KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date:
Saturday,
April 23, 2016
Chapters:
2
Kings 24-25
Message:
2 Kings: The Most Powerful Thing On
Earth
Hello My Friend,
I admit when I
first saw that this was the last two chapters of 2 Kings I thought,
oh boy, I have to start reading 1 Chronicles and all those names
tomorrow. Then as I read today’s chapters God reminded me that
there is an importance to every name, and every person, even if their
names were never given. We are very fortunate in this day and age to
be able to even have a Bible in our possession, the way things are
going we may not have that privilege much longer. The world, and more
importantly, the devil, is going to everything in their power to try
and keep the word of God hidden from those who do not know it and
keep those who have it from speaking it, because the word of God is
more powerful than anything. “For the word of
God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of
the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12.
The most important
thing we need to remember about the word of God is that whatever God
says will and or already has happened. We may not know the hour in
which God chooses to do something, but we do know that He means what
He says. After Josiah died, Judah went right back to the wicked ways
of Manasseh, and just as God warned the judgment that would take
place after his death, it is now coming to pass. Nebuchadnezzar, king
of Babylon, invades Judah, and takes control of the nation.
“In
his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became
his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. And
the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the
Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of
Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the
word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets. Surely
at the commandment of the LORD came this upon Judah, to remove them
out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he
did; And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled
Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.”
- 2 Kings 24:1-4.
“for he filled
Jerusalem with innocent blood;” Innocent blood, those who
sacrificed their children to false gods. Nations, once Christ
centered, have forgotten God, and cannot continue to go in the
direction they are going and not face the wrath of God. I mean, come
on, what happened to morality? You cannot even walk down the street
without being exposed to sin. God has made His decision, judgment is
coming, people better get right with Him before it comes. God has had
it with false gods, religion, and the shed of innocent blood,
including abortions. God did not cause these things to happen,
wicked, selfish, immoral, and religious people, caused it, but God is
going to finish it. “But after thy hardness
and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day
of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will
render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient
continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality,
eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the
truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation
and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew
first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to
every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the
Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.” -
Romans 2:5-11.
While Babylon was taking control of
Jerusalem, all the Jews were being taken captive, and sent to
Babylon, all that were left in Jerusalem were a remnant of people too
poor to be of value to them. Nebuchadnezzar also took the possessions
remaining in the temple.
“And
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came against the city, and his
servants did besiege it. And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to
the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his
princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the
eighth year of his reign. And he carried out thence all the treasures
of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and
cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel
had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said. And he
carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty
men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and
smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the
land.” - 2 Kings 24:11-14.
“save
the poorest sort of the people of the land.” The world
thinks that extravagant lifestyles, money, fame, and possessions
prove one's wealth, but they are the very things that have no value
at all to God. Why do you think heaven is paved with streets of gold,
and the walls made of the most precious jewels? They are worthless to
Him. The only thing He values are the souls that received His Son.
God values human life, and if people have no value on their lives
themselves, He is going to let them die the way they want. If they
reject Him they will die in their sin. “If
any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall
ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death.
There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. We
know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is
begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him
not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in
wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given
us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in
him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God,
and eternal life.” - 1 John 5:16-20.
Once they
had taken all the Jews out of the city, the temple, the palace, and
all the wealthy homes were burned, and completely destroyed. All of
the glory in Jerusalem, the city of David, the temple, palaces,
everything David and Solomon built was reduced to nothing, but ashes
and broken down walls.
“And in
the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the
nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came
Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon,
unto Jerusalem: And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's
house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house
burnt he with fire. And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with
the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round
about. Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the
fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of
the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away.
But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be
vinedressers and husbandmen.” - 2 Kings 25:8-12.
“with
the remnant of the multitude,” When Jesus returns all will be left
on earth are those who never knew Christ, all the saved will be
raptured while Jesus judges the earth for a thousand years. The
things that are happening now, are only the beginning, nothing will
be more severe than what will take place during the final judgment.
When Jesus returns, that's it, every person dead or alive will stand
before Him, and He is going to ask one question, “Do you know me?”.
That question will determine whether we spend eternity in His Kingdom
or the lake of fire, and more incredibly than anything only a remnant
of the multitude of people created will spend an eternity with Jesus.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord,
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the
will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that
day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name
have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And
then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye
that work iniquity.” - Matthew 7:21-23.
Jesus
Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through God's
judgment upon Jerusalem. Christ will return to judge all nations. “I
can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment
is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father
which hath sent me.”- John 5:30.
Today's
Prayer: God, It's so sad to see all the world falling
apart, even my own nation has forsaken You, and turned to wicked
lifestyles, false religion, and shed innocent blood. I know judgment
is coming, and is in the works right now, we need a revival, a
spiritual revival of all who know You, but are afraid to stand up and
speak the truth. Lord, give us Your power to get up and fight, we
cannot stop Your judgment, but we can be prepared and find a few lost
souls. Give us the strength to keep going in Your truths, and let us
not fall into the traps of the world. Help us to fear You, live
through Your Son, and be a witness and testimony of Your love through
Your judgment. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am
praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, April 23, 2016
Friday, April 22, 2016
2 Kings: Greatest Treasure On Earth
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Friday, April 22, 2016
Chapters: 2 Kings 21-23
Message: 2 Kings: Greatest Treasure On Earth
Hello My Friend,
I got my first King James Bible on September 11, 1984, I remember the date because I earned that Bible while I was doing volunteer work as a teenager and learning about Jesus myself over that summer. Like many people do when they first receive a Bible, I looked it over, read through it a little, even started from Genesis, but it never became part of my life. I have misplaced that Bible time and time again, moved to another state and thought I left it behind only to have it show up right when I was ready to make it a daily part of my life. Now, almost thirty-two years later it is the prominent book in my life, and never leaves my sight. You know, we can get saved and that would be the best decision we ever made, but to fully understand God and see the value in what we possess as a child of the true King, there is no greater treasure on earth than His word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” - 2 Timothy 3:16,17.
It is not uncommon for people who do not know the word of God to love God, all throughout the Old Testament we learn of kings who did right in the sight of God, but not like David. This meant that although they loved God and lived morally, they did not follow Him with all their heart like David. After Hezekiah died his son, Manasseh reigned, and he turned Judah completely upside down, he not only rebuilt the groves and high places that his father removed from Judah, he brought Baal worship into the very house of God. The events that took place in his fifty-five year reign brought God to remove all of Israel from His sight.
