Having A Relationship With God

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2015
Chapters: Romans 4-7
Message Title: Having A Relationship With God

Hello My Friend,

You know, when God created the earth, He could have put anything here, but He chose to put man made in His own image here. Do you think He didn't know that man would not fall into sin? Of course, He did. Think about this, it is not man that sins, it is our flesh, the wretched, proud, do what I want to do, flesh. Our flesh is full of emotions, wants, and desires, all you have to do is watch a newborn baby immediately stop crying the second they get what they want to understand we are all born with a sin nature. God knows our flesh, and it is the acts of the flesh that separate us from Him, but He wants a relationship with us, after all, He created us. No matter how many laws we follow, we are going to mess up, and that is why God had a plan from very the first sin committed up in heaven (Lucifer) to give us a way to overcome sin for good. “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” - Romans 7:24,25.

God didn't give us the Bible for us to believe in Him, He gave it so that we know what He expects and how He wants us to live with Him. Paul explains in his letter to the Romans that those going to heaven are not getting there according to their own righteousness, but by their faith and trust in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was not something new, Old Testament times they had to believe that Jesus was coming to save them. Paul explains that even Abraham had to have faith that God would fulfill His promise.

“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.” - Romans 4:3,13-17.

“through the righteousness of faith.” Abraham did not have a Bible, he, by faith, had to believe that God would not only make him a father to many nations, but that Jesus would come through his seed. While God does want us to do good, it's not any good that do that makes us heirs with God (or Abraham). Why? You see, what we see as good (perfect) is not what God sees a good. God knows that no matter how good we try to be, we will still sin, and even if it is something so small as disobeying one command, it's still sin. Remember, all Adam and Eve did was eat a piece of fruit from a tree they were told not to eat from. That's why God made a way for us to be able to stand before Him without our own righteousness, but through His Son's, and not only that, get eternal life too.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 5:12-15,20,21.

“grace did much more abound:” There's that Amazing Grace again, we don't have to do anything good to get to God or heaven, we just need to believe in Jesus and accept Him as our Saviour. By one man's offense (sin), Adam, sin, death, and hell (condemnation) was passed down to all of us. By one man's obedience to the cross we are made righteous before God. Jesus was not born through the flesh as we are, (Mary was conceived of the Holy Spirit, not through physical contact) therefore, He was not born with the sin nature that are born with. His ability to be the only sinless man in the world was the only thing capable of permanent redemption for a soul bound for hell. When Jesus died for us, He paid the wages of sin for all who believe in Him, God does want us to do good by His standards, it's just impossible because of our sin nature, which is why salvation is a gift, not something we pay for through good works.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:1,2,12-14,23.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you:” Don't use your salvation as a way to keep living in sin, use it to improve your relationship with God. We are not under the law of dead works, but of grace, but we still need to do things that are pleasing to God, after all, He did die for us. Never use the excuse of the flesh as an occasion to remain in sin, it will really hurt us more because we are saved. “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” - Romans 7:7-9,14-17.

“Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” When we continue to live in sin, and I am talking about deliberately living a life that is sinful knowing you are saved, we are holding ourselves captive to it. Face it, our flesh stinks, I hate my flesh because it never seems to be happy, always craving things and doing things on impulse, which is why I know I am are under grace. God gave His Word to guide us because we don't always make good decisions with our flesh, and need some direction on what really is good to Him. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” - 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

Today's Prayer: God, As we confess that we are sinners and believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again on the third day we are confident that we are saved and going to heaven. To acknowledge this truth comes so naturally with great enthusiasm, boldness, and conviction, but the real test of our faith comes when we publicly acknowledge these Biblical truths among those who don’t agree. No matter the setting and no matter the testing, Your grace lets us boldly declare that blessed hope of eternal life with You, not by our works, but Christ's finished work. Let us who are saved, learn and grow in Your grace, living in obedience according to Your Word, and not our flesh. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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The Law of Grace

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Friday, November 20, 2015
Chapters: Romans 1-3
Message Title: The Law of Grace

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Romans is the sixth book of the New Testament, forty-fifth book of the Bible, and contains sixteen chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to all believers, the time he wrote it is about 60AD, he was in Corinth and heard about the Romans faith in the Gospel, but there was some confusion as they were intermixing Jewish and Christian laws. The purpose of the book, also known as Romans road, was to show that Christ replaced the law of Moses with the law of grace by faith in the Gospel of Christ. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” - Romans 3:23,24.

