KJB Daily Devotion – Following
Jesus In Every
Chapter
Date:
Saturday,
December 19, 2015
Chapters:
1
Peter 3-5
Message Title:
A Reason Of Hope
Hello
My Friend,
Hope, a desire of some good, accompanied with
an expectation of obtaining it. Hope is not the same as a wish. Hope
implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the
possibility of possessing it. Hope always gives pleasure or joy,
whereas a wish may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.
Hope never leaves us in fear, it gives us the courage to keep going,
expecting a good outcome. Now, add God to that hope, and there is
nothing that can stop us from obtaining the things we desire.
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the
LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted
by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and
shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and
shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from
yielding fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:7,8.
We all set a
course in this thing called life, we make goals, work at them,
accomplish some, fail some, we mess up, make u-turns, completely
change the course, yet this thing called life in never really what we
imagined it to be. Most of us do not have things just handed to us,
we have to work hard to get the things we desire, and even then we
struggle. As Christians, the struggle becomes a little bit easier as
that hope to finally achieve what we desire becomes more achievable.
As Peter winds down his letter, he reminds us to keep working and
doing what God wants us to do, and be ready to tell the world what
reason of hope you have because everyone is watching.
“Finally,
be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as
brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or
railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are
thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will
love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil,
and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do
good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are
over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the
face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that
will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if
ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of
their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your
hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that
asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and
fear:” - 1 Peter 3:8-15.
“For
the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous,” God knows
exactly what's going on with us, He knows what we need and want, He
knows the things desire and what we have done to achieve them, even
the not so great things we did in an attempt to rush things. Yet,
He's rich in mercy and full of grace to keep us from too much evil,
and to carry us through when the road gets a little rough. “Behold,
the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope
in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them
alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and
our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have
trusted in his holy name.” - Psalms 33:18-21.
Christ
suffered more than anyone on earth ever will, He endured the stripes,
the humiliation, the mocking, the pain, and shed His blood on the
cross until His dying death. He died so that we can live, not
according to the worlds standards, but God's. When He found you, He
found you in the deepest whole that you were in, pulled you out,
cleaned you up, and made you a part of His family. Since you are
God's, you are going to face some suffering even when living right.
No matter how strong our faith in God, there are times when we are
going to feel defeated. That's where Jesus comes in, He will give us
peace, that hope we need to keep going, and not only give us an end
to our suffering, but see those goals accomplished.
“Forasmuch
then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves
likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh
hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his
time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For
the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of
the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of
wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein
they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of
riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is
ready to judge the quick and the dead. For for this cause was the
gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged
according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the
spirit. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober,
and watch unto prayer.” - 1 Peter 4:1-7.
“Wherein
they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of
riot,” The world never understands why we do not think like
them and do the things they do. As much as we would like to
personally get even with our offenders, the best thing we can do is
give it over to God, trust Him, pray often, keep following His will,
and eventually we will see that it was the best decision we made. The
culprit for our suffering is actually the devil, he sees our faith,
our hope, and will try anything to get us to lose it. However, we get
more than what we desire when we put the devil in his place and keep
trusting God.
“Humble yourselves
therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due
time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be
sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast
in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in
your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who
hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye
have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle
you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
- 1 Peter 5:6-11.
“knowing that
the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in
the world.” Everyone faces affliction, saved or not. As
Christians, sometimes it's simply for our faith in Christ, but we do
not have to let it get the best of us. Just think about what we faced
without Him, all the stress of trying to figure things out that have
no end. At least with Christ with us we have some hope, not only in
finding joy and an end to the affliction, but in knowing that one day
we will finally see Jesus face to face. “And
God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any
more pain: for the former things are passed away.”-
Revelation 21:4. Praise God!
Today's
Prayer: God, Thank you for giving me the strength to never
give up hope. Things may not go as I plan, but You have a greater
plan for me, and as long as I follow You and wait for You I know that
everything I need and desire will come. When I am weak and weary, and
want to give up, remind me that You are always with me, even when I
mess up, and You will see me through and out of every affliction I go
through. I love You Lord and Father, and pray in the name of Jesus,
Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, December 19, 2015
Friday, December 18, 2015
To An Inheritance Incorruptible
KJB
Daily Devotion – Following
Jesus In Every
Chapter
Date: Friday, December 18, 2015
Chapters: 1 Peter 1-2
Message Title: To An Inheritance Incorruptible
Hello My Friend,
The Book of 1 Peter is the twenty-first book of the New Testament, the sixtieth book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle is Peter, he wrote it about 60AD, and it was written to Christian exiles, scattered all over the world, being persecuted for their faith. The purpose of the letter was to teach them how to handle the persecution they were facing and deal with the situation from those outside of the Church. What we are to learn from the book is that our walk with Christ through suffering brings joy, honor, and the glory of God. “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” - 1 Peter 2:20.
As Christians, it's really not that hard to follow Christ, the closer we get to Him the easier it gets as we transform into His likeness. The problems come when life gets in the way, people, issues out of our control, and temptation often create havoc on our faith. Peter wrote this letter when he was in Babylon, it is addressed to all Christians, but specifically Gentiles, or as the Israelites referred to them, strangers, unlike other times when the persecution was in the church, this was happening outside. Peter encourages all Christians to endure the suffering as it is a trial of their faith.
“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” - 1 Peter 1:2-7.
“To an inheritance incorruptible,” There is a reason why the saved soul goes up to heaven while the body remains in the grave after it separates upon death, it's corrupted. While the flesh is full of corruption, the soul is incorruptible, meaning pure and undefiled because it was cleansed and purified with the blood of Christ upon our receiving Him as our Saviour, whether we are a Jew or Gentile. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” - 1 Peter 1:18-23.
“that your faith and hope might be in God.” It is not enough to believe that there is a god, many believe in a god. Our faith and hope must be on the only living, Almighty God, and if we believe in Christ, whether we know Him to be the Messiah or Christ, then we have the Almighty God living inside of us. One day every one of our bodies will raise from the grave (unless we are raptured before then), our souls will reunite with our new glorified body to join Him in His Kingdom, but those who do not know Christ as their Saviour receive a second death, eternal death. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” - John 5:28,29.