“And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever: Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out of the land which I gave their fathers; only if they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them. But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.” - 2 Kings 21:5-9.
“only if they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them,” If at any time Manasseh would have repented God would have removed His judgment from Israel. He not only rejected God he brought more wickedness and corruption to the people than the ones who were removed from the land. Let me tell you, all it takes is for one person to reject God and bring their false god around to bring judgment to any nation. Our nations are a mess today because our rulers have forsaken God and replaced Him with the false gods of the world. People still worship the sun, moon, and stars, and even His creation more than God today. We cannot stop God’s judgment on the earth, He made His decision, but we can be prepared and safe for when it does come. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” -Luke 21:36.
After two wicked kings ruled over Judah, we learn of Josiah, a godly king, who walked in the ways of David, and did not cave to other nations trying to buy peace. He was king at the age of eight, and when he turned eighteen, he had all all the idols and groves removed out of the Temple, and began restoring it. Upon cleaning the temple, the high priest discovered something hidden for centuries, the word of God. As they read through it and brought the information to the king, Josiah sought help to understand and discovered the judgment placed o Israel.
“So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched. But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.” - 2 Kings 22:14-19.
“and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD” The Bible had completely disappeared, even the priests did not know and follow it as it had been forbidden to be read. And because he learned the truth God spared him from seeing the judgment of Jerusalem. An amazing thing happens to a person who accepts Christ and begins reading His word, it convicts them, which means it makes them aware of sin they never knew existed. As much as we love God and want to live a life that is pleasing to Him, the only way we can is by reading and doing what is written in His Word. The Holy Spirit is our guide to understanding the word of God, so never let anyone tell you that modern versions are the same only been changed to help you understand. If we hear His word, and are saved we will do follow it immediately as Josiah did. “He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” - John 8:47.
As Josiah learned the truth, he gathered the entire nation together and the word of God was read. After reading it, a huge spiritual revival took place, people repented, turned to God, and all the abominations were removed out of Judah. And they did not stop there, they went throughout all of Israel and removed everything they could find that would lead the people into sin. Josiah even had the two golden calves that Jeroboam made destroyed.
“And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel. And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven. And he brake in pieces the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men. Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he brake down, and burned the high place, and stamped it small to powder, and burned the grove. And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned them upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words.” - 2 Kings 23:4,4,14-16.
“both that altar and the high place he brake down,” Even though a great revival took place and God was very pleased, God did not withdraw His judgment upon Israel. God would spare Josiah the pain of seeing his kingdom destroyed, but the damage was done, God had enough, and was not retracting His judgment. The same holds true for us today, Jesus is coming, God has given the warning, He has had enough, and judgment is coming. People who have already died will face Jesus and be resurrected to either eternal life or eternal death. Those who have not died upon His return will be raptured into the heavens if they are saved. Only those whom believed and received Christ as their Saviour will be saved from eternal death and the lake of fire. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:16-18.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the prophetess (21:14) who told Hezekiah the truth. Jesus is not only a prophet, He is the Son of God. “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;” - Hebrews 1:1,2.
Today's Prayer: God, I know that the Holy Bible is not some ordinary book, it is Your Word, it is holy, pure, alive, and it gives life to all who want You in their lives. Reading Your Word, studying it, and following it will never return void as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to what truly is and is not acceptable to You. Lord, give me Your power to live and grow in Your Word, Help me to follow Your commands with all might heart and soul, and lead me to others who need to be saved before Jesus comes to claim us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Friday, April 22, 2016
Chapters: 2 Kings 21-23
Message: 2 Kings: Greatest Treasure On Earth
Hello My Friend,
I got my first King James Bible on September 11, 1984, I remember the date because I earned that Bible while I was doing volunteer work as a teenager and learning about Jesus myself over that summer. Like many people do when they first receive a Bible, I looked it over, read through it a little, even started from Genesis, but it never became part of my life. I have misplaced that Bible time and time again, moved to another state and thought I left it behind only to have it show up right when I was ready to make it a daily part of my life. Now, almost thirty-two years later it is the prominent book in my life, and never leaves my sight. You know, we can get saved and that would be the best decision we ever made, but to fully understand God and see the value in what we possess as a child of the true King, there is no greater treasure on earth than His word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” - 2 Timothy 3:16,17.
It is not uncommon for people who do not know the word of God to love God, all throughout the Old Testament we learn of kings who did right in the sight of God, but not like David. This meant that although they loved God and lived morally, they did not follow Him with all their heart like David. After Hezekiah died his son, Manasseh reigned, and he turned Judah completely upside down, he not only rebuilt the groves and high places that his father removed from Judah, he brought Baal worship into the very house of God. The events that took place in his fifty-five year reign brought God to remove all of Israel from His sight.
“And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever: Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out of the land which I gave their fathers; only if they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them. But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.” - 2 Kings 21:5-9.
“only if they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them,” If at any time Manasseh would have repented God would have removed His judgment from Israel. He not only rejected God he brought more wickedness and corruption to the people than the ones who were removed from the land. Let me tell you, all it takes is for one person to reject God and bring their false god around to bring judgment to any nation. Our nations are a mess today because our rulers have forsaken God and replaced Him with the false gods of the world. People still worship the sun, moon, and stars, and even His creation more than God today. We cannot stop God’s judgment on the earth, He made His decision, but we can be prepared and safe for when it does come. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” -Luke 21:36.
After two wicked kings ruled over Judah, we learn of Josiah, a godly king, who walked in the ways of David, and did not cave to other nations trying to buy peace. He was king at the age of eight, and when he turned eighteen, he had all all the idols and groves removed out of the Temple, and began restoring it. Upon cleaning the temple, the high priest discovered something hidden for centuries, the word of God. As they read through it and brought the information to the king, Josiah sought help to understand and discovered the judgment placed o Israel.
“So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college;) and they communed with her. And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched. But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.” - 2 Kings 22:14-19.