Grace, the unmerited favor of God, the unmerited pardoned from punishment. It is by the grace of God in our faith and trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ that we are not cast into a fiery burning hell when we die as punishment for our sins. Praise God! Not of our works are we saved, but by believing in Christ's finish work on the cross are we saved. When Paul heard about the Romans accepting the Gospel he was ecstatic, but became concerned when he learned there was some intermixing of it with the Jewish religion. He had hopes that he would visit there, but decided to write before things got out of hand. First, he reminds them that the Gospel is for all.

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” - Romans 1:8-12,16,17.

“comforted together with you by the mutual faith” Mutual faith, there is a reason why God does not want us to be joined together with unbelievers. It's not enough to believe that Jesus died for us, we must also believe that He is alone is necessary to save us. If anyone believes any other story, such as adding baptism, church attendance, following additional rules than it's not the same gospel, it's false and will cause a lot of problems. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” - Galatians 1:6-8.

“let him be accursed.” Those who teach a false gospel will be cast into hell. Many people truly believe that Christ died for them, and ask Him to save them, but instead of learning more about Christ by reading the Bible, they rely on religion or religious people to teach them, this perverts the Gospel. This was what was happening in Rome, people were believing in Christ and told to follow Jewish laws. Now, Paul upbraids them for judging the people under the law.

“Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.” - Romans 2:1-3,20-24.

“whosoever thou art that judgest:” Judge, to examine and pass sentence on, rightly to understand and discern. This word is so overplayed, those living in sin when confronted are the first to cry out, “Don't judge me!” yet they are the first to condemn others for their sin. The Jews were trying to make the Gentiles live under the law of Moses and yet they were not doing it themselves. We must understand that what we see is morally wrong is different from what God sees as morally wrong. Here's a scenario that Paul is referring to, not judge, and Jesus for that matter. Jewish people don't eat pork, this goes back to when God told them not to eat it while they were living under the law of Moses. God changed this law after Jesus, Peter confirmed that, but many will not eat pork still today because they remember the law. This is not something to argue with, if a person chooses to eat pork, they are not to be judged by those who don't because we are no longer under the law of Moses, but grace. “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” - John 7:24.

Sometimes I get angry with the Jews, they were God's chosen people, they witnessed manna, His presence over a cloud, the parting of the Red Sea, and miracle after miracle, yet never showed gratitude or obeyed unless they were in trouble. Then it came to me, I have witnessed my own miracles, and have not shown gratitude or always obeyed Him either. I am no different that a Jew, Christ died for me and for you, which is why we are not under the law of Moses (works), but the law of Grace. Paul reminds them that God is the judge of all, and we are not under the law of works, but of grace.

“But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” -Romans 3:5-9,23,24.

“Being justified freely by his grace” Justified, acquitted, set free from the wages of sin. Simply by our faith in and acceptance of Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice needed for permanent redemption are we saved. You are not justified by what you do for God, who you are, or where you came from, you are justified by accepting that your are a sinner, believing that Jesus purchased your sin debt with His blood, and that alone is all that is needed to be saved, and asking Him to save you. Works count after we are saved, not before. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10.

Today's Prayer: Jesus, You deserve all the glory, honor, and power for redeeming my soul when I received You as my Saviour. My salvation was only made possible by Your death, burial, and resurrection. While we were still powerless and dead in our sins, You died for us. God, You demonstrated Your love for us, in that You we are seen as righteous before our Father and justified from our sin debt. Your wondrous love is truly amazing and we can only respond by becoming living sacrifices for You, not under the Law or good works, but as gratitude for what You have done for us In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Be Of Good Cheer

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2015
Chapters: Acts 26-28
Message Title: Be Of Good Cheer

Hello My Friend,

Good; complete or sufficiently perfect, Cheer; to cause to rejoice. Being in the will of God doesn't always come with good cheer, we are often subject to trials that can down right frustrate and discourage us. God never said that we would not have any trials obeying Him, but He did say to be of Good Cheer through them because He is right there with us. God knows and expects us to have some down days, but remember, He never gives us what we can't handle. So, if God has you going through something pretty big, He knows you are a lot stronger than you think. Why? He is your strength. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33.