“they that have done good,” These are those who have received Christ as their Saviour, we cannot be saved by our own works because we come short of being perfect no matter how good we try to be. We can be saved by believing in and accepting Christ, who is perfect and not only died, but resurrected to save us. Peter makes a point of reminding us that this was contained in Scriptures well before Christ came here in the flesh.
“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - 1 Peter 2:4-10.
“Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:” It is no longer the believing Jews that are God's people, but all who believe in His Son, the Chief Cornerstone. While our works have nothing to do with our salvation, God blesses us more as we live in His will. He sees and knows all that we do, well beyond the surface into the heart, He knows who are truly His and who are just going through the motions in hopes to be saved from hell. The motions do not save us, only believing in and asking Christ to save us does that. Peter stresses the importance of all believers reminding themselves that they do belong to God, therefore we need to behave in a way that shows we are His.
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” - 1 Peter 2:11-16.
“As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness,” Far too many Christians use their salvation as a means to justify living a sinful lifestyle. This is unacceptable to God and will cause a lot of problems here on earth until they repent. Okay, we are not perfect, we are a work in progress, but willfully living in sin will only be the death of us, but thankfully His mercy and grace never cease if we come to Him. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” - 1 John 1:7-10.
Today's Prayer: Jesus, It's still amazing to me that with my past that You love me and made me one of Yours. Although I do not deserve this honor I am grateful and thankful for the sacrifice You made for me. I never understood why I was so different from everyone else before I knew You were my Saviour, and as I grow closer to You I realize it's okay to be different, it's okay to be peculiar because I am Yours. Thank You, Lord for everything you have brought me through, the lessons you taught me along the way, and the continuous blessings You give me as I endure affliction and put my trust in You, looking forward to the day that I get to see You face to face. In Your name, Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Friday, December 18, 2015
Chapters: 1 Peter 1-2
Message Title: To An Inheritance Incorruptible
Hello My Friend,
The Book of 1 Peter is the twenty-first book of the New Testament, the sixtieth book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle is Peter, he wrote it about 60AD, and it was written to Christian exiles, scattered all over the world, being persecuted for their faith. The purpose of the letter was to teach them how to handle the persecution they were facing and deal with the situation from those outside of the Church. What we are to learn from the book is that our walk with Christ through suffering brings joy, honor, and the glory of God. “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” - 1 Peter 2:20.
As Christians, it's really not that hard to follow Christ, the closer we get to Him the easier it gets as we transform into His likeness. The problems come when life gets in the way, people, issues out of our control, and temptation often create havoc on our faith. Peter wrote this letter when he was in Babylon, it is addressed to all Christians, but specifically Gentiles, or as the Israelites referred to them, strangers, unlike other times when the persecution was in the church, this was happening outside. Peter encourages all Christians to endure the suffering as it is a trial of their faith.
“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” - 1 Peter 1:2-7.
“To an inheritance incorruptible,” There is a reason why the saved soul goes up to heaven while the body remains in the grave after it separates upon death, it's corrupted. While the flesh is full of corruption, the soul is incorruptible, meaning pure and undefiled because it was cleansed and purified with the blood of Christ upon our receiving Him as our Saviour, whether we are a Jew or Gentile. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” - 1 Peter 1:18-23.
“that your faith and hope might be in God.” It is not enough to believe that there is a god, many believe in a god. Our faith and hope must be on the only living, Almighty God, and if we believe in Christ, whether we know Him to be the Messiah or Christ, then we have the Almighty God living inside of us. One day every one of our bodies will raise from the grave (unless we are raptured before then), our souls will reunite with our new glorified body to join Him in His Kingdom, but those who do not know Christ as their Saviour receive a second death, eternal death. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” - John 5:28,29.
“they that have done good,” These are those who have received Christ as their Saviour, we cannot be saved by our own works because we come short of being perfect no matter how good we try to be. We can be saved by believing in and accepting Christ, who is perfect and not only died, but resurrected to save us. Peter makes a point of reminding us that this was contained in Scriptures well before Christ came here in the flesh.
“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” - 1 Peter 2:4-10.
“Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:” It is no longer the believing Jews that are God's people, but all who believe in His Son, the Chief Cornerstone. While our works have nothing to do with our salvation, God blesses us more as we live in His will. He sees and knows all that we do, well beyond the surface into the heart, He knows who are truly His and who are just going through the motions in hopes to be saved from hell. The motions do not save us, only believing in and asking Christ to save us does that. Peter stresses the importance of all believers reminding themselves that they do belong to God, therefore we need to behave in a way that shows we are His.
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” - 1 Peter 2:11-16.
“As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness,” Far too many Christians use their salvation as a means to justify living a sinful lifestyle. This is unacceptable to God and will cause a lot of problems here on earth until they repent. Okay, we are not perfect, we are a work in progress, but willfully living in sin will only be the death of us, but thankfully His mercy and grace never cease if we come to Him. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” - 1 John 1:7-10.
Today's Prayer: Jesus, It's still amazing to me that with my past that You love me and made me one of Yours. Although I do not deserve this honor I am grateful and thankful for the sacrifice You made for me. I never understood why I was so different from everyone else before I knew You were my Saviour, and as I grow closer to You I realize it's okay to be different, it's okay to be peculiar because I am Yours. Thank You, Lord for everything you have brought me through, the lessons you taught me along the way, and the continuous blessings You give me as I endure affliction and put my trust in You, looking forward to the day that I get to see You face to face. In Your name, Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Thursday, December 17, 2015
Producing Faith By Works
KJB
Daily Devotion – Following
Jesus In Every
Chapter
Date: Thursday, December 17, 2015
Chapters: The Book of James
Message Title: Producing Faith By Works
Hello My Friend,
The Book of James is the twentieth book of the New Testament, fifty-ninth book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle is James, and it was first written to the Jewish believers scattered all over the world. The purpose of the letter was to comfort believers who were undergoing trials for their faith. What we are to learn from the book is that faith is the foundation of our works, but faith without works is dead. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:26.
The Jews believe that since they are God's chosen they are automatically saved from the sin debt punishment that the rest of us face. If they bothered to read the entire Old Testament they would see that the Messiah they are waiting for has already come. James, the son of Alphaeus, also known as James the Less, spent his entire ministry reaching converted Jews. James begins his letter by telling them to be exited about being tried of their faith, but also reminds them that they must be doers of the word of God if they want to be saved.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” - James 1:2-7,20-22.