“and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD” The Bible had completely disappeared, even the priests did not know and follow it as it had been forbidden to be read. And because he learned the truth God spared him from seeing the judgment of Jerusalem. An amazing thing happens to a person who accepts Christ and begins reading His word, it convicts them, which means it makes them aware of sin they never knew existed. As much as we love God and want to live a life that is pleasing to Him, the only way we can is by reading and doing what is written in His Word. The Holy Spirit is our guide to understanding the word of God, so never let anyone tell you that modern versions are the same only been changed to help you understand. If we hear His word, and are saved we will do follow it immediately as Josiah did. “He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” - John 8:47.
As Josiah learned the truth, he gathered the entire nation together and the word of God was read. After reading it, a huge spiritual revival took place, people repented, turned to God, and all the abominations were removed out of Judah. And they did not stop there, they went throughout all of Israel and removed everything they could find that would lead the people into sin. Josiah even had the two golden calves that Jeroboam made destroyed.
“And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel. And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven. And he brake in pieces the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men. Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he brake down, and burned the high place, and stamped it small to powder, and burned the grove. And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned them upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words.” - 2 Kings 23:4,4,14-16.
“both that altar and the high place he brake down,” Even though a great revival took place and God was very pleased, God did not withdraw His judgment upon Israel. God would spare Josiah the pain of seeing his kingdom destroyed, but the damage was done, God had enough, and was not retracting His judgment. The same holds true for us today, Jesus is coming, God has given the warning, He has had enough, and judgment is coming. People who have already died will face Jesus and be resurrected to either eternal life or eternal death. Those who have not died upon His return will be raptured into the heavens if they are saved. Only those whom believed and received Christ as their Saviour will be saved from eternal death and the lake of fire. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:16-18.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the prophetess (21:14) who told Hezekiah the truth. Jesus is not only a prophet, He is the Son of God. “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;” - Hebrews 1:1,2.
Today's Prayer: God, I know that the Holy Bible is not some ordinary book, it is Your Word, it is holy, pure, alive, and it gives life to all who want You in their lives. Reading Your Word, studying it, and following it will never return void as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to what truly is and is not acceptable to You. Lord, give me Your power to live and grow in Your Word, Help me to follow Your commands with all might heart and soul, and lead me to others who need to be saved before Jesus comes to claim us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Missed A Message: http://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
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Thursday, April 21, 2016
2 Kings: Take A Lump Of Figs
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Thursday, April 21, 2016
Chapters: 2 Kings 18-20
Message: 2 Kings: Take A Lump Of Figs
Hello My Friend,
I was doing an internet search for a picture of Jesus and came across one that said, I follow Jesus, not the Bible. My goodness, the lengths that people go to live they way they please, pretend that they know Jesus and keep from following the word of God. That reminds me of the kids I watched briefly, the parents even joined a “Baptist church” and they did not even know what sin was. Ha, ha, I laugh because it is no wonder Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” - Matthew 7:22,23. The world, and apparently the majority of so called Christians today are blind to one great truth, Jesus is the Bible. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14.
From the time God created the earth people have been making their own or themselves god, and even though Israel had the one and only living God that did not stop them from going after or making their own gods. Now, with the Northern Kingdom being invaded and most of Israel being taken into Assyria, the Assyrians thought it would be easy to invade the only tribe in left in Israel, Judah. They were wrong when they found out that Hezekiah, a very godly king turned Judah around, bringing it back to a godly kingdom. As the Assyrians realize Hezekiah was not about to give into them they resort to attacking their mind, asking them why they trust God.
“Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and then eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern: Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand? Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand? But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.” - 2 Kings 18:31-36.
“Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered” Every nation believes their god is the true God, but fail to realize they are man made, and that there is only one living and true God, who in fact, made them. It is easy to believe that a god they create is real when they have power and prosperity, but the second adversity comes their god is nowhere to be found. Every god has a book, they too are man made, but not every god is God, and not every book labeled Holy Bible contains His inspired words. We do not make the word of God into something that resembles the world, we make us into something that the word of God resembles. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:2.
The Assyrians did not realize that all those nations they were able to take over and destroy was not because their god was not able to stop them, it was because they were dead gods. There is only one God, one living God, and only He can deliver a country out of the hands of the enemy. Hezekiah did the one and only thing he was capable of doing to defeat Assyria, he prayed to God and He heard his prayer.
“Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.” - 2 Kings 19:32-37.
“and for my servant David's sake.” All you have to do is stop and think of all the things that Jesus actually saves you from you realize God does not save us for our own sakes, but Jesus. God is forever merciful and graceful for the very reason that He promises to never leave nor forsake anyone who believes in and receives His Son, it is His finished work in the cross that saves us all from suffering what we really deserve. “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” -Isaiah 64:6-8.
Shortly after their victory over Assyria, Hezekiah became very ill and was on the verge of death, the prophet Isaiah came to meet with him and told him to be prepared to die. Hezekiah was not ready to die, so he turned to God in prayer. “Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.” - 2 Kings 20:2-7.
“remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart,” Hezekiah does not speak to God as if He needed to be reminded of the things he had done, he spoke from his heart and humbly, cried before God. Because of that prayer, God added fifteen more years to his life, we may not always get relief from battles, but we can see an expected end and God's hand in it. Those who receive Jesus Christ as their Saviour get more than fifteen years, they get eternity, not because of any good they have done, but for Christ's sake. He defends and delivers all who believe in His Son out of the hands of source of all wickedness, the devil. “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” - Galatians 1:4.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Hezekiah who removed all the idols out of Jerusalem. Jesus destroyed everything evil in the temple the week He came into Jerusalem. “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” - Matthew 21:12,13.
Today's Prayer: (taken from Psalm 23) God, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Thursday, April 21, 2016
Chapters: 2 Kings 18-20
Message: 2 Kings: Take A Lump Of Figs
Hello My Friend,
I was doing an internet search for a picture of Jesus and came across one that said, I follow Jesus, not the Bible. My goodness, the lengths that people go to live they way they please, pretend that they know Jesus and keep from following the word of God. That reminds me of the kids I watched briefly, the parents even joined a “Baptist church” and they did not even know what sin was. Ha, ha, I laugh because it is no wonder Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” - Matthew 7:22,23. The world, and apparently the majority of so called Christians today are blind to one great truth, Jesus is the Bible. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14.
