KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date:
Saturday,
May 14, 2016
Chapters:
2 Chronicles 27-29
Message:
Prepare Your Way Before The LORD
Hello
My Friend,
God grabbed my attention when I was praying
this morning, He pointed out to me that while He has the power to do
great things in my life, I limit His potential because of my doubts.
You see, while we, who are saved and born again know everything is
possible with God, it is not Him we doubt, it is ourselves. God wants
to great things in your life, are you prepared to receive them, if
not, you will not. “But as it is written, Eye
hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of
man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
- 1 Corinthians 2:9.
We all have doubts, it is not God who
places doubt in our minds, it is the devil. Do you know how many
times a week the devil tries to make me doubt my salvation? I know I
am saved, I know where I am going, but every time I think about my
past, here comes that doubt. If I could kick the devil in the pants I
would because all he does is put doubt in my mind. The thing is, we
have this much higher standard that we place upon ourselves, we
forget that we are not under the law of works, but of grace. We must
get out of this mentality that God will never do anything good for us
because of our past. In today’s reading we are going to take a look
at three more kings. First, Jotham, he had to take over as king when
his father Uzziah had become leprous for going into the temple and
burning incense. Jotham was a good and godly king, he and Judah
prospered greatly because He prepared his ways through God’s ways.
“And he did that which was right
in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah
did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the
people did yet corruptly. He built the high gate of the house of the
LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much. Moreover he built
cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles
and towers. He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and
prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same
year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of
wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon
pay unto him, both the second year, and the third. So Jotham became
mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God.”
- 2 Chronicles 27:2-6.
“because he
prepared his ways before the LORD his God.” Our ways are not
God’s ways, they never have been and never will be. The key to
Jotham’s success was not that he was perfect, it was because he did
everything knowing that the LORD was his God. We will never be
prefect until Christ returns or we are in heaven, but we do not have
to be, we just have to know that the LORD us our God. The only way to
know that the LORD is our God is by receiving His Son as our Saviour.
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in
the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine
of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” - 2 John
1:9.
Now, we come to Ahaz, he was a mess, he not only
forsook God, he worshiped every god he could find, even sacrificed
his own children to these gods. Because he did not prepare his way
for God, nether thought God as his, God put judgment upon him. “And
Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him,
but strengthened him not. For Ahaz took away a portion out of the
house of the LORD, and out of the house of the king, and of the
princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria: but he helped him not.
And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the
LORD: this is that king Ahaz. For he sacrificed unto the gods of
Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings
of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may
help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. And Ahaz
gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces
the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house
of the LORD, and he made him altars in every corner of Jerusalem. And
in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense
unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.”
- 2 Chronicles 28:20-25.
“and
provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.” Those who
are lost will follow any spirit, they know that something is wrong
because their lives are a mess, but because they are lost they do not
see God, even though He may be right in their face. I will tell you,
I like many others knew of God, but He was not prominent in my life.
I had no reason to make Him a part of my life because I thought God
did not work that way. I will admit that I tried other spirits, and
even said it was from God. It was not until I lost everything I had,
and almost lost my life that I saw Jesus. If we say we believe in God
and follow other gods all we do is make Him angry. You see, these old
stories from the Bible have nothing to do with us following a bunch
of commands that were meant for that time, they are meant to show us
that He is merciful to those who love Him and gives all a chance to
find it. “But ye are a chosen generation, a
royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should
shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness
into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but
are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have
obtained mercy.” - 1 Peter 2:9,10.
As I have
mentioned before, I am redesigning I’m Following Jesus, it amazing
me how much I have learned from the word of God since I first put the
site together in 2007 (all God’s glory there). For the life of me I
could not understood why God had to spell out things that seems like
common sense to us, but my goodness, there are some very disgusting
and filthy people out there. Therefore, He has to spell every single
thing out for us in order for us to know what is right and wrong.
Now, we come to Hezekiah, he repaired and reopened the temple after
his father boarded it up. He gathered the Levites together for their
services and had them cleanse themselves to be able to fulfill their
duties. He discovered something, those who were not priests were
cleaner than the priests.