“and receive with meekness the engrafted word,” Now, James was well aware that we are saved by the grace of God through our belief and acceptance of Jesus Christ, and not of our works, but it is getting into the word of God and doing it that not only produces faith, but salvation. James stresses the importance of them knowing that salvation is for all people, not just them, the poor, or rich, but all who believe in Christ.
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” - James 2:1-4,10-12,17.
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law,” This is the reason why God replaced the law of Moses with the law of grace, it was impossible for anyone to keep the whole law. Think about this, every one of the key people of the Old Testament, Noah, Moses, David, Rehab, Ruth, all did something that would have broken the law, yet God had mercy upon them and still used them to do great things for Him. Religion tells us we need to follow all these rules to be saved, God tells us we are saved by grace through our faith in Christ alone. The very people that enforce these laws sin, and some of them much more than others. Do you think the Pope does not sin? Of course he does, but he's not going to admit that, he believes he is saved by his works.
“Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” - James 3:3-8.
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity:” Let me tell you, our tongue can get us into more trouble than you would not believe. I have a tendency to speak my mind in a way that causes problems for me, and it creates a chain reaction of affliction for me. As Christians, we are going to be tried, we are going to face trials, we are going to suffer some heartache and affliction, sometimes of our own doing. Everything that we go through tries our faith, but it is the trying of our faith that we benefit the most with God. Why? That is when we seek God more.
“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:5-10.
God doesn't want us coming to Him only when we are afflicted, He wants a daily relationship with us. And as much as He would like to intervene, if we choose to live in sin, we will face affliction. And let me tell you, it is not God who brings it, it will come from the very world that they had to be in. We have to realize that many of the things we go through are not a punishment from God, but are to bring us closer to Him as we seek Him for help through them, confess our sins, and have faith that He can help us out of them. Instead of running from God when affliction comes, embrace Him, figure out what the source of the problem is and seek Him, if it's just to try your faith, just pray and He will help you not only endure, but see you through your affliction.
“Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” - James 5:11-16,20.
Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for Your mercy and grace. As much as I try to live by faith and in Your Word, worldly temptations and fleshly desires constantly pull me away toward them. It is Your mercy and grace that keeps You from casting me out, even when I fail You time and time again. Lord, I want to please You, I want everything that I do to give glory to You, and I want the world to see Your Son in me. Lead me and guide me, show me the way You want me to go, and let me know of the things that You do not want for me. Give me the strength I need to resist the temptation to go against Your will, keep me in Your Word to know Your life for me, and let me not pursue anything that will cause needless suffering. Show me any sin that I caused upon myself or others, and let me not cease from praying. Fill me with Your mercy and grace each day, and never let me forget that if I humble myself to You, You will lift me up. In Your name, Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Thursday, December 17, 2015
Chapters: The Book of James
Message Title: Producing Faith By Works
Hello My Friend,
The Book of James is the twentieth book of the New Testament, fifty-ninth book of the Bible, and contains five chapters. The author of this epistle is James, and it was first written to the Jewish believers scattered all over the world. The purpose of the letter was to comfort believers who were undergoing trials for their faith. What we are to learn from the book is that faith is the foundation of our works, but faith without works is dead. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:26.
The Jews believe that since they are God's chosen they are automatically saved from the sin debt punishment that the rest of us face. If they bothered to read the entire Old Testament they would see that the Messiah they are waiting for has already come. James, the son of Alphaeus, also known as James the Less, spent his entire ministry reaching converted Jews. James begins his letter by telling them to be exited about being tried of their faith, but also reminds them that they must be doers of the word of God if they want to be saved.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” - James 1:2-7,20-22.
“and receive with meekness the engrafted word,” Now, James was well aware that we are saved by the grace of God through our belief and acceptance of Jesus Christ, and not of our works, but it is getting into the word of God and doing it that not only produces faith, but salvation. James stresses the importance of them knowing that salvation is for all people, not just them, the poor, or rich, but all who believe in Christ.
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” - James 2:1-4,10-12,17.
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law,” This is the reason why God replaced the law of Moses with the law of grace, it was impossible for anyone to keep the whole law. Think about this, every one of the key people of the Old Testament, Noah, Moses, David, Rehab, Ruth, all did something that would have broken the law, yet God had mercy upon them and still used them to do great things for Him. Religion tells us we need to follow all these rules to be saved, God tells us we are saved by grace through our faith in Christ alone. The very people that enforce these laws sin, and some of them much more than others. Do you think the Pope does not sin? Of course he does, but he's not going to admit that, he believes he is saved by his works.
“Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” - James 3:3-8.
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity:” Let me tell you, our tongue can get us into more trouble than you would not believe. I have a tendency to speak my mind in a way that causes problems for me, and it creates a chain reaction of affliction for me. As Christians, we are going to be tried, we are going to face trials, we are going to suffer some heartache and affliction, sometimes of our own doing. Everything that we go through tries our faith, but it is the trying of our faith that we benefit the most with God. Why? That is when we seek God more.
“Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:5-10.
God doesn't want us coming to Him only when we are afflicted, He wants a daily relationship with us. And as much as He would like to intervene, if we choose to live in sin, we will face affliction. And let me tell you, it is not God who brings it, it will come from the very world that they had to be in. We have to realize that many of the things we go through are not a punishment from God, but are to bring us closer to Him as we seek Him for help through them, confess our sins, and have faith that He can help us out of them. Instead of running from God when affliction comes, embrace Him, figure out what the source of the problem is and seek Him, if it's just to try your faith, just pray and He will help you not only endure, but see you through your affliction.
“Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” - James 5:11-16,20.
Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for Your mercy and grace. As much as I try to live by faith and in Your Word, worldly temptations and fleshly desires constantly pull me away toward them. It is Your mercy and grace that keeps You from casting me out, even when I fail You time and time again. Lord, I want to please You, I want everything that I do to give glory to You, and I want the world to see Your Son in me. Lead me and guide me, show me the way You want me to go, and let me know of the things that You do not want for me. Give me the strength I need to resist the temptation to go against Your will, keep me in Your Word to know Your life for me, and let me not pursue anything that will cause needless suffering. Show me any sin that I caused upon myself or others, and let me not cease from praying. Fill me with Your mercy and grace each day, and never let me forget that if I humble myself to You, You will lift me up. In Your name, Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Wrongful Judgment
KJB Daily Devotion – Following
Jesus In Every
Chapter
Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Chapters: Hebrews 12-13
Message Title: Wrongful Judgment
Hello My Friend,
I keep seeing this post around Facebook condemning people who eat pork because the Jews were commanded not to eat pork through the law of Moses. Now, this is why Jesus tells us not to judge, if a person feels convicted about eating pork or any other kind of food, do not judge those who eat it, unless you want to be judged. Yes, the Bible is our authority, and there are some things that are still abominable to God, but we need to be careful about condemning those who do not see our view on things, that includes Christmas trees and Santa. It's not what we know that God judges, it's what we do with what we know. “For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” - Romans 14:2-4.
“to his own master he standeth or falleth.” I am the first to admit that I do not understand why God does not allow me to do something while He allows another to do it, but I do understand that it is God I have to answer to. And I believe we answer Him well before we stand before Him in heaven. Paul reminds us that we are in a race, one that has Jesus Christ at the finish line.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” - Hebrews 12:1-6.
“and the sin which doth so easily beset us,” There is a fine line between what we consider sin and what God does. While He leaves the choice up to us, we are going to be chastened if we do something that He doesn't want us to do, even if we believe that He allowed us to do it. Think about this, what does your conscience say about what you are doing? Is there any doubt that it is wrong? Do you know in your heart, God does not want you to handle things the way you are? We are pretty good at talking ourselves into believing that something is good when it is bad when we let our own understanding make our decisions for us. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” - Proverbs 3:5-8.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him,” If you are being chastened by God, do not run from Him, embrace Him, He loves us and knows the suffering we would go through if He did not put a stop to things now. Every parent gives a punishment to their child if they do something wrong, they set the rules, and if they are broken there is a price to pay. Ever see a child that is not disciplined? They are unruly and have no respect for their parents, or anyone. God is the same way with us, if He didn't discipline us, we would be unruly and have no respect for Him.
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” - Hebrews 12:11-15,28,29.
“lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you,” Here is the root to all our problems with authority of any kind, bitterness. Bitter, sharp to the feeling; piercing; painful, afflicted; distressed. If we are treated badly or are forced to figure things out on our own at a young age we tend to get bitter toward those who are involved, and that causes a chain reaction to bitterness toward all people and things. I was in a relationship with a guy that ended very badly, he did some things to me that I still get angry thinking about, there are even places I hate going in because it reminds me of him. That is bitterness, which I carry with me to this day, and if I see someone doing something that reminds me of him I immediately want to react. Bitterness can defile us, but we can overcome it, and only by the grace of God. “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” - Psalms 84:11.
Here is the sum of it all as a Christian, “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” - Hebrews 13:1,2,5-9.
“but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” When we receive Christ as our Saviour we enter a marriage with Him. Whoremongers are those who worship other gods, this would be under false religion and idolatry. And adulterers are those who cheat on God, they follow Him, but also live in the world. Since we are under the law of grace, we are not subject to the law of Moses, we are subject to doing things that are honorable to God, which He shows us throughout the entire Bible without following rules. We must understand that there was a reason why God did not want them to do certain things during that time, most of them had to do with cleanliness (I mean there were a million people living in the wilderness together) and false god/idol worship, but He never changes. So, stop condemning each other, it profits no one, and remember, we are in a race, and only those who know the Son will cross the finish line. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:7,8.
Today's Prayer: God, You have placed all of Your children on the race track of life and have called all of us to be patient as we travel through the rocks and desserts along the way. While I know there are things that You allow others that I cannot do, let me run my race with patience, let me not judge those who can do certain things, and let me not lean on my own understanding. Lead me and guide me, give me Your power, strength, and wisdom to do what You call me to do, and let me not be carried about with strange doctrines. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Do You Know For Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
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Copyright © 2015 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Chapters: Hebrews 12-13
Message Title: Wrongful Judgment
Hello My Friend,
I keep seeing this post around Facebook condemning people who eat pork because the Jews were commanded not to eat pork through the law of Moses. Now, this is why Jesus tells us not to judge, if a person feels convicted about eating pork or any other kind of food, do not judge those who eat it, unless you want to be judged. Yes, the Bible is our authority, and there are some things that are still abominable to God, but we need to be careful about condemning those who do not see our view on things, that includes Christmas trees and Santa. It's not what we know that God judges, it's what we do with what we know. “For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” - Romans 14:2-4.
“to his own master he standeth or falleth.” I am the first to admit that I do not understand why God does not allow me to do something while He allows another to do it, but I do understand that it is God I have to answer to. And I believe we answer Him well before we stand before Him in heaven. Paul reminds us that we are in a race, one that has Jesus Christ at the finish line.
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” - Hebrews 12:1-6.
“and the sin which doth so easily beset us,” There is a fine line between what we consider sin and what God does. While He leaves the choice up to us, we are going to be chastened if we do something that He doesn't want us to do, even if we believe that He allowed us to do it. Think about this, what does your conscience say about what you are doing? Is there any doubt that it is wrong? Do you know in your heart, God does not want you to handle things the way you are? We are pretty good at talking ourselves into believing that something is good when it is bad when we let our own understanding make our decisions for us. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.” - Proverbs 3:5-8.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him,” If you are being chastened by God, do not run from Him, embrace Him, He loves us and knows the suffering we would go through if He did not put a stop to things now. Every parent gives a punishment to their child if they do something wrong, they set the rules, and if they are broken there is a price to pay. Ever see a child that is not disciplined? They are unruly and have no respect for their parents, or anyone. God is the same way with us, if He didn't discipline us, we would be unruly and have no respect for Him.
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” - Hebrews 12:11-15,28,29.
“lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you,” Here is the root to all our problems with authority of any kind, bitterness. Bitter, sharp to the feeling; piercing; painful, afflicted; distressed. If we are treated badly or are forced to figure things out on our own at a young age we tend to get bitter toward those who are involved, and that causes a chain reaction to bitterness toward all people and things. I was in a relationship with a guy that ended very badly, he did some things to me that I still get angry thinking about, there are even places I hate going in because it reminds me of him. That is bitterness, which I carry with me to this day, and if I see someone doing something that reminds me of him I immediately want to react. Bitterness can defile us, but we can overcome it, and only by the grace of God. “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” - Psalms 84:11.