“I have overcome the world.” Jesus overcame the world, and so did we when we accepted Him as our Saviour. Stop and think about that word good for a few minutes, complete, sufficiently (equally) perfect. Before we know Christ as our Saviour, we are incomplete, not equal to Him, therefore, we could not stand before God because we must be perfect. When we personally accept Christ as our Saviour, we are cleansed by His blood, removed of all our sin, making us complete, perfect in the eyes of God and able to stand before Him as an equal to the Son. Having good cheer is reminding ourselves that we are a testimony that we overcame not only the world, but the devil. As Paul stands before king Agrippa he was excited to give his testimony, he told how he got saved and told by Jesus to preach His Gospel to the Gentiles.

“I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” - Acts 26:3-6,27-29.

“the hope of the promise made of God” God did more than make a promise to the believing Jews, He made a promise to all who believe in His Son that they have eternal life with Him in His Kingdom. Eternal life with Christ is nothing to put on a shelf like some trinket you will never use, it's a lifetime with Christ. One day we are going to lose this flesh, and receive a new body, an incorruptible body, one that doesn't see sickness, pain, sorrow, or sin. One that will make every single remembrance of any kind of affliction go away. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” - 1 Corinthians 15:52-54. Praise God!

When Paul went to Jerusalem thinking that he was going to die there, God used the opportunity for the Jews to see his conversion and that anyone can be saved. Now, Paul would have been set free if he had not asked to stand before Caesar, but since he asked to meet with him, he was headed to Rome by ship with prisoners. God used this opportunity to show Christ to the men on the ship as they are in the midst of a hurricane for days.

“And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” - Acts 27:18-25.

“And now I exhort you to be of good cheer:” When we are in the midst of the hurricanes of life, be of good cheer, we belong to Jesus and He belongs to us, that means wherever we go, He goes. The storm will not last forever, and in the midst of it, some may even get saved, so, be of good cheer. Believe in God, He really wants the best for us, but sometimes we must get wet and shaken up a lot to see what that is. During our trial God is trying to draw us closer to Him, and when we have endured and serve the purpose for which we are in the trial we will see something amazing come out of it. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Two hundred and seventy-five souls were saved on the ship, Paul finally arrives in Rome, and something strange happened. “And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,” - Acts 28:17-20,28-30.

“I am bound with this chain.” Paul had a great burden to see the Jews get saved. God wants us to have a great burden to see the lost get saved, and because of this we are going to face some trials, bit be of good cheer. Paul, began his life persecuting Christians, he turned his life around and became the most well known and greatest evangelist there ever was. He endured much pain, suffering, and humiliation, but never lost sight of Christ. He is a testimony that anyone can turn their life around and be blessed by living their lives for Christ. It's not easy to be of good cheer when we are in the midst of a storm, sometimes we may even get shipwrecked, but Jesus is always with us, He will help us weather the storm, get out of it, and have a burden for the lost. “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” - Matthew 14:27.

Today's Prayer: God, I have been driving through this storm for quite some time, but I know it's quicker to get through it going slow and steady instead of just pulling over and waiting for it to stop. Lord, forgive me for my frustrations in the midst my storm, I know that You love me have a purpose for what I am going through. Lord, give me Your power and strength to stay in the ship, moving slow and steady by faith. Lift up my spirits, restore unto me the joy of my salvation, so that I may be of good cheer as I endure this storm. Help me to remove all the noise that keeps me from hearing You, and let me not be diverted onto a wrong path. In Jesus' name, amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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You Are A Testimony

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Chapters: Acts 23-25
Message Title: You Are A Testimony

Hello My Friend,

Testimony, a solemn declaration or affirmation made for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact. As Christians we may not physically see the Lord, Jesus Christ, but never is a man more seen and prominent in the lives of those who walk with Him daily. When we first get saved, or as in my case dedicate our lives to Christ, we didn't realize the impact He would have on our lives, but as we walked with Him, He grew on us, and turned our lives into something unimaginable. We are testimonies, declarations of the living God living inside of us, and let me tell you the world notices, and it will cause a great division between you and it, even family and friends. “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” - John 15:19.

