they are the first to blame God for not being there. We cannot expect mercies from God if we are going to remain living in sin, fully knowing what we are doing is wrong. Now, if we turn to Him with all of our heart, intent on removing the things that we are allowing than He will be right there with open arms to help us. “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 1:8-10.

God warns His people, He allows them to suffer for their sins, but He also forgives, and forgives, and forgives. Through Micah we learn of the glorious day that Christ will reign and rebuild His kingdom with His remnant of believers, both Jew and Gentile, but this time the entire earth will be judged.

“But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor. Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.” - Micah 4:1,2,11-13.

But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel. So many people make the misconception that God strikes a person down for living in sin, the truth is, they do it to themselves. God does not have to do anything, the guilt, shame, and consequences they face all on their own is punishment enough. God is not being cruel or punishing anyone who chooses to live in sin, He doesn't have to because they do it to themselves. Through Micah, God stresses the importance of obedience, not having to constantly come to Him for forgiveness.

“Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins. Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword. Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.” - Micah 6:6-8,13-15.

What is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly. You know the majority of the time we struggle with sin because of someone we know. Through Micah, God addresses those who put their trust in a person rather than Him, while we can depend up people for help, we must learn to rely sole upon God. “Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house. Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” - Micah 7:5-7,18,19.

A man's enemies are the men of his own house, my goodness what an understatement that is. There is not one person on earth that we can put our complete and total trust in. Why? Because we carry this wretched flesh and under certain circumstances, especially if we do not have God close by, any of us can fall. More people get hurt by loved ones than anyone else. I know, many people think they have been burned by God, but the truth is, they really put their trust in a person and when they got hurt they blamed God. God doesn't bring evil, we do, mainly because of our heart, and what we desire. God is always there to pick us up and even mend us, but unless we come to Him we will always remain bondage to sin. “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” - John 8:34-36.

Today's Prayer: God, I know I have been in my share of messes in life, but there is not one that I did not create on my own. The amazing thing is that You were there to clean it up for me, when I just came to you. I know I tried so many times to do things on my own, but time and time again You remind me of how weak I am. Thank You for the strength to come to You and even though I still mess up from time to time, I know You are always there to help me when I come to You. Lord, lead me and guide me, help me to keep my eyes on You and not on my heart, trusting that only You can truly help me overcome all my struggles. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Repentance From Self Righteousness

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Chapters: The Books of Obadiah and Jonah http://imfollowingjesus.com/Bible-Reading-265.html
Message Title: Repentance From Self Righteousness

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Obadiah is the thirty-first book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains one chapter. The author of the book is Obadiah and it was written to the people of Edom, descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother. The timeline for these events took place approximately between 900BC and 880BC. The purpose of the book was to warn Edom of God's judgment for their attempt to overtake Israel while they were being judged. What we are to learn from the book is that God judges all who exalt themselves through pride. “Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.” - Obadiah 1:4.

Obadiah wholly addresses Edom in this small, but just as powerful book. Edom is a nation nearly allied and joined with Israel, yet they have been an enemy to the seed of Jacob, inheriting the enmity of their father Esau to Jacob. While Israel was being judged, Edom conspired to take the land for themselves, of course, God who sees and knows everything was not happy with what they were doing, therefore, they too will face judgment, but unlike Israel, which will be restored, Edom will not.

“Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised. The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD. Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity; Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress. For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.” - Obadiah 1:2-4,13-15.

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, it is pride, an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, and rank, that keeps a person from knowing Christ personally as their Saviour. It is the deceitful, proud heart that refuses to admit they are accountable for their actions, and they shall receive their reward when they face Jesus Christ. “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” - Romans 14:11,12.

The book of Jonah is the thirty-second book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains four chapters. The author of the book is Jonah and it was written to the nation of Nineveh. The timeline for these events took place approximately 825C to 790BC. The purpose of the book was to get Nineveh to acknowledge God, repent, and turn to Him. It was also to document to the Jews that salvation was not for them only, but for all who repent and turn to Him. What we are to learn from the book is that salvation is not restricted by race, religion, culture, or any other barriers, it is for all who shall call upon the name of the Lord. “And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?” - Jonah 4:11.

Repent, to feel pain, sorrow or regret for something done or spoken, while we should all feel deep sorrow over sin, repentance goes beyond this. True repentance is changing our minds from a self righteous way for salvation and turning to Christ. A sinner who repents to Christ changes the course of their fate of an eternity in hell to one in His Kingdom. We learn of this through Jonah, a Jew, native of Galilee, who was commanded by God to go Nineveh, to warn them of the judgment they were under, if they did not repent and turn to Him their nation would be destroyed. Jonah believed that since Nineveh was a Gentile nation they did not deserve to be saved, so, he fled on a ship. Jonah could not escape God, He followed Him and brought a raging storm with Him. When the people on the ship discovered that Jonah's God was the living God they trembled, and just before casting him over the ship they got saved themselves.