“Then
Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto
the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the
house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and
thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.
And the number of the burnt offerings, which the congregation
brought, was threescore and ten bullocks, an hundred rams, and
two hundred lambs: all these were
for a burnt offering to the LORD. And the consecrated things were
six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep. But the priests were too
few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: wherefore
their brethren the Levites did help them, till the work was ended,
and until the other
priests had sanctified themselves: for the Levites were
more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests. And
also the burnt offerings were
in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and the drink
offerings for every
burnt offering. So the service of the house of the LORD was set in
order. And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had
prepared the people: for the thing was done
suddenly.” - 2 Chronicles
29:31-36.
“for the Levites were
more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.”
Since God created man, there have been more corrupt leaders in the
church than in the congregation. Ministry leaders or not, there are
things we ought to be doing that are common sense, we need to clean
up after ourselves, the cleaner we are the more we prepare our way
for God, and He will prepare us for what He has waiting for us.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist
the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will
draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your
hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your
laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
- James 4:7-10.
Jesus Christ
Revealed: Today, Christ is revealed through Jotham who
prepared his way for God. Jesus came to earth for one purpose, to
become permanent redemption for man. He, though fully God, submitted
to God, the Father, and prepared Himself in his ways for God. “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, I know we all have flesh and are capable of
falling into sin when our heart is not right with You. Lord, help me
prepare my ways before You. Give me Your power, wisdom, and guidance
to live in Your will. Give me the strength to stand by Your word at
all times, let me not let the actions of a bad leader change my
perception of You. In fact, let me be the holy example that You need
me to be so that others would want to follow You Son. In Jesus' name.
Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Saturday, May 14, 2016
Friday, May 13, 2016
The Destruction Of Pride
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Friday, may 13, 2016
Chapters: 2 Chronicles 24-26
Message: The Destruction Of Pride
Hello My Friend,
Pride, an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, and accomplishments. It is great to feel good about the things we achieve in our lives, but we must not forget that it was not just in our own strength that we were successful, but God’s as well. Every Christian ought to strive to be the best they can be with the talents God gave them, but when we get to the point that we are conceited (having a vain or too high conception of ourselves) about our achievement that is when pride kicks in and we loose control of our ability to reason with ourselves. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” - Proverbs 16:18.
Pride can get the best of all of us, it is pride that says, I am not a sinner! It is pride that says, You can’t tell me what to do! It is pride that says, I did it by myself! Pride is not limited to the unbelievers, it gets and often turns believers away from God until the day they die. In today’s reading we have three kings, all who started out godly, but as soon as their pride got in the way it destroyed them. First, we have Joash, he was the baby that God kept alive to keep David’s seed alive, he grew up godly and remained that way until his, guardian, adviser, and priest Jehoiada died. His pride destroyed him when he allowed worldly influence to turn his heart away from God.
“Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zibiah of Beersheba. And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died. And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house. Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass. Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.” - 2 Chronicles 24:1,2,15-19.
“but they would not give ear.” Pride always accompanies the wicked, they know how to put their charm on us to reel us into following them. Pride knows when it does wrong, yet it is too proud to admit it is wrong, especially when confronted about it. I use to date a guy that swore he would change if I was with him, I even made plans to travel across the world to him, I did want to listen to those telling me he would be no good for me. Then I got the chance to video chat with him on a daily basis, for a while it was great, but I noticed a pattern that led me to the mess I had gotten into with him in the first place. After losing nearly every client I had, going into a depression, and gaining about twenty pounds, I realized my hardship was because I was too proud to admit he was bad for me. Once I let him go, good things started to happen to me. Pride is what limits God from doing what He really wants to do in our lives, but if we humble ourselves to Him, He is right there for us. “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” - Proverbs 29:22,23.
Now, we come to Amaziah, he was just like his father in the beginning also, godly, and the kingdom prospered because of it. Amaziah let his pride destroy him when his army won a battle against Edom and he took their gods and began worshiping them.