From the time God created the earth people have been making their own or themselves god, and even though Israel had the one and only living God that did not stop them from going after or making their own gods. Now, with the Northern Kingdom being invaded and most of Israel being taken into Assyria, the Assyrians thought it would be easy to invade the only tribe in left in Israel, Judah. They were wrong when they found out that Hezekiah, a very godly king turned Judah around, bringing it back to a godly kingdom. As the Assyrians realize Hezekiah was not about to give into them they resort to attacking their mind, asking them why they trust God.
“Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and then eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern: Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? have they delivered Samaria out of mine hand? Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand? But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not.” - 2 Kings 18:31-36.
“Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered” Every nation believes their god is the true God, but fail to realize they are man made, and that there is only one living and true God, who in fact, made them. It is easy to believe that a god they create is real when they have power and prosperity, but the second adversity comes their god is nowhere to be found. Every god has a book, they too are man made, but not every god is God, and not every book labeled Holy Bible contains His inspired words. We do not make the word of God into something that resembles the world, we make us into something that the word of God resembles. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:2.
The Assyrians did not realize that all those nations they were able to take over and destroy was not because their god was not able to stop them, it was because they were dead gods. There is only one God, one living God, and only He can deliver a country out of the hands of the enemy. Hezekiah did the one and only thing he was capable of doing to defeat Assyria, he prayed to God and He heard his prayer.
“Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.” - 2 Kings 19:32-37.
“and for my servant David's sake.” All you have to do is stop and think of all the things that Jesus actually saves you from you realize God does not save us for our own sakes, but Jesus. God is forever merciful and graceful for the very reason that He promises to never leave nor forsake anyone who believes in and receives His Son, it is His finished work in the cross that saves us all from suffering what we really deserve. “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” -Isaiah 64:6-8.
Shortly after their victory over Assyria, Hezekiah became very ill and was on the verge of death, the prophet Isaiah came to meet with him and told him to be prepared to die. Hezekiah was not ready to die, so he turned to God in prayer. “Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.” - 2 Kings 20:2-7.
“remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart,” Hezekiah does not speak to God as if He needed to be reminded of the things he had done, he spoke from his heart and humbly, cried before God. Because of that prayer, God added fifteen more years to his life, we may not always get relief from battles, but we can see an expected end and God's hand in it. Those who receive Jesus Christ as their Saviour get more than fifteen years, they get eternity, not because of any good they have done, but for Christ's sake. He defends and delivers all who believe in His Son out of the hands of source of all wickedness, the devil. “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” - Galatians 1:4.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Hezekiah who removed all the idols out of Jerusalem. Jesus destroyed everything evil in the temple the week He came into Jerusalem. “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” - Matthew 21:12,13.
Today's Prayer: (taken from Psalm 23) God, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Tuesday, April 19, 2016
2 Kings: Complete In Christ
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Chapters: 2 Kings 12-14
Message: 2 Kings: Complete In Christ
Hello My Friend,
Good, Complete or sufficiently perfect in its kind. God made everything good, people, animals, plants, trees, they are all good. There is another meaning to the word good, Having moral qualities best adapted to its design and use, or the qualities which God's law requires; virtuous (moral); pious (godly); religious (devoted to God); applied to persons, and opposed to bad, vicious, wicked, evil. There is this perception that as long as you are “good” you get to go to heaven, if not you would be in hell with the devil. The truth is, no one is Complete or sufficiently perfect, we can thank the devil for that as he was the one who brought sin into heaven first (he was an angel) then the earth when God cast him out of heaven. Do you think that the devil is in hell right now? Nope, he is somewhere on earth, and he is not looking forward to an eternity in hell no more than we are, but one day he will be, along with everyone else who is not good (complete. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:10,15.
To be complete one must have a body, soul, and spirit, since the curse of death came upon us through Adam we are born incomplete, meaning we have a body and soul, but are missing the Spirit of God, which makes us good. While we are all a creation of God, we are not good, meaning we are only complete through Jesus Christ, who is good. Christ as well as all God’s promises is something no one can alter. When Athaliah made herself queen and destroyed all the males in line of the throne, she tried to alter that promise, and failed when Joash was saved. Joash became king at the age of seven, he dedicated his success to God and the godly men and women who taught him in the temple. When he was old enough to start making decisions on his own, his first order was for the priests to repair the temple. Shortly after, we learn that Joash fearing a siege buys off Syria.
“Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem. And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla. For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.” - 2 Kings 12:17-21.
“and sent it to Hazael king of Syria:” Joash erred in trying to buy peace with Syria. This may have slowed them down, but they would be back because now they know they have control over Judah. Christians are never to try to buy peace with the world, God is the strength of every Christian, and if we all band together we can defeat them. However, if we cave in and submit to them then we will be the ones defeated. If we are complete in Christ, why would God not take care of all our needs. Let me tell you, there are too many people selling themselves out to the devil out of fear. We need not fear anything when we are complete in Christ. “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” - Colossians 2:10,16,17.
Now, before Jesus got here salvation was based on their works, if they were moral, godly, devoted to God, and atoned of their sins through the animal sacrifices they made they were saved. Now, Israel has always had its ups and downs with God, to this day they believe they are complete because they are God’s chosen. And while God will always protect Israel as a nation He does not do it based on their being good, he does it because He made a promise to Abraham many years ago. We are reminded of this when God gave them up into the hands of Syria once again, and Jehoahaz seeking His help to end the battle.
“And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days. And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. (And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime. Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria.) Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.” - 2 Kings 13:3-7.
“And the LORD gave Israel a saviour,” God did not help Jehoahaz because he sought God for help as he knew that he would not repent and return to God nor did He save them from judgment because they were good. God was saving Israel from being completely destroyed, not the man who refused to forsake his false gods and turn to Him. Those who are complete in Christ are not saved by any good that they do, but by the finished work of Christ, who is perfect and complete. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” - Ephesians 2:8,9.
There is a man that joined our church he came from a church we left because of some corrupt things they had going on, and this man was part of that group. As much as I believe that we cannot judge anyone of their past, that still does not stop me as a human from wondering if he is deceiving the church to do the same thing there. When Joash died his son Amaziah reigned, he walked in the ways of his father, he was sought out by Jehoahaz to give his daughter to his son for a wife, but Amaziah refused and he did not take it too well.
“Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face. And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle. Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah. And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents. And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits. And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria.” - 2 Kings 14:8-14.