“And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them. Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee. So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging. Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows.” - Jonah 1:12-16.

We always talk about how God's is always with us, and how He turns His back to us if we sin, but we rarely talk about His constant presence when He calls us to do something. Let me tell you, when God has a job for us He means business, and He will do whatever it takes, even place us under severe trials to get us do it. God did not let Jonah die, He had a giant fish swallow him and remained there for three days, finally he prays to God and surrendered to Him. “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.” - Jonah 2:1-3,8-10.

An amazing illustration is played out in Jonah being in the belly of a whale for three days and three nights, it portrays the image of Christ, in which He said Himself that Jonah was the only sign of His death, burial, and resurrection that those questing Him will get. “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.” - Matthew 12:39-41.

Since all people are precious to God, He does not want to see anyone destroyed, He may have used Israel as the people to introduce His power and might to, but His intension was for all to repent of trusting in their false gods and turn to Him. Jonah did as God commanded, the king and entire nation repented and turned to God. “And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.” - Jonah 3:4-6,9,10.

This is why Jesus has not returned yet, we have no idea when He is coming, but He is coming, and we need to tell all God lays on our heart about Him. God explains this to Jonah, who was upset that he had to tell them how to be saved. “But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil. Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live. Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?” - Jonah 4:1-4.

God is the judge of all, not us, we have no right to pick and choose who we are to speak to, when God tells us to talk to someone about the Gospel, we are to go willingly, without complaint. We are all sinners saved by grace, and if God is telling us to speak to someone we are not crazy about than He has a great blessing waiting for us. “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.” - Romans 14:13.

Today's Prayer: God, You have blessed us with so much, You have given life to all who believe in and receive Your Son. We are saved only by trusting in His death, burial, and resurrection, and He alone not only saves us from hell, but brings us out of every mess that we have gotten ourselves into over the years without Him if we come to You. How merciful You are, how wonderful You are, to save a sinner like me. Thank You, Jesus, and thank You God for giving me the opportunity to repent and enjoy a new found, abundant, never boring, life with You in it. I love You Lord, and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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It's Okay To Be Broken

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Monday, September 21, 2015
Chapters: Amos 6-9 http://imfollowingjesus.com/Bible-Reading-264.html
Message Title: It's Okay To Be Broken

Hello My Friend,

To the Christian who walks with Christ daily, there is something comforting in knowing that we are protected by God Himself. Oh, we may face some trials, some of which we bring upon ourselves, but we know that He never leaves nor forsakes us. To the world who ignores God, there is something tormenting in hearing what they are doing is wrong, for deep down they know there is a hell and don't want to be in it any more that we do. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.

The word of God is quick, and powerful, no other book in the world has the power of God's book, it is life for those who believe it and death for those who do not. Don't let the world fool you, they know God exists, they know there is conviction in it, and that is why they have taken it out of our schools, it the court rooms, and even the churches. Amos is among the many prophets that God sent to the Northern Kingdom to get them to turn from their false gods and turn to Him, so, nothing he said was new to them. Through Amos, God upbraids Israel for were ignoring the warnings of their judgment and continuing in their ways.

“Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great: then go down to Gath of the Philistines: be they better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border? Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.” - Amos 6:1-3,8.

I abhor the excellency of Jacob, they forgot their God, and prided themselves on what they had made out of the kingdom, including their false gods. God takes pride in a nation that prospers under Him because He built it from the ground up, but He's a jealous God and will have no other gods before Him. time and time again, history reveals what comes of a nation who turns their back to God. “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” - Matthew 21:42-44.

And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken, Christ is a stone of stumbling, He is the foundation and corner stone for fallen souls who believe in Him. Those who fall on Him shall be broken from the bondage of sin, of dead works, and of the judgment placed upon them to be fit for the Kingdom of God. The world and many who base their salvation on their works or other gods do not want to hear this truth. They don't want to leave their sin filled life and turn to Christ. Again, all that Amos was saying was not new news to them, in fact, a priest was trying to stop him and send him back to Judah. “Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land. Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there: But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court.” - Amos 7:10-13.

The world and even many churches do everything they can to push away the truth from those who are seeking it. There will come a time when people are going to be so desperate to hear from God, but He will not be found. God speaks of a time when people will wander the world in search of His Word, we know this to be the dark ages. “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day: And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.” - Amos 8:8-12.

Many people claim to call themselves Christians, yet are far from being close to one. They have no regard for what Christ has done for them or for God's Word, they continue living in sin, and try to conform to the world instead of Christ. Through Amos, God tells them that He is always watching them, He is going to destroy Israel, but not all of it. “Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD. For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us. In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.” - Amos 9:8-11,15.