Here is the sum of it all as a Christian, “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” - Hebrews 13:1,2,5-9.
“but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” When we receive Christ as our Saviour we enter a marriage with Him. Whoremongers are those who worship other gods, this would be under false religion and idolatry. And adulterers are those who cheat on God, they follow Him, but also live in the world. Since we are under the law of grace, we are not subject to the law of Moses, we are subject to doing things that are honorable to God, which He shows us throughout the entire Bible without following rules. We must understand that there was a reason why God did not want them to do certain things during that time, most of them had to do with cleanliness (I mean there were a million people living in the wilderness together) and false god/idol worship, but He never changes. So, stop condemning each other, it profits no one, and remember, we are in a race, and only those who know the Son will cross the finish line. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:7,8.
Today's Prayer: God, You have placed all of Your children on the race track of life and have called all of us to be patient as we travel through the rocks and desserts along the way. While I know there are things that You allow others that I cannot do, let me run my race with patience, let me not judge those who can do certain things, and let me not lean on my own understanding. Lead me and guide me, give me Your power, strength, and wisdom to do what You call me to do, and let me not be carried about with strange doctrines. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Do You Know For Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I'm Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2015 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Cast Not Away Your Confidence
KJB
Daily Devotion – Following
Jesus In Every
Chapter
Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Chapters: Hebrews 10-11
Message Title: Cast Not Away Your Confidence
Hello My Friend,
Faith, believing in something so much that you know it to be true, believing in God's promises, even when you see no sight of them. Faith in God is more that just believing that Christ died for our sins and we are saved from hell by accepting Him, faith is complete and utter assurance that what looks impossible to us is in fact, possible with God. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6.
“for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,” I use to think it strange that God, who is the Creator of all, put His name on the Jews as the ones who were His people. Billions of people have been born, yet only a small percent actually believe in God, and I mean the Almighty God. So, it's not strange that our Creator would use one nationality of people to show the rest of the world that He is, in fact, the Almighty. Now, God came up with the law of Moses as a means to give those who do believe in Him a way to have a relationship with Him, they were to be different, set apart from the rest of world to show that great rewards do come to those who diligently seek Him, whether they were a Jew or not. The law was not to be permanent, but temporary. While God delights in our coming to Him when we have done wrong and seeking Him for help, He rather us not sin at all, but because we do something wrong every day that was impossible. And that's why He sent Jesus.
“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” - Hebrews 10:1-6,10.
“In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.” It's not the burnt offerings and sacrifices that meant anything to God, it's their faith in Him. Those who truly want God in their lives knew they were unworthy to stand before Him and wanted to get right with Him, He was more important than the sin they committed. Why do you think God only chose one group to be His people? He wants us to come to Him by choice, not by force or obligation. If we choose to have God in our lives, we need to have faith in Him, and that includes His Son. While the Jews were His people first, and will always have a special place in His heart, we must have faith in His Son if we want to be His people. When we choose Christ, we choose God, and trust in His perfect, sinless sacrifice to have a relationship with Him. Are we still under the law under grace? No, but if we want a good relationship with God, we need to live by faith, which means following His commands and repenting of known sin.
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” - Hebrews 10:23-29,35.
“Cast not away therefore your confidence,” Let me tell you, as a Christian, we face many disappointments when we choose Christ and want to live under His commands. Every time we get disappointed it does something to our confidence, not in God, but ourselves, and then we start losing confidence that God will make something better out of this life we are living. Can I tell you that many things we think we have lost are, in fact, a gain to us. God does have much more to give and show us than what we think we lost. Never give up hope in the promises of God, He knows what He is doing, and if we stay close to Him, He will reveal those to us, even if we have to wait until we get to heaven to see them. Faith is essential to keeping us from casting away our confidence in God, and we don't need much faith, even the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” - Hebrews 11:1-3,8-13.
“but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them,” There is a reason why God says without vision the people perish. With all the disappointments in life it's easy to lose faith and sight of the promises of God, let alone what we can get out of this life. Never give up hope, there is something much better waiting for you than what you thought you couldn't live without. I know that the thought of waiting on the promises of God in heaven can't always comfort us right now, but if we have faith and trust Him, we will see the blessings out of everything we went through and also be pretty happy here with what He has given us. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:11-13. Praise God!
Today's Prayer: God, You never force any of Your creation to follow You, You give us a choice, even in believing You. Thank You for softening my heart, for giving me a chance to know of Your Son and accepting Him as the means to have a relationship with You. I have been in the world and know that life without You is no life at all, it's meaningless and void, and that's why I chose to make Christ my life. It's been a joy and a struggle, but I know You have much more to show and give me as I live by faith and not the constant disappointments I face. So, today I choose to live by faith, I choose to trust You, and walk with You, knowing not only do I have some amazing things waiting for me in heaven, but some pretty amazing things coming to me here as well. In Your name Jesus, I pray, amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
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Copyright © 2015 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Chapters: Hebrews 10-11
Message Title: Cast Not Away Your Confidence
Hello My Friend,
Faith, believing in something so much that you know it to be true, believing in God's promises, even when you see no sight of them. Faith in God is more that just believing that Christ died for our sins and we are saved from hell by accepting Him, faith is complete and utter assurance that what looks impossible to us is in fact, possible with God. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6.
“for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,” I use to think it strange that God, who is the Creator of all, put His name on the Jews as the ones who were His people. Billions of people have been born, yet only a small percent actually believe in God, and I mean the Almighty God. So, it's not strange that our Creator would use one nationality of people to show the rest of the world that He is, in fact, the Almighty. Now, God came up with the law of Moses as a means to give those who do believe in Him a way to have a relationship with Him, they were to be different, set apart from the rest of world to show that great rewards do come to those who diligently seek Him, whether they were a Jew or not. The law was not to be permanent, but temporary. While God delights in our coming to Him when we have done wrong and seeking Him for help, He rather us not sin at all, but because we do something wrong every day that was impossible. And that's why He sent Jesus.
“For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” - Hebrews 10:1-6,10.