It's sad to see all the terrorist attacks taking place all over the world, they kill or die for the cause of their god. Did you know that Christians are labeled as terrorists? The last time I checked no Christian went off killing people for the cause of Christ (unless it was some personal agenda, which had nothing to do with Him). The recent attacks in Paris is a grave reminder that no one is safe anywhere and we need Christ more than ever. I case you haven't noticed, there is a great attack on Christianity itself, there always has been, but it's becoming more prominent as we near Christ's return. In Paul's days it was the unbelieving Jews that attacked Christians, as he stands before the counsel he stood before both Sadducees and Pharisees to represent himself, his defense was his testimony.

“And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” - Acts 23:1-5,10,11.

“God shall smite thee,” God will get the vengeance on anyone who harms one of His own. Here are two different religious groups divided among one another, both believed in God, but one didn't believe in the resurrection. They believed to be that Paul's fate was in their hands, but little did they realize Jesus was with him the whole time and He was in control of Paul's fate, not them. God is always in control of our fate, we have our own choices, but He will stop at nothing to see us accomplish the tasks He has given us. We are a testimony in that God will use any situation in our lives, even if we caused the problem for His purpose. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28.

The unbelieving Jews were determined to find someone who would testify against Paul and so he could be sentenced to death, they even made a vow not to eat until he was dead. No matter where Paul went he was able to speak in his defense, he never stopped professing that he followed God and His Word. Now, he stands before Felix the governor, and even though he believed that Paul did nothing wrong, because it pleased the Jews he kept him locked up, and he was there for two years.

“But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.” - Acts 24:14-16,24-27.

“believing all things which are written in the law” Paul lived by the Scriptures and it was by doing so that he knew the truth and also trusted in the hope of God to get him through every one of the circumstances he faced. Being a testimony means knowing who God is, and as we grow closer to Him living through example according to His Word. It's not being ashamed to proclaim Christ, even if that meant it could cost you your life. All who are saved can join Paul in saying, “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” - Philippians 1:20,21.

Preparations were made for another hearing of Paul not in order to give a judgment upon him, he still was not charged with a crime, but to figure out what to do with him, or rather only to gratify their curiosity. Now, Festus, the new governor, speaks to King Agrippa on the matter. King Agrippa, is the son of that Herod who killed the Apostle James, and also the great grandson of Herod, the Great, who killed all the male children under the age when he was searching for Jesus after He was born.

“And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar. Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.” - Acts 25:14,15,18-22.

“whom Paul affirmed to be alive.” Festus may have heard the stories of Jesus, but couldn't grasp the concept that a man could die and come back to life. The world, and sadly, many so called Christian religions believed that Jesus died, but not that He resurrected. We must believe that He was born of a virgin, died a sinless death, was buried, and three days later resurrected. This is the Gospel we need to believe, anything else and we are not a testimony for Christ. We are to live by faith, yes, human reasoning this is impossible, but with God nothing is impossible. We who believe in His death, burial, and resurrection, and have personally received Him as our Saviour will one day resurrect ourselves, but believe it by faith. “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” - 1 Corinthians 15:14-17,22.

Today's Prayer: Jesus, It's sometimes hard to comprehend just what You did for us, and how easy it is for us to not only be saved from hell, but be one of Your own. As we grow closer to You we literally are transformed into something to the likeness of You. While we will never be perfect until we reach heaven or You return, and give us our new bodies, we do have You to guide and keep us in the right direction. We are testimonies of what it's like to have the living God living inside of us, let us do what is pleasing to You, not live in fear of what man can do to us, and be the example You need us to be to reach others for You. In Your name, Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Knowing You Are In The Will Of God

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Chapters: Acts 20-22
Message Title: Knowing You Are In The Will Of God

Hello My Friend,

Most saved, born again Christians who walk with Christ daily truly want to follow the will of God, and it's amazing to see God working in our lives doing so. Knowing we are following the will of God can be a bit tricky sometimes cause we are relying on His Word as well as the Holy Spirit to guide us, while it may seem like we are in His will, we may not be, sometimes it's the devil making us think we are. So, how do we know we are in the will of God? Put on the whole armor of God. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:10-13.