“And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand. And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces. But the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah, from Samaria even unto Bethhoron, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil. Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand? But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.” - 2 Chronicles 25:11-15,20.
“for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies,” Pride leads us right into the hand of our enemies. You know, it is not God who brings problems in our lives, we do it all on our own. Yes, He can and does intervene more than we realize, but pride keeps us from keeping our eyes on Him in the first place. When things are going well for us we tend to push God to the side, the problem with that is that it leaves room for other gods to creep in. And do not think that a god is superior being we worship, a god is anything that we worship. Pride tells us, I can worship who I want! God tells us, worship only me. “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity.” - Psalms 10:4-6.
Now, we come to Uzziah, he started out very good and prospered greatly, he did more under the hand of God than his father or grandfather, but he too let pride take over when he became strong. He thought himself to be above God’s law and went into the temple and burned incense.
“And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God. Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar. And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.” - 2 Chronicles 26:5,16-20.
“neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.” Pride tells us, I am my own god, and I can worship Him the way I want! Pride tells us, I earn my way to heaven! Pride tells us, I can do what I want because I am saved! God says, all sin leads to death, and my Son is the only way. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” - John 14:6,7.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Zechariah who died a sinless death for preaching the word of God (24:20-21). Jesus died a sinless death when He was crucified on the cross. “Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.” - Luke 23:20,21.
Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for the talents and skills you have given me, when we work hard under Your hand we are truly blessed. Pride is the sin that not only takes the credit for the blessings You have given us, it is what keeps us from admitting when we have done wrong, and even what turns us away from You. Lord, in all that we do, let us be reminded that You are our strength and we are nothing without You. We give You the glory for all that You do, all the good, bad, and ugly things that make us who we are today as we endured with Your Son by our side. Give us Your power, wisdom, and guidance to walk in Your ways and not let our pride take control. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Friday, may 13, 2016
Chapters: 2 Chronicles 24-26
Message: The Destruction Of Pride
Hello My Friend,
Pride, an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, and accomplishments. It is great to feel good about the things we achieve in our lives, but we must not forget that it was not just in our own strength that we were successful, but God’s as well. Every Christian ought to strive to be the best they can be with the talents God gave them, but when we get to the point that we are conceited (having a vain or too high conception of ourselves) about our achievement that is when pride kicks in and we loose control of our ability to reason with ourselves. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” - Proverbs 16:18.
Pride can get the best of all of us, it is pride that says, I am not a sinner! It is pride that says, You can’t tell me what to do! It is pride that says, I did it by myself! Pride is not limited to the unbelievers, it gets and often turns believers away from God until the day they die. In today’s reading we have three kings, all who started out godly, but as soon as their pride got in the way it destroyed them. First, we have Joash, he was the baby that God kept alive to keep David’s seed alive, he grew up godly and remained that way until his, guardian, adviser, and priest Jehoiada died. His pride destroyed him when he allowed worldly influence to turn his heart away from God.
“Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zibiah of Beersheba. And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died. And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house. Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass. Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.” - 2 Chronicles 24:1,2,15-19.
“but they would not give ear.” Pride always accompanies the wicked, they know how to put their charm on us to reel us into following them. Pride knows when it does wrong, yet it is too proud to admit it is wrong, especially when confronted about it. I use to date a guy that swore he would change if I was with him, I even made plans to travel across the world to him, I did want to listen to those telling me he would be no good for me. Then I got the chance to video chat with him on a daily basis, for a while it was great, but I noticed a pattern that led me to the mess I had gotten into with him in the first place. After losing nearly every client I had, going into a depression, and gaining about twenty pounds, I realized my hardship was because I was too proud to admit he was bad for me. Once I let him go, good things started to happen to me. Pride is what limits God from doing what He really wants to do in our lives, but if we humble ourselves to Him, He is right there for us. “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.” - Proverbs 29:22,23.
Now, we come to Amaziah, he was just like his father in the beginning also, godly, and the kingdom prospered because of it. Amaziah let his pride destroy him when his army won a battle against Edom and he took their gods and began worshiping them.