“And Judah was put to the worse before Israel;” You finally find a king that would not be influenced by anyone, including his own people and he gets attacked. We can expect things like this to happen, I do not know how many times people have turned on me because I would not do something for them. Their response is always, “I thought you were a Christian?” Refusing to go against our beliefs can often come with great opposition and persecution, but it is better to die on the right side of God than the wrong one. “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;” - 1 Peter 3:12-14.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed in the savior that God sent to relieve Israel from judgment. Jesus is not only the Saviour to all those in Israel who believe in Him, He is the Saviour to all who believe. “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” - 1 Timothy 4:10.
Today's Prayer: Jesus, I knew that the day I believed in and received You as my Saviour I was complete. I could feel the power of God come over me as I put all my faith and trust in You as the only one who can save me from the judgment of my sins. Lord, I want Your light to shine in me so much that all the world sees You in me. I know that as long as You shine in me I will face suffering and persecution because of my faith. You are my strength to defeat any person that tries to get me to alter my faith or compromise with them. You are my hope, my courage, my LORD and Saviour, and nothing can separate us. Keep me faithful to Your promises and never let me forget all that You have done for me. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Chapters: 2 Kings 12-14
Message: 2 Kings: Complete In Christ
Hello My Friend,
Good, Complete or sufficiently perfect in its kind. God made everything good, people, animals, plants, trees, they are all good. There is another meaning to the word good, Having moral qualities best adapted to its design and use, or the qualities which God's law requires; virtuous (moral); pious (godly); religious (devoted to God); applied to persons, and opposed to bad, vicious, wicked, evil. There is this perception that as long as you are “good” you get to go to heaven, if not you would be in hell with the devil. The truth is, no one is Complete or sufficiently perfect, we can thank the devil for that as he was the one who brought sin into heaven first (he was an angel) then the earth when God cast him out of heaven. Do you think that the devil is in hell right now? Nope, he is somewhere on earth, and he is not looking forward to an eternity in hell no more than we are, but one day he will be, along with everyone else who is not good (complete. “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:10,15.
To be complete one must have a body, soul, and spirit, since the curse of death came upon us through Adam we are born incomplete, meaning we have a body and soul, but are missing the Spirit of God, which makes us good. While we are all a creation of God, we are not good, meaning we are only complete through Jesus Christ, who is good. Christ as well as all God’s promises is something no one can alter. When Athaliah made herself queen and destroyed all the males in line of the throne, she tried to alter that promise, and failed when Joash was saved. Joash became king at the age of seven, he dedicated his success to God and the godly men and women who taught him in the temple. When he was old enough to start making decisions on his own, his first order was for the priests to repair the temple. Shortly after, we learn that Joash fearing a siege buys off Syria.
“Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem. And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla. For Jozachar the son of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, smote him, and he died; and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David: and Amaziah his son reigned in his stead.” - 2 Kings 12:17-21.
“and sent it to Hazael king of Syria:” Joash erred in trying to buy peace with Syria. This may have slowed them down, but they would be back because now they know they have control over Judah. Christians are never to try to buy peace with the world, God is the strength of every Christian, and if we all band together we can defeat them. However, if we cave in and submit to them then we will be the ones defeated. If we are complete in Christ, why would God not take care of all our needs. Let me tell you, there are too many people selling themselves out to the devil out of fear. We need not fear anything when we are complete in Christ. “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” - Colossians 2:10,16,17.
Now, before Jesus got here salvation was based on their works, if they were moral, godly, devoted to God, and atoned of their sins through the animal sacrifices they made they were saved. Now, Israel has always had its ups and downs with God, to this day they believe they are complete because they are God’s chosen. And while God will always protect Israel as a nation He does not do it based on their being good, he does it because He made a promise to Abraham many years ago. We are reminded of this when God gave them up into the hands of Syria once again, and Jehoahaz seeking His help to end the battle.
“And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days. And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them. (And the LORD gave Israel a saviour, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as beforetime. Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked therein: and there remained the grove also in Samaria.) Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.” - 2 Kings 13:3-7.
“And the LORD gave Israel a saviour,” God did not help Jehoahaz because he sought God for help as he knew that he would not repent and return to God nor did He save them from judgment because they were good. God was saving Israel from being completely destroyed, not the man who refused to forsake his false gods and turn to Him. Those who are complete in Christ are not saved by any good that they do, but by the finished work of Christ, who is perfect and complete. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” - Ephesians 2:8,9.
There is a man that joined our church he came from a church we left because of some corrupt things they had going on, and this man was part of that group. As much as I believe that we cannot judge anyone of their past, that still does not stop me as a human from wondering if he is deceiving the church to do the same thing there. When Joash died his son Amaziah reigned, he walked in the ways of his father, he was sought out by Jehoahaz to give his daughter to his son for a wife, but Amaziah refused and he did not take it too well.
“Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face. And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle. Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? But Amaziah would not hear. Therefore Jehoash king of Israel went up; and he and Amaziah king of Judah looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongeth to Judah. And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents. And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits. And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and hostages, and returned to Samaria.” - 2 Kings 14:8-14.
“And Judah was put to the worse before Israel;” You finally find a king that would not be influenced by anyone, including his own people and he gets attacked. We can expect things like this to happen, I do not know how many times people have turned on me because I would not do something for them. Their response is always, “I thought you were a Christian?” Refusing to go against our beliefs can often come with great opposition and persecution, but it is better to die on the right side of God than the wrong one. “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;” - 1 Peter 3:12-14.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed in the savior that God sent to relieve Israel from judgment. Jesus is not only the Saviour to all those in Israel who believe in Him, He is the Saviour to all who believe. “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.” - 1 Timothy 4:10.