They Jews have the mentality to think that they can hide their sins, do whatever they please as though they were just like David, and get away with it because they were God's chosen. Christians have that same mentality, only they believe they salvation justifies their behavior. A lot of people misread God's Word when He says that all of Israel will be restored. What God means by this is that the nation of Israel will be restored and Christ will reign from Jerusalem. He will resurrect all for judgment, Jew and Gentile, those who received Christ receive eternal life, those who do not receive eternal death. “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;” - Romans 2:9-12.

Today's Prayer: God, As we apply Christ’s redemptive blood to our souls we find the newness of life. What great liberty and joy to know that our names are written down in heaven. If we set our hearts on this world we will wear down and lose the joy that comes with the new life you have given us. Lead us and guide us, give is Your power to resist the temptation to seek other means for our needs, but look solely upon You as You supply all our needs according to Your riches, Keep us in Your Word, help us to learn it and follow it to keep from falling into this wicked world, In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Prepare To Meet Thy God

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2015
Chapters: Amos 1-5 http://imfollowingjesus.com/Bible-Reading-263.html
Message Title: Prepare To Meet Thy God

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Amos is the thirtieth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains nine chapters. The author of the book is Amos and it was written to all the children of Israel. The timeline is approximately 776-763 BC. The purpose of the book was to call Israel back to God. What we are to learn from the book is that God calls all nations to prepare for the day they will meet Him. “For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name.” - Amos 4:13.

Transgression, the act of passing over or beyond any law or rule of moral duty. As Christians, it is our moral duty to obey the laws of God. And this is what the problem has been since the world began. Amos, was of the house of Judah, but God sent him to the northern kingdom (known as Israel) during the reign of Jeroboam II, to warn them of their transgressions and why they are being judged.

“Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked: But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem. Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes; That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name: And they lay themselves down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god.” - Amos 2:4-8.

They sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes. Let me tell you, and if you didn't notice this by now, it's time to start, we are in a me, myself, and I generation, and people will sell you out in a second to satisfy their lusts, including some Christians. Now, these were prophesies that came to pass, Judah in the 70 years of their captivity and Israel in their world-wide dispersion which still continues today. However, the same warning still applies to today, for our transgressions we will be judged because we are all guilty of despising the law of God. Our only safety net, Jesus Christ, and while we do not have hell and the lake of fire to look forward to, we do have some suffering to look forward to if we do not get in that safety net. “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4.

God sends Amos to Bethel to deliver the prophecy of judgment there, the site of one of Israel's two false worship centers and one of several homes of Jeroboam II. God addresses all of Israel, not just the northern kingdom as a whole. “Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts, That in the day that I shall visit the transgressions of Israel upon him I will also visit the altars of Bethel: and the horns of the altar shall be cut off, and fall to the ground. And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the LORD.” - Amos 3:1-3,13-15.

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Do you know how many religions claim to know God, and Christ for that matter, but certainly do not walk together with God? They too will face judgment from God, all their altars and comforts and pleasures will be destroyed. We cannot pretend to worship God and live under the laws of false religion. We must give Him our all, and we must follow His law, not some book created by man that claims it knows God. Anyone can take some verses out of Scripture and say they know God, only those who read it and study it completely can walk together with Christ, agree, and truly know God. “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” - 2 Timothy 2:14-16.

If you ever wondered where God is with all the crazy things that are going on in the world today, the answer is, He is right there waiting for His people to return to Him. While God does not want to see any of His people suffer, quite often He allows war, natural disasters, even things like the recession and famine to influence His people to return to Him. Through Amos, He tells Israel no matter what He has done to them, whether it was helping them prosper or chastening them, they never returned, and this is why they were facing judgment.

“The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks. And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered. So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” - Amos 4:2,6-9,12.

Prepare to meet thy God. One way or another we are all going to come face to face with Christ, and personally I'm glad I am on the right side. Quite often, God allows destruction and turmoil to influence people to turn to Him. Believe it or not, until a person repents of their sins their troubles will get worse and worse, especially if they are someone who has received Christ. Constant rebelling forces God to do what He does not willingly want to do, but what is necessary to bring them to their senses. “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.

While judgment day is not avoidable God does make a way for a person to escape it or find peace through it. Through Amos, He reminds us that all we have to do to be saved is seek the LORD. “Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name. Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it? I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.” - Amos 5:8,14,18,20-22.

Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! So many people do some crazy things as if Judgment Day will be very soon. While we will never know the day in which Christ will return it is not an excuse for reckless behavior. “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” - Revelation 16:15.

Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for loving us so much to warn us repeatedly of Your judgment so that all can have a chance to know Your Son, and thank You for showing us the right path of life. Lord, keep us faithful and growing as we await the return of Your Son. Give us Your power and strength to reach whoever You place before us with the Gospel, and let us be the godly example You need us to be to add to the family. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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