“And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand. And other ten thousand left alive did the children of Judah carry away captive, and brought them unto the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all were broken in pieces. But the soldiers of the army which Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah, from Samaria even unto Bethhoron, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil. Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand? But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.” - 2 Chronicles 25:11-15,20.
“for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies,” Pride leads us right into the hand of our enemies. You know, it is not God who brings problems in our lives, we do it all on our own. Yes, He can and does intervene more than we realize, but pride keeps us from keeping our eyes on Him in the first place. When things are going well for us we tend to push God to the side, the problem with that is that it leaves room for other gods to creep in. And do not think that a god is superior being we worship, a god is anything that we worship. Pride tells us, I can worship who I want! God tells us, worship only me. “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity.” - Psalms 10:4-6.
Now, we come to Uzziah, he started out very good and prospered greatly, he did more under the hand of God than his father or grandfather, but he too let pride take over when he became strong. He thought himself to be above God’s law and went into the temple and burned incense.
“And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense. And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men: And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the LORD, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God. Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the LORD, from beside the incense altar. And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the LORD had smitten him.” - 2 Chronicles 26:5,16-20.
“neither shall it be for thine honour from the LORD God.” Pride tells us, I am my own god, and I can worship Him the way I want! Pride tells us, I earn my way to heaven! Pride tells us, I can do what I want because I am saved! God says, all sin leads to death, and my Son is the only way. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.” - John 14:6,7.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Zechariah who died a sinless death for preaching the word of God (24:20-21). Jesus died a sinless death when He was crucified on the cross. “Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.” - Luke 23:20,21.
Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for the talents and skills you have given me, when we work hard under Your hand we are truly blessed. Pride is the sin that not only takes the credit for the blessings You have given us, it is what keeps us from admitting when we have done wrong, and even what turns us away from You. Lord, in all that we do, let us be reminded that You are our strength and we are nothing without You. We give You the glory for all that You do, all the good, bad, and ugly things that make us who we are today as we endured with Your Son by our side. Give us Your power, wisdom, and guidance to walk in Your ways and not let our pride take control. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Communicating With God
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Chapters: 2 Chronicles 15-17
Message: Communicating With God
Hello My Friend,
People have this notion, and a lot of pastors and teachers will tell you this also, that the God written in the Bible is not the same God we worship today. Oh, they say that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but they do not believe that He does the same things He did during Old and New Testament days. Now, since we are under the law of grace and not works, we can only get to God through Jesus, but He is still the same God and very capable of parting the seas and bringing fire down from heaven. Why is it that we do not see Him do so many extraordinary things today? Unbelief. “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” - Matthew 17:20,21.
Prayer is the key to communicating with God, He wants us to talk to Him, not just through some ritual prayer, but all day long. Fasting is when we go that extra mile to get God’s attention. Prayer and fasting do not guarantee that we see the outcome we like, but it does guarantee our efforts will not go unnoticed by God. Asa did very well as king, in fact, he prospered greatly and the land had rest from their enemies for the majority of his reign. Asa credited his success to God, and even did great things to make sure that the only law in Judah was God’s law.
“And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa. And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep. And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.” - 2 Chronicles 15:9-15.
“when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.” Believe it or not, when the presence of God is noticed by the world many will flock to Him. The lost are not hopeless, many are in search of something to show them that they get get through their problems. There is a church next door to my gym, it’s called Rethink Life Church. It has nothing to do with God or Jesus, but focuses having a positive attitude within. Yeah, I know, not exactly what the world needs, but this proves that people know this world is a mess and are looking for something to give them hope. Jesus is that hope we all need, and if people see Jesus in us than He will wear off on us and people will come to Him through us. That is why it is important that we communicate with God all day long, if we feel He is distant, that is when we need to get fasting. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6,7.
Asa was about to find out first hand that even if you are saved You need constant communication with God. Asa and the kingdom of Judah enjoyed many years of peace and prosperity, but later when Baasha, king of Syria, became a threat, Asa made a foolish decision to buy them off to find peace rather than ask God how to handle it. God confronted Asa about that decision, but instead of listening to God he stopped all communication with him.