Today's Prayer: Jesus, I knew that the day I believed in and received You as my Saviour I was complete. I could feel the power of God come over me as I put all my faith and trust in You as the only one who can save me from the judgment of my sins. Lord, I want Your light to shine in me so much that all the world sees You in me. I know that as long as You shine in me I will face suffering and persecution because of my faith. You are my strength to defeat any person that tries to get me to alter my faith or compromise with them. You are my hope, my courage, my LORD and Saviour, and nothing can separate us. Keep me faithful to Your promises and never let me forget all that You have done for me. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Monday, April 18, 2016
2 Kings: Who Are God’s People
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Monday, April 18, 2016
Chapters: 2 Kings 9-11
Message: 2 Kings: Who Are God’s People
Hello My Friend,
God’s people, those of us who know God and have read the Bible know that Israel is God’s people. In fact, many nations will never admit that the reason they defend and become allies with Israel is because they are God’s people, nevertheless, nations rise and fall when they join or support Israel. But who are God’s people really? Yes, God chose Israel to put His name on them and He even proclaims them as His people, but does that mean they are all exempt from the same judgment that all people are because they are called His people? No. Every soul created faces the same judgment, Jew or Gentile, we must all believe in God and turn to Him to escape judgment. Being God’s people means that He has chosen a specific group of people to reveal Himself as the only true God who in not only the powerful God of Israel, but everyone who believes. “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:” -Romans 2:9,10.
If you were to study world history you would discover that every nation had its own god that they worshiped. Before the children of Israel came into their country it was called Canaan and was full of man made gods, which is why God told them to remove the people from the land once they got there. They did not, and before long they began forsaking God and turning to these false gods. It was bad enough that Israel made up their own god when Israel split, but now not only was the Northern Kingdom worshiping Baal so was Judah, which all began with Ahab and the great influence of his wife Jezebel. Now, twenty years after Elijah warned Ahab that his entire seed would be destroyed and the kingdom would be taken from them because they caused His people to turn to Baal, the prophecies were being fulfilled. God began by first anointing a new king, Jehu.
“And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel. And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel. For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel: And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many? And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah. And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot. But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.” - 2 Kings 9:6-8,22-27.
“Smite him also in the chariot.” Ahaziah was related to Ahab because his mother, who was a granddaughter to Ahab married Joram, king of Judah. However, under the influence of his mother Ahaziah followed and allowed Baal worship in Judah when he became king, and as a result he was also killed. God will eliminate anyone who causes His people to forsake Him and turn to other gods. When God proclaims a nation as His, it has nothing to do with their obedience to Him, it has everything to do with His promise that He made to a God fearing person. Each person is responsible for their own soul, if they choose Him they choose life, if they choose another god, they choose death and hell. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” - Romans 3:10-12,23,24.
Just as God promised, Ahab's family, friends, and anyone else associated with his family, including Jezebel was executed. Jehu did not stop there, all the worshipers, priests, and prophets of Baal were executed, making sure that not a prophet, priest, or servant of God would be harmed.
“Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another. And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin. In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;” - 2 Kings 10:19-21,25,30-32.
“Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes,” God will use anyone to prove His point and bring judgment to those who cause His people to sin. While many people do get saved under dire circumstances, very few actually leave the lives they live and turn completely to God. Jesus compares a persons faith to branches on a vine, Jew or Gentile, only those who receive Christ, and allow Him to live in and through them are fruitful, all the rest get cut off and burned in the fire. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” - John 15:4-6.
Quite often, God’s judgment brings retaliation, when Jehu had all of the house of Ahab killed, he forgot one, Athaliah. When she found out that her son was dead, she called for vengeance upon the house of Judah, every male child was killed, except one. God used the bravery of one woman, Athaliah’s daughter, to save one boy.
“And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son. But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD. And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house. Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign.” - 2 Kings 11:1-4,15,20,21..
“took Joash the son of Ahaziah,” Joash might have had some of the genes that came from the seed of Ahab, but he was not of the seed of Ahab because because his father was the seed of Judah. As we know, it was important for a male of the house of Judah to keep the seed of David alive as God promised David that His seed would come through the lineage in which David's seed would come. Today, God’s people are those who believe in His Son. “Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.” - Romans 9:24-26.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Elisha, who sent one of the sons of the prophets with oil to anoint Jehu to be king. Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to anoint all believers of Christ. “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” - 1 John 2:27.
Today's Prayer: God, You have proved time and time again that we do not have to be royalty, perfect, or carry a special degree to be one of Your people, we just have to believe on and receive Your Son. Lord, I know I belong to You because I put my faith and trust in Jesus to save me from my sins, death, and hell through His finished work on the cross. I want to live a life that is pleasing and fruitful, lead me and guide me, help me to be the godly example and testimony that brings others to Your Son. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Monday, April 18, 2016
Chapters: 2 Kings 9-11
Message: 2 Kings: Who Are God’s People
Hello My Friend,
God’s people, those of us who know God and have read the Bible know that Israel is God’s people. In fact, many nations will never admit that the reason they defend and become allies with Israel is because they are God’s people, nevertheless, nations rise and fall when they join or support Israel. But who are God’s people really? Yes, God chose Israel to put His name on them and He even proclaims them as His people, but does that mean they are all exempt from the same judgment that all people are because they are called His people? No. Every soul created faces the same judgment, Jew or Gentile, we must all believe in God and turn to Him to escape judgment. Being God’s people means that He has chosen a specific group of people to reveal Himself as the only true God who in not only the powerful God of Israel, but everyone who believes. “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:” -Romans 2:9,10.
If you were to study world history you would discover that every nation had its own god that they worshiped. Before the children of Israel came into their country it was called Canaan and was full of man made gods, which is why God told them to remove the people from the land once they got there. They did not, and before long they began forsaking God and turning to these false gods. It was bad enough that Israel made up their own god when Israel split, but now not only was the Northern Kingdom worshiping Baal so was Judah, which all began with Ahab and the great influence of his wife Jezebel. Now, twenty years after Elijah warned Ahab that his entire seed would be destroyed and the kingdom would be taken from them because they caused His people to turn to Baal, the prophecies were being fulfilled. God began by first anointing a new king, Jehu.
“And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel. And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel. For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel: And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many? And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, O Ahaziah. And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot. But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.” - 2 Kings 9:6-8,22-27.
“Smite him also in the chariot.” Ahaziah was related to Ahab because his mother, who was a granddaughter to Ahab married Joram, king of Judah. However, under the influence of his mother Ahaziah followed and allowed Baal worship in Judah when he became king, and as a result he was also killed. God will eliminate anyone who causes His people to forsake Him and turn to other gods. When God proclaims a nation as His, it has nothing to do with their obedience to Him, it has everything to do with His promise that He made to a God fearing person. Each person is responsible for their own soul, if they choose Him they choose life, if they choose another god, they choose death and hell. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” - Romans 3:10-12,23,24.