“In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.” It's not the burnt offerings and sacrifices that meant anything to God, it's their faith in Him. Those who truly want God in their lives knew they were unworthy to stand before Him and wanted to get right with Him, He was more important than the sin they committed. Why do you think God only chose one group to be His people? He wants us to come to Him by choice, not by force or obligation. If we choose to have God in our lives, we need to have faith in Him, and that includes His Son. While the Jews were His people first, and will always have a special place in His heart, we must have faith in His Son if we want to be His people. When we choose Christ, we choose God, and trust in His perfect, sinless sacrifice to have a relationship with Him. Are we still under the law under grace? No, but if we want a good relationship with God, we need to live by faith, which means following His commands and repenting of known sin.
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” - Hebrews 10:23-29,35.
“Cast not away therefore your confidence,” Let me tell you, as a Christian, we face many disappointments when we choose Christ and want to live under His commands. Every time we get disappointed it does something to our confidence, not in God, but ourselves, and then we start losing confidence that God will make something better out of this life we are living. Can I tell you that many things we think we have lost are, in fact, a gain to us. God does have much more to give and show us than what we think we lost. Never give up hope in the promises of God, He knows what He is doing, and if we stay close to Him, He will reveal those to us, even if we have to wait until we get to heaven to see them. Faith is essential to keeping us from casting away our confidence in God, and we don't need much faith, even the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” - Hebrews 11:1-3,8-13.
“but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them,” There is a reason why God says without vision the people perish. With all the disappointments in life it's easy to lose faith and sight of the promises of God, let alone what we can get out of this life. Never give up hope, there is something much better waiting for you than what you thought you couldn't live without. I know that the thought of waiting on the promises of God in heaven can't always comfort us right now, but if we have faith and trust Him, we will see the blessings out of everything we went through and also be pretty happy here with what He has given us. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:11-13. Praise God!
Today's Prayer: God, You never force any of Your creation to follow You, You give us a choice, even in believing You. Thank You for softening my heart, for giving me a chance to know of Your Son and accepting Him as the means to have a relationship with You. I have been in the world and know that life without You is no life at all, it's meaningless and void, and that's why I chose to make Christ my life. It's been a joy and a struggle, but I know You have much more to show and give me as I live by faith and not the constant disappointments I face. So, today I choose to live by faith, I choose to trust You, and walk with You, knowing not only do I have some amazing things waiting for me in heaven, but some pretty amazing things coming to me here as well. In Your name Jesus, I pray, amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Do You Know For Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I'm Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2015 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
Monday, December 14, 2015
More Than Redemption
KJB
Daily Devotion – Following
Jesus In Every
Chapter
Date: Monday, December 14, 2015
Chapters: Hebrews 6-9
Message Title: More Than Redemption
Hello My Friend,
As Christians, we could have chosen any life to live, but we chose one with Christ, not just on the weekends, holidays, or when we get in trouble, but every day. Walking with Christ daily is not hard, but it can be challenging. For instance, as someone who is self employed, serves God in His ministry, and is also a woman, there are just some things that God does not want me to do that perhaps He allows others. This is a challenge because it limits me on where I can get work and who I allow in my life. When we walk with Christ daily, we are going to be told to remove some things from our lives, or even do something we never thought we would do. Christ offers so much more than permanent redemption, He offers everything we have need of. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” - 1 John 5:14,15.
Before Christ became the sacrifice that would bring permanent redemption to a sinner, the sinner voluntarily brought an unblemished animal to give as a sacrifice. They would lay it on a table outside of the Tabernacle, the sinner placed their hand on the head of the animal, the animal was killed, and as the blood poured out into a basin the priest would take the blood to the altar, offer it up to God as an atonement, then he would sprinkle the blood upon the altar, in which the person would be redeemed until the next time they sinned. Christ has given us a way to redeemed permanently, but walking with Christ is more than just getting saved, it's walking that narrow path that reveals Him in us so that others can know Him and be saved as well.
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” - Hebrews 6:1-6,10.
“not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,” Dead works, serving God in hopes of salvation. A person that has accepted Christ as their Saviour is not trusting any of their own works of righteousness to save them, but trusting in Christ's finished work on the cross. Those who keep trusting in their own works, even after they are saved are condemning Jesus to the cross all over again. He only died once to give all who believe in Him permanent redemption, therefore, we only need to ask Him once to save us. Christ dying would have been sufficient enough to bring permanent redemption to a sinner, but He didn't stop there, He arose from the dead three days later to help us conquer death as well. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57.
Every time a person believes they must do good to be or remain saved they are not trusting Christ, and they are crucifying Him all over again. Why? Because they are not believing only He can save them. Only by trusting in and accepting His death, burial, and resurrection as the only means to be saved are we saved. The Mosaic law was given to be a temporary solution to get a person right with God until Christ came in the flesh.
“For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” - Hebrews 7:19-25.
“because he continueth ever,” Christ put a stop to daily and yearly sacrifices when He offered Himself, the perfect, spotless lamb. We are no longer bound by any works of the law, but by our faith in His finished work. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.” - Hebrews 8:6-9.
“because they continued not in my covenant,” When God came up with the Mosaic law, He knew they would not obey the law, after all everything from the altar, to unblemished animal, to even the spoon used in the offering was a foreshadow of Christ. The law provided hope of a better covenant, which came when our true High Priest gave His life to redeem all who believe in Him.
“Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 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.” - Hebrews 9:6-12.
“that could not make him that did the service perfect,” You see, there were priest, who accepted the daily sacrifices, but there was also a high priest, who once a year he went into the most holy place to offer a sacrifice for an atonement of all the sins of himself and the people for the year. In order for them to even offer the sacrifices they had to be consecrated, cleansed of their sins first. Christ, the perfect High Priest and sacrifice, offered Himself for the errors of the people, who makes us perfect in they eyes of God as He sees us through His Son. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10. Praise God!