“And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time. And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” - 2 Chronicles 16:7-10,12.
“yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD,” Asa let his guilt and pride get in the way and died prematurely because he refused to admit he sinned. When he found out that God was angry at the decision he made he was ashamed to stand before him, so, instead of seeking forgiveness he forsook God. Many saved people have left God, even denounced their faith in Jesus after either getting caught in sin or felt that they did something unforgivable. Let me tell you, once saved always saved, as long as we receive Christ as our Saviour and meant it when we did, we will forever be saved. It is the guilt and pride of the flesh that causes people to stop living for God, but God knows the true heart, and if they were saved before they went awol they will be found when Jesus calls them. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” - John 10:11-28.
Now, Jehoshaphat reigns in Asa’s stead, and he did more to restore the kingdom than any of the kings had done, since David. “And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.” - 2 Chronicles 17:1-6.
“Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand;” Jehoshaphat made sure everything he did reflected God, from his own life to his family, and even business affairs, the people knew that God was a big part of his life. God blesses us when we are faithful to Him, being faithful to God does not mean we are not going to mess up from time to time, it means He is a part of every part of our lives. Having constant communication with God is the key to making Him a part of everything we do. Yes, we are going to have days of silence, but when we do not have the energy to speak God will speak to us. Jesus teaches us how we are to communicate with God. “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” - Matthew 6:6-8,16-18.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Jehoshaphat, who established the kingdom under the authority of God. When Jesus returns, His kingdom will be established in His hand. “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:” - Matthew 25:31,32.
Today's Prayer: God, As much faith as I have in You, I still find myself struggling with unbelief sometimes. Lord, help my unbelief, help me to always seek You first, to keep talking to You, even when I do not have the strength to talk. Give me faith that not only moves mountains, but crushes them, help me to let go of any guilt or shame from the past that keeps me from moving closer to You and asking You for what I am in need of. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Chapters: 2 Chronicles 15-17
Message: Communicating With God
Hello My Friend,
People have this notion, and a lot of pastors and teachers will tell you this also, that the God written in the Bible is not the same God we worship today. Oh, they say that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but they do not believe that He does the same things He did during Old and New Testament days. Now, since we are under the law of grace and not works, we can only get to God through Jesus, but He is still the same God and very capable of parting the seas and bringing fire down from heaven. Why is it that we do not see Him do so many extraordinary things today? Unbelief. “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” - Matthew 17:20,21.
Prayer is the key to communicating with God, He wants us to talk to Him, not just through some ritual prayer, but all day long. Fasting is when we go that extra mile to get God’s attention. Prayer and fasting do not guarantee that we see the outcome we like, but it does guarantee our efforts will not go unnoticed by God. Asa did very well as king, in fact, he prospered greatly and the land had rest from their enemies for the majority of his reign. Asa credited his success to God, and even did great things to make sure that the only law in Judah was God’s law.
“And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa. And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep. And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.” - 2 Chronicles 15:9-15.
“when they saw that the LORD his God was with him.” Believe it or not, when the presence of God is noticed by the world many will flock to Him. The lost are not hopeless, many are in search of something to show them that they get get through their problems. There is a church next door to my gym, it’s called Rethink Life Church. It has nothing to do with God or Jesus, but focuses having a positive attitude within. Yeah, I know, not exactly what the world needs, but this proves that people know this world is a mess and are looking for something to give them hope. Jesus is that hope we all need, and if people see Jesus in us than He will wear off on us and people will come to Him through us. That is why it is important that we communicate with God all day long, if we feel He is distant, that is when we need to get fasting. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6,7.
Asa was about to find out first hand that even if you are saved You need constant communication with God. Asa and the kingdom of Judah enjoyed many years of peace and prosperity, but later when Baasha, king of Syria, became a threat, Asa made a foolish decision to buy them off to find peace rather than ask God how to handle it. God confronted Asa about that decision, but instead of listening to God he stopped all communication with him.
“And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time. And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” - 2 Chronicles 16:