The most effective way to know that you are in the will of God is to first know you are saved. Do you know how many people tell others about Christ that are not saved? I asked Jesus to come into my heart in my teens, but still thought I had to say the sinners prayer every time I sinned. It wasn't until I was in my thirties that I finally learned that Christ died once for me and forgave me the very first time, and only had to ask Him once. The second thing we need to do is to be baptized for the Holy Spirit to work in us more effectively, the third thing is to tell others about Christ. Paul was a Jew before he got saved, but immediately got baptized and started preaching Jesus. Paul was convinced he was to go to Jerusalem to die as Jesus did, while in Troas he speaks to them and reminds them that he did all he could in preaching the Gospel in this town.

“And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” - Acts 20:18-20,24-27.

“I am pure from the blood of all men.” We may think that passing up someone who the Holy Spirit has led us to speak about the Gospel as nothing, but it's everything to God, and we will be accountable for those we pass up. We don't need a lot of Scripture to tell people about Jesus, all we need to know is the Gospel and be a testimony of how Jesus saved us. “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 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 12:35-37.

Another effective way to know you are in the will of God is to get around other saved people who are mature in their walk with Christ. We all grow at different levels of our Christianity, getting around the mature will help guide us as they will see things we don't. Don't get offended by those who come to you with concern, instead listen and think about what is being said. Of course, we have our own minds and quite often do what we want rather than what others suggest. Now, as Paul continues on his journey to Jerusalem he spends some time with Philip in Caesarea, it was there that several people warned him not to go, but he still did not listen.

“And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.” - Acts 21:8-15.

“for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem” Paul truly thought he was to be captured and die in Jerusalem. Sometimes our heart blocks the Holy Spirit from allowing Him to get through to us, it seems right, and all the signs point that it is from God, but it's not. Then He tries to send others to show us we are doing something wrong, but even then we don't listen to reason. The best way to know if what we are doing is in the will of God when confronted by others is to study God's Word. Find Scripture that relates to your issue and let the Holy Spirit guide you, if it's something that you can't find, He will guide you to some kind of understanding. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” - Romans 8:26,27.

“because he maketh intercession” When we are still determined to do what we feel is in our heart and will of God nothing can stop us, and that's when God says, “Okay, have it your way.” Okay, it's not quite that way, we must remember that God directs our steps and He will allow us to go so far in our own will, but stops us in our tracks should we go too far. You see, God allowed Paul to be captured in Jerusalem, but He wasn't going to let him die there. Paul arrives in Jerusalem and was accepted, but there was a lot of confusion as to what it meant to be saved, many convinced that they needed to be circumcised, and purified. They convince Paul to go through a purifying ceremony in order to enter the temple until the unbelieving Jews causing a problem showed up and started telling them that he was preaching Jesus to the Gentiles. Paul stands before the elders giving his testimony and was captured when he told them that Jesus told him to go to the Gentiles.

“And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.” - Acts 22:17-24.

“Away with such a fellow from the earth:” Some people just don't believe that salvation is for all. I remember growing up the great division between Christians and Jews, it still goes on today, but now that the Muslims are becoming more open they are targeting Christians. It's sad, but that's the reality and it's only going to get worse as we get closer to Jesus returning. The unbelieving always want to stop their followers from knowing the truth. I came across this film on Netflix called the Gospel of Jesus's wife. Now, does that sound absurd or what? To us who walk with Christ it is, but to those just learning about Him or newly saved, it may not be. That's why it's important that we learn all the Scriptures. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 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 2:12-16.

Today's Prayer: God, There is nothing more powerful that Your Word, no matter how many people try to alter it or our perception of it it always remains as it written. It's comforting to know that when You have a plan You stop at nothing for it to come to pass, including Your plan for me. Thank You for loving me and not giving up on me, and for never letting me go off the edge of the cliff when I am not in Your will. Lead me and guide me, help me to do what I need to do to get in Your will and know when I am not. In your name, Jesus, Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Worshiping The Only Living God

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Monday, November 16, 2015
Chapters: Acts 17-19
Message Title: Worshiping The Only Living God

Hello My Friend,

I have these figurines of the baby Jesus and Mary that I keep on my bed stand, I don't worship them or pray to them, they are a reminder to me of the precious gift God sent and what He did to save me. Many people worship who they think is God, but it's not the one true God. Take for instance those who pray to Buddha, Mohammad, or even Mary, these are not God, these were people who died with the same flesh we have, and except for Mary they are in hell because they rejected Christ. Okay, I am being blunt and to the point here because that's just the mood I am in today. Actually, I am feeling kind of blessed as God reminds me that I worship the one and only living God and I don't need any statue or image to prove it, He lives in me and that's proof enough. “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:” - Acts 17:24-27.

“hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;” God used the children of Israel to put His name on and declare that there is only one living God, who truly blesses and curses those who go against Him or His people. However, He always gave others a chance to know Him, even before Christ came, examples of this is Rehab, Ruth, and the entire nation of Nineveh. It was necessary for Jesus to be rejected by the Jews before He was fully known to the Gentiles. As Paul and some of the other Apostles travel through Greece and Asia many were getting saved, Jews and Gentiles alike, but no matter where they went unbelievers, which were actually false religion leaders, caused a problem.

“And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.” - Acts 17:2-5,10,13.

“moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort,” Envy, those who are jealous with pure hatred over people believing in Jesus and forsaking their false doctrines. Did you ever notice that Jesus haters seem to find each other and they are not the nicest people either? False religion can care less if we know of and receive Christ, what they despise is being exposed as the frauds they are. Sadly, many will join frauds, but no matter how many try to stop the truth from being preached, they can't. God's Word is alive, and just as powerful as God, as we near the end times it's going to be harder and harder to find souls willing to receive Christ, but we can't stop until Jesus returns. “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 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 4:11,12.

“is a discerner of the thoughts” I have a friend that is saved and has been for a long time, but he's been out of church for a long time. For a while he really loved hearing me speak of God and what He has done to bring us together, but lately he's not been so receptive. He is what I call a babe, while he should be eating the meat of the Word, he needs milk, and let me tell you, it frustrates me to no end that he will not listen to me. As much as I would like to reach him, he must want to be reached, there is only two things I can do that will hopefully get him to see how much he needs God, and that is to pray for him and keep encouraging him about God's goodness in his life. It's sad, there are so many people want to have a relationship with God, but don't know His Son or want to go beyond getting saved. While Paul went wherever God laid on his heart to preach the Gospel, even he got frustrated with the Jews causing problems wherever they went, he finally had enough and spoke his mind.

“And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” - Acts 18:5-11.

“Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean:” Many people will reject Christ, even family and friends, no matter how many times they hear the Gospel or even see how He works in our lives. We must realized that we can't force them, they must come willingly, all we can do is keep showing them Jesus and pray that God softens their hearts. Remember, God knows the heart of every person He creates, some will never believe so, He will harden their heart from ever believing. However, God never wants us to give up, there are many that will get a glimpse of the love of Christ and God will open their heart. He did this with Paul, He can do this with anyone. “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” - Hebrews 3:12,13.

The one thing I love about the Book of Acts is that I always find something new in it, it's amazing how God reveals certain things to us when we are mature enough to learn them. Many people were saved in Corinth, but none of them received the Holy Spirit, it was then that Paul explained that only believing in Christ brings the Holy Spirit. “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” - Acts 19:1-6.

“that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” There is no salvation unless we know Christ personally as our Saviour. Baptism does not save us, religious leaders do not save us, religion does not save us, praying to statues, images, or any man made god does not save us, not believing does not save us, only Jesus saves us. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” - Ephesians 4:5-7.

Today's Prayer: God, When I gave my heart to You, I made the willful choice to no longer conform to the trends and philosophies of this world, but seek Your truths so I see this world through the eyes of Your Son. We are put to the test daily in deciding what is truth and what is error. Sharpen our minds and grant us the courage we need to readily know truth from error and give us the boldness to speak it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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Rescued From What

King James Bible Daily Devotion – Learning Scripture One Day At A Time
Date: Sunday, November 15, 2015
Chapters: Acts 14-16
Message Title: Rescued From What

Hello My Friend,

Saved, rescued from the punishment of sin. This little verb is one powerful verb, to the world it means absolutely nothing, but to the one who knows Jesus Christ as their Saviour it means everything. To them it means we are rescued from a fiery burning hell, rescued from the bondage of sin, rescued from dead works, and rescued from a separation from God, and above all rescued from death (the second death). Being saved is more than just a free ticket out of hell, it's a life changing experience that brings others to Christ as well. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;” - 2 Corinthians 5:17,16. Praise God!