Today's Prayer: God, There is a large majority of people building their hopes and dreams on that which will pass away, but we who are trusting only in Your Son, build our lives on a better covenant, one in which will be completely fulfilled as we cross over to the Promised Land. How wonderful that You save to the uttermost, and that You deny no one the opportunity to come to You in humility, repentance, and faith. I simply today, just want to thank You for all that You are, and for the great sacrifice You made. It is in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Do You Know For Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I'm Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2015 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
Date: Monday, December 14, 2015
Chapters: Hebrews 6-9
Message Title: More Than Redemption
Hello My Friend,
As Christians, we could have chosen any life to live, but we chose one with Christ, not just on the weekends, holidays, or when we get in trouble, but every day. Walking with Christ daily is not hard, but it can be challenging. For instance, as someone who is self employed, serves God in His ministry, and is also a woman, there are just some things that God does not want me to do that perhaps He allows others. This is a challenge because it limits me on where I can get work and who I allow in my life. When we walk with Christ daily, we are going to be told to remove some things from our lives, or even do something we never thought we would do. Christ offers so much more than permanent redemption, He offers everything we have need of. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” - 1 John 5:14,15.
Before Christ became the sacrifice that would bring permanent redemption to a sinner, the sinner voluntarily brought an unblemished animal to give as a sacrifice. They would lay it on a table outside of the Tabernacle, the sinner placed their hand on the head of the animal, the animal was killed, and as the blood poured out into a basin the priest would take the blood to the altar, offer it up to God as an atonement, then he would sprinkle the blood upon the altar, in which the person would be redeemed until the next time they sinned. Christ has given us a way to redeemed permanently, but walking with Christ is more than just getting saved, it's walking that narrow path that reveals Him in us so that others can know Him and be saved as well.
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” - Hebrews 6:1-6,10.
“not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,” Dead works, serving God in hopes of salvation. A person that has accepted Christ as their Saviour is not trusting any of their own works of righteousness to save them, but trusting in Christ's finished work on the cross. Those who keep trusting in their own works, even after they are saved are condemning Jesus to the cross all over again. He only died once to give all who believe in Him permanent redemption, therefore, we only need to ask Him once to save us. Christ dying would have been sufficient enough to bring permanent redemption to a sinner, but He didn't stop there, He arose from the dead three days later to help us conquer death as well. “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57.
Every time a person believes they must do good to be or remain saved they are not trusting Christ, and they are crucifying Him all over again. Why? Because they are not believing only He can save them. Only by trusting in and accepting His death, burial, and resurrection as the only means to be saved are we saved. The Mosaic law was given to be a temporary solution to get a person right with God until Christ came in the flesh.
“For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” - Hebrews 7:19-25.
“because he continueth ever,” Christ put a stop to daily and yearly sacrifices when He offered Himself, the perfect, spotless lamb. We are no longer bound by any works of the law, but by our faith in His finished work. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.” - Hebrews 8:6-9.
“because they continued not in my covenant,” When God came up with the Mosaic law, He knew they would not obey the law, after all everything from the altar, to unblemished animal, to even the spoon used in the offering was a foreshadow of Christ. The law provided hope of a better covenant, which came when our true High Priest gave His life to redeem all who believe in Him.
“Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 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.” - Hebrews 9:6-12.
“that could not make him that did the service perfect,” You see, there were priest, who accepted the daily sacrifices, but there was also a high priest, who once a year he went into the most holy place to offer a sacrifice for an atonement of all the sins of himself and the people for the year. In order for them to even offer the sacrifices they had to be consecrated, cleansed of their sins first. Christ, the perfect High Priest and sacrifice, offered Himself for the errors of the people, who makes us perfect in they eyes of God as He sees us through His Son. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10. Praise God!
Today's Prayer: God, There is a large majority of people building their hopes and dreams on that which will pass away, but we who are trusting only in Your Son, build our lives on a better covenant, one in which will be completely fulfilled as we cross over to the Promised Land. How wonderful that You save to the uttermost, and that You deny no one the opportunity to come to You in humility, repentance, and faith. I simply today, just want to thank You for all that You are, and for the great sacrifice You made. It is in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Do You Know For Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
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Sunday, December 13, 2015
To Those Who Shall Endure
KJB
Daily Devotion – Following
Jesus In Every
Chapter
Date: Sunday, December 13, 2015
Chapters: Hebrews 1-5
Message Title: To Those Who Shall Endure
Hello My Friend,
The Book of Hebrews is the nineteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-eighth book of the Bible, and contains thirteen chapters. The author of this epistle was Paul and it was written to the Hebrew believers, also known as Jews, and was written around 65BC. The purpose of the letter was to present Jesus Christ as the Mediator between God and man. What we are to learn from it is that Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” - Hebrews 8:6,7.
As we are in the midst of the Christmas season many people do observe the birth of Christ. However, some are led to believe that Christ was born two thousand years ago, they are unaware that He has always been, in fact, that He is God in the flesh. Yes, He is the Son of God, yes, He was birthed in the flesh as any human through the womb of a woman, but He always has been, and He is seen throughout the Old Testament as the angel of the Lord. Now, many Jews have a superstitious or idolatrous respect for angels, they look to them as the mediators between God and man. Paul begins his letter to the Hebrews, explaining the mediators God used before Jesus came here in the flesh, first the prophets and then the angels, who have no power over Christ.
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” - Hebrews 1:1-5,14.
“Being made so much better than the angels,” If you have any trouble understanding the birth of Christ and why it was necessary that He come here in the flesh as He did, then the Book of Hebrews explains it. You see, God loves us so much, we were created in His image, that's how much He loves us, but our flesh causes a division between us and Him, rather the sin of it does. God could have made any other way for us to redeemed, but He chose to come here in the flesh Himself, and did that so that we have a way to be redeemed permanently. And in case you were wondering, yes, He is God, and can be in several places at one time. Paul continues to explain that God came here in the flesh to be that redemption for all who believe in Him.
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.” - Hebrews 2:9-13.
“For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one:” The amazing thing about believing in Christ and accepting Him as our Saviour is that we become joint heirs with Him. It would have been enough that He was the blood sacrifice that became redemption to all who believe, but He didn't stop there, He made us one of His very own, nothing, not even death, can separate us from Christ. Praise God! Many people are brought up under the assumption that people of Old Testament days were brought up under a different law. While they did had the law of Moses, which was basically about keeping them in check with God, these were not given as a means to be saved. They too had to believe in Christ, whom they know to be the Messiah. Paul, explains that Moses was merely the servant God used to guide the people to His house.
“For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 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. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” - Hebrews 3:4-6,12-15.