Just as God promised, Ahab's family, friends, and anyone else associated with his family, including Jezebel was executed. Jehu did not stop there, all the worshipers, priests, and prophets of Baal were executed, making sure that not a prophet, priest, or servant of God would be harmed.
“Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whosoever shall be wanting, he shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtilty, to the intent that he might destroy the worshippers of Baal. And Jehu said, Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal. And they proclaimed it. And Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left that came not. And they came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was full from one end to another. And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal. And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin. In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;” - 2 Kings 10:19-21,25,30-32.
“Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes,” God will use anyone to prove His point and bring judgment to those who cause His people to sin. While many people do get saved under dire circumstances, very few actually leave the lives they live and turn completely to God. Jesus compares a persons faith to branches on a vine, Jew or Gentile, only those who receive Christ, and allow Him to live in and through them are fruitful, all the rest get cut off and burned in the fire. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” - John 15:4-6.
Quite often, God’s judgment brings retaliation, when Jehu had all of the house of Ahab killed, he forgot one, Athaliah. When she found out that her son was dead, she called for vengeance upon the house of Judah, every male child was killed, except one. God used the bravery of one woman, Athaliah’s daughter, to save one boy.
“And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land. And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son. But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD. And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quiet: and they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king's house. Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign.” - 2 Kings 11:1-4,15,20,21..
“took Joash the son of Ahaziah,” Joash might have had some of the genes that came from the seed of Ahab, but he was not of the seed of Ahab because because his father was the seed of Judah. As we know, it was important for a male of the house of Judah to keep the seed of David alive as God promised David that His seed would come through the lineage in which David's seed would come. Today, God’s people are those who believe in His Son. “Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.” - Romans 9:24-26.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Elisha, who sent one of the sons of the prophets with oil to anoint Jehu to be king. Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to anoint all believers of Christ. “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” - 1 John 2:27.
Today's Prayer: God, You have proved time and time again that we do not have to be royalty, perfect, or carry a special degree to be one of Your people, we just have to believe on and receive Your Son. Lord, I know I belong to You because I put my faith and trust in Jesus to save me from my sins, death, and hell through His finished work on the cross. I want to live a life that is pleasing and fruitful, lead me and guide me, help me to be the godly example and testimony that brings others to Your Son. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Missed A Message: http://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
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Sunday, April 17, 2016
2 Kings: Take The Plain Path
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Sunday, April 17, 2016
Chapters: 2 Kings 6-8
Message: 2 Kings: Take The Plain Path
Hello My Friend,
You do not have to be a prophet or physic to see the events that bring utter chaos to a person or even a country. I will admit there was a time in my life that I believed physics existed, I use to think I had physic abilities. That was until I discovered that learning the fate of someone was not being a physic, it was just common sense based on the lifestyle they were living. If you watch someone long enough you will see a pattern that leads up to them pretty much destroying their lives. I am a firm believer that while God can intervene at any time and certainly knows what will come of us, He gives us the free will to walk our own path, if we seek His will than He will direct that path. “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” - Psalms 27:11-14.
Many times you will read something through the Bible and cringe at the thought of what they were doing, the first thing you think of is how could things have gotten so crazy. The truth is, the flesh is weak, it enjoys the pleasures that the world has to offer, and it will do anything to get them. So, when the things of the world get taken away and they are left trying to survive life after their fun they will go to such extremes. We have heard of people going to extreme measures to survive, even eating people. I cannot imagine being in such a state, but it happens more than you think. The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) was in invaded by Syria, and a severe famine arose.
“And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver. And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king. And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress? And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow. So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son. And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh. Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.” - 2 Kings 6:24-31.
“If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee?” Do you see the pattern here? The world only thinks of taking care of themselves. Never believe for a moment that the world does not know God exists or that He controls things. If any of the people would have come to God He would have provided for them. We knew all this was going to happen because they were warned of it by Moses, but like everyone today who ignores the word of God, they did also, and there they are stooping to the lowest level of eating dung and people to try and stay alive. Let me tell you, if I have to choose between eating something so disgusting and dying, I choose dying because at least I know I will be with Jesus. As Christians, we are not to worry about provisions, God will give them, seek first Jesus and everything else will be added.
“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matthew 6:8,31-33.
The first thing the world does when realizing the path they were taking led to their destruction is go after the men or women that spoke about it. If they just learn to trust God, His decisions, and wait patiently for them He will take care of them. Instead of trying to help the people the king went after Elisha, but a little while later some lepers discovered something, the entire Syrian camp was empty. They went in and began feasting and grabbing everything they could hold in their hands. Then they realized they ought to share the wealth.
“So they came and called unto the porter of the city: and they told them, saying, We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but horses tied, and asses tied, and the tents as they were. And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within. And the king arose in the night, and said unto his servants, I will now shew you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we be hungry; therefore are they gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, When they come out of the city, we shall catch them alive, and get into the city. And one of his servants answered and said, Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: behold, I say, they are even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed:) and let us send and see. And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD. And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.” - 2 Kings 7:10-13,16,17.
“according to the word of the LORD.” The king lost his life that day because he was too stubborn to realize that God was helping them. It's amazing how God always takes care of His people, we do not have to resort to detestable things to survive, we simply need to trust Him. We must be willing to starve a little and take a risk, I do not mean going crazy, but do something to prove to God that we trust Him. This is a perfect illustration of salvation, Jesus has given us a way to escape death and hell, we can choose Him and live, or we can deny Him and die, the choice is ours, but if we just sit there, we die. “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” - 2 Timothy 2:11-13.
At any time when we are seeking answers from God we can open His word and allow the Holy Spirit guide us to the answers. Sometimes we have to add prayer and fasting and dig deeper into the word to get answers, many times we just have trust Him. Quite often it takes a tragic event for someone in the world to go to God for answers, and they usually go to a man or woman of God. Elisha never refused to help anyone who came to him seeking answers from God, so when the king of Syria got sick he sought him to get answers from God if he was going to be healed. Elisha discovered something he probably wish he had not.
“And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither. And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die. And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child. And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.” - 2 Kings 8:7-13.
“Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel:” When Elisha discovered what Hazael was about to do to Israel he cried. It really is sad to see our nations falling apart and discover what the fate of every nation will be. One day Jesus will return, the earth will be destroyed, and every person, dead or alive will stand before Him for judgment. Only those who chose the path of Christ, who humbled themselves, admitted they have sinned, and received Him as their Saviour for their sins will survive this judgment. All that receive Christ are good before God and will be saved. “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.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the noise that spooked the Syrians and allowed Israel to go into their camp for food (7:6). And by Elisha, who wept when he realized what Hazael would do to Israel and its people (8:12). Jesus wept for Jerusalem when He saw they had no faith in Him after Lazarus had been dead. “Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.” - John 11:35-38.
Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for freewill, You do not force us to do anything, You accept any decision we make regarding You and the life we choose. I do not want to be in my own or someone else’s will, I want to be in Your will and to take the path that You would have for me. I know that Your path is straight and narrow, I know it will not always be easy, I will face some famines in life, but I am trusting You to provide for me and keep me on the plain path. Lord, lead me and guide me, teach me Your ways, and give me the power, strength, and wisdom to walk in them. I love You and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Sunday, April 17, 2016
Chapters: 2 Kings 6-8
Message: 2 Kings: Take The Plain Path
Hello My Friend,
You do not have to be a prophet or physic to see the events that bring utter chaos to a person or even a country. I will admit there was a time in my life that I believed physics existed, I use to think I had physic abilities. That was until I discovered that learning the fate of someone was not being a physic, it was just common sense based on the lifestyle they were living. If you watch someone long enough you will see a pattern that leads up to them pretty much destroying their lives. I am a firm believer that while God can intervene at any time and certainly knows what will come of us, He gives us the free will to walk our own path, if we seek His will than He will direct that path. “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” - Psalms 27:11-14.
Many times you will read something through the Bible and cringe at the thought of what they were doing, the first thing you think of is how could things have gotten so crazy. The truth is, the flesh is weak, it enjoys the pleasures that the world has to offer, and it will do anything to get them. So, when the things of the world get taken away and they are left trying to survive life after their fun they will go to such extremes. We have heard of people going to extreme measures to survive, even eating people. I cannot imagine being in such a state, but it happens more than you think. The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) was in invaded by Syria, and a severe famine arose.
“And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove's dung for five pieces of silver. And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king. And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress? And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow. So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son. And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh. Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.” - 2 Kings 6:24-31.
“If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee?” Do you see the pattern here? The world only thinks of taking care of themselves. Never believe for a moment that the world does not know God exists or that He controls things. If any of the people would have come to God He would have provided for them. We knew all this was going to happen because they were warned of it by Moses, but like everyone today who ignores the word of God, they did also, and there they are stooping to the lowest level of eating dung and people to try and stay alive. Let me tell you, if I have to choose between eating something so disgusting and dying, I choose dying because at least I know I will be with Jesus. As Christians, we are not to worry about provisions, God will give them, seek first Jesus and everything else will be added.
“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matthew 6:8,31-33.
The first thing the world does when realizing the path they were taking led to their destruction is go after the men or women that spoke about it. If they just learn to trust God, His decisions, and wait patiently for them He will take care of them. Instead of trying to help the people the king went after Elisha, but a little while later some lepers discovered something, the entire Syrian camp was empty. They went in and began feasting and grabbing everything they could hold in their hands. Then they realized they ought to share the wealth.
“So they came and called unto the porter of the city: and they told them, saying, We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but horses tied, and asses tied, and the tents as they were. And he called the porters; and they told it to the king's house within. And the king arose in the night, and said unto his servants, I will now shew you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we be hungry; therefore are they gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, When they come out of the city, we shall catch them alive, and get into the city. And one of his servants answered and said, Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city, (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: behold, I say, they are even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed:) and let us send and see. And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD. And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.” - 2 Kings 7:10-13,16,17.
“according to the word of the LORD.” The king lost his life that day because he was too stubborn to realize that God was helping them. It's amazing how God always takes care of His people, we do not have to resort to detestable things to survive, we simply need to trust Him. We must be willing to starve a little and take a risk, I do not mean going crazy, but do something to prove to God that we trust Him. This is a perfect illustration of salvation, Jesus has given us a way to escape death and hell, we can choose Him and live, or we can deny Him and die, the choice is ours, but if we just sit there, we die. “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” - 2 Timothy 2:11-13.
At any time when we are seeking answers from God we can open His word and allow the Holy Spirit guide us to the answers. Sometimes we have to add prayer and fasting and dig deeper into the word to get answers, many times we just have trust Him. Quite often it takes a tragic event for someone in the world to go to God for answers, and they usually go to a man or woman of God. Elisha never refused to help anyone who came to him seeking answers from God, so when the king of Syria got sick he sought him to get answers from God if he was going to be healed. Elisha discovered something he probably wish he had not.
“And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither. And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die. And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child. And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.” - 2 Kings 8:7-13.
“Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel:” When Elisha discovered what Hazael was about to do to Israel he cried. It really is sad to see our nations falling apart and discover what the fate of every nation will be. One day Jesus will return, the earth will be destroyed, and every person, dead or alive will stand before Him for judgment. Only those who chose the path of Christ, who humbled themselves, admitted they have sinned, and received Him as their Saviour for their sins will survive this judgment. All that receive Christ are good before God and will be saved. “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.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the noise that spooked the Syrians and allowed Israel to go into their camp for food (7:6). And by Elisha, who wept when he realized what Hazael would do to Israel and its people (8:12). Jesus wept for Jerusalem when He saw they had no faith in Him after Lazarus had been dead. “Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.” - John 11:35-38.
Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for freewill, You do not force us to do anything, You accept any decision we make regarding You and the life we choose. I do not want to be in my own or someone else’s will, I want to be in Your will and to take the path that You would have for me. I know that Your path is straight and narrow, I know it will not always be easy, I will face some famines in life, but I am trusting You to provide for me and keep me on the plain path. Lord, lead me and guide me, teach me Your ways, and give me the power, strength, and wisdom to walk in them. I love You and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: http://godsprice.com/
Receive The KJB Daily Devotions In Your Email: http://eepurl.com/2WMzT
Missed A Message: http://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://imfollowingjesus.com/index.html
Like I'm Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2016 I'm Following Jesus, All rights reserved.
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