“the ministry of reconciliation;” Christ reconciles our relationship with God, when sin was introduced into the world with Adam and Eve we became enemies with God and He separated Himself from man. When we receive Christ as our Saviour we are reconciled with Him and become one of His people. Now, after we get saved that is when the work we do for God counts, even if we seem to fail every day, we do not fail with God. Now, where ever the Apostles went preaching the Gospel the unbelieving Jews followed stirring up trouble. This time they got both Jews and Gentiles to try and stop them, but God was always ahead of them moving them to go to the next town and where Paul met a crippled man.

“And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: And there they preached the gospel. And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.” - Acts 14:5-10.

“perceiving that he had faith to be healed,” Do you want to know why so many people struggle needlessly with pain? They have no faith. Miracles only happen when we have faith. Yes, sometimes God heals a person of great faith by taking them home to Him, but if a person has no will or desire to be healed they are not going to no matter how much medical attention they get. I have seen people in the worse conditions keep going day after day because they had great faith in God, then stop fighting and die within days. Miracles are much more than science, they take a great deal of faith. Likewise, unless we have faith in Christ saving us from our sins, we are not going to be saved, which is also a miracle by the way. “Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” - Romans 14:22,23.

“for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Jesus paid the price for our sins when He died a sinless death on the cross. He did it because sin no matter how small or big comes with the same consequence, death and hell, He is the only one who can save us. We believe this by faith, anyone not believing is still a sinner and faces death and hell. Paul and Barnabas met up with Peter and some of the other apostles, there was some confusion going around as to how salvation was obtained. Peter reminds them that it is only by believing in Christ that we are saved.

“And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” - Acts 15:4-11.

“therefore why tempt ye God,” Do you know that every time someone adds to God's plan or tries to altar His work in any way that they are tempting God and it is He who they will answer to. I grew up in a religion that was be this way or end up in hell and by His grace he found me and told me the truth. It's not even the churches that tempt God, it's man as well. I heard a couple of weeks ago that there is a reformed Jewish group out there who recently proclaimed transgenders as an image from God. Those who choose to be transgenders tempt God by saying He made a mistake in making them male or female. While God will certainly save anyone who comes to Him through His Son, even those who commit these sins, but tempt Him and see His wrath. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

Take a look at all the secular churches out there today, they are televised for all the world to see, beautiful buildings, thousands of people attending, music that stirs the flesh, and a person preaching a positive uplifted message, perhaps they mention God here and there with a bit of Scripture to make it sound like it came from God. What's missing? Jesus. Oh, they might mention Jesus, but what are they saying? Are they telling people that they need to Him to save them from hell? Are they making up extra rules to follow in order to keep their salvation? Paul and Silas get arrested for preaching Jesus and causing problems for the making money off their false religions. As they are dragged down to the deepest part of the prison and chained, they began singing to God, and suddenly all the doors in the prison were opened and the shackles were taken off.

“And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” - Acts 16:27-34.

“what must I do to be saved?” There is only one way be saved, 1) Admit you are a sinner and the price for sin is death and hell. 2) Believe that Jesus died to pay the price for you. 3) Confess that you believe and accept Jesus as the payment. It's that simple, if any religion or group states you need anything else then you are not believing by faith and you are not saved. When God set up the law of the Jews it was given to set His people apart from the world. God was protecting them, everything He told them to stay away from and do was for their own good. While these laws no longer apply to the Christian, God still wants us to live a moral, godly life so that we can lead others to Him. “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” - Hebrews 9:12-14.

Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for Your grace, it is sufficient enough to save me from hell and from every other trial I face. While I cannot work my way to salvation, I can show You my love and thanks by living the way You want me to live. Lord, as Christ lives in me, lead me and guide me in Your will, help me to serve You in all that I do with contentment, reverence, and respect for You. Let me not do anything or get around anyone that would cause a division. And let me live in a way that glorifies You and proves that I believe in everything that You rescued me from. I love You Lord and ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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