“if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Thousands of people talk about Christ every day, but that doesn't mean they are saved. We can say a lot with our mouths, but it's the heart God looks at, many will profess they know Christ, but few will actually believe that He alone is needed for salvation. This is why Jesus Himself said, if we believe until the end we will be saved.“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” - Matthew 24:13. Those who truly believe that until the day they die they are saved by grace through His finished work on the cross will be saved. Paul reminds the Hebrews that the same Gospel was preached to their ancestors, through the Mosaic law, and they too had to believe.
“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:2-7,16.
“For we which have believed do enter into rest,” To know and accept the Saviour, whether we know Him as the Messiah or Christ is more than being saved from death and hell, it's being set free from all sin, it's having a one on one relationship with God, it's eternal life in His Kingdom, and entering into His rest. Melchisedec, was King of Salem during Abraham's days, and a high priest. He met Abraham before he even had a son, but knew that of his sons there would come a high priest that would be above all. The Jews had high respect for Melchisedec, seeing him as perfect, sinless, and righteous. Paul explains that while Jesus didn't make Himself a high priest, even Melchisedec believed in Him. “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” - Hebrews 5:5-9.
“he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” Jesus Christ, the Apostle and High Priest of man, is not only is our guide, our mediator, and our Saviour, He is also the head of the Church, His Church to be exact. Who are members of His Church? Every, saved, born again believer. All who believe obey the command of God that only through Him do we have eternal life. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - 1 John 5:13.
Today's Prayer: Jesus, I will never understand how I can be saved simply by believing in and accepting You as my Saviour. But I do understand that I am saved by my faith in Your finished work, and I am trusting only You for my salvation. Thank You for saving me, it's not always easy to follow the path that seems to have so many obstacles to follow You, but I know I can endure them through You. Lead me and guide me, when I start to doubt or feel like things are hopeless keep me looking to You, my Saviour, my God, my everything, who endured the most pain of all so I don't have to. I love You and am nothing without You. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Do You Know For Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
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Copyright © 2015 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
Date: Sunday, December 13, 2015
Chapters: Hebrews 1-5
Message Title: To Those Who Shall Endure
Hello My Friend,
The Book of Hebrews is the nineteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-eighth book of the Bible, and contains thirteen chapters. The author of this epistle was Paul and it was written to the Hebrew believers, also known as Jews, and was written around 65BC. The purpose of the letter was to present Jesus Christ as the Mediator between God and man. What we are to learn from it is that Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” - Hebrews 8:6,7.
As we are in the midst of the Christmas season many people do observe the birth of Christ. However, some are led to believe that Christ was born two thousand years ago, they are unaware that He has always been, in fact, that He is God in the flesh. Yes, He is the Son of God, yes, He was birthed in the flesh as any human through the womb of a woman, but He always has been, and He is seen throughout the Old Testament as the angel of the Lord. Now, many Jews have a superstitious or idolatrous respect for angels, they look to them as the mediators between God and man. Paul begins his letter to the Hebrews, explaining the mediators God used before Jesus came here in the flesh, first the prophets and then the angels, who have no power over Christ.
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” - Hebrews 1:1-5,14.
“Being made so much better than the angels,” If you have any trouble understanding the birth of Christ and why it was necessary that He come here in the flesh as He did, then the Book of Hebrews explains it. You see, God loves us so much, we were created in His image, that's how much He loves us, but our flesh causes a division between us and Him, rather the sin of it does. God could have made any other way for us to redeemed, but He chose to come here in the flesh Himself, and did that so that we have a way to be redeemed permanently. And in case you were wondering, yes, He is God, and can be in several places at one time. Paul continues to explain that God came here in the flesh to be that redemption for all who believe in Him.
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.” - Hebrews 2:9-13.
“For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one:” The amazing thing about believing in Christ and accepting Him as our Saviour is that we become joint heirs with Him. It would have been enough that He was the blood sacrifice that became redemption to all who believe, but He didn't stop there, He made us one of His very own, nothing, not even death, can separate us from Christ. Praise God! Many people are brought up under the assumption that people of Old Testament days were brought up under a different law. While they did had the law of Moses, which was basically about keeping them in check with God, these were not given as a means to be saved. They too had to believe in Christ, whom they know to be the Messiah. Paul, explains that Moses was merely the servant God used to guide the people to His house.
“For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 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. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” - Hebrews 3:4-6,12-15.
“if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Thousands of people talk about Christ every day, but that doesn't mean they are saved. We can say a lot with our mouths, but it's the heart God looks at, many will profess they know Christ, but few will actually believe that He alone is needed for salvation. This is why Jesus Himself said, if we believe until the end we will be saved.“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” - Matthew 24:13. Those who truly believe that until the day they die they are saved by grace through His finished work on the cross will be saved. Paul reminds the Hebrews that the same Gospel was preached to their ancestors, through the Mosaic law, and they too had to believe.
“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:2-7,16.
“For we which have believed do enter into rest,” To know and accept the Saviour, whether we know Him as the Messiah or Christ is more than being saved from death and hell, it's being set free from all sin, it's having a one on one relationship with God, it's eternal life in His Kingdom, and entering into His rest. Melchisedec, was King of Salem during Abraham's days, and a high priest. He met Abraham before he even had a son, but knew that of his sons there would come a high priest that would be above all. The Jews had high respect for Melchisedec, seeing him as perfect, sinless, and righteous. Paul explains that while Jesus didn't make Himself a high priest, even Melchisedec believed in Him. “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” - Hebrews 5:5-9.
“he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” Jesus Christ, the Apostle and High Priest of man, is not only is our guide, our mediator, and our Saviour, He is also the head of the Church, His Church to be exact. Who are members of His Church? Every, saved, born again believer. All who believe obey the command of God that only through Him do we have eternal life. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - 1 John 5:13.
Today's Prayer: Jesus, I will never understand how I can be saved simply by believing in and accepting You as my Saviour. But I do understand that I am saved by my faith in Your finished work, and I am trusting only You for my salvation. Thank You for saving me, it's not always easy to follow the path that seems to have so many obstacles to follow You, but I know I can endure them through You. Lead me and guide me, when I start to doubt or feel like things are hopeless keep me looking to You, my Saviour, my God, my everything, who endured the most pain of all so I don't have to. I love You and am nothing without You. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Receive KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Do You Know For Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I'm Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2015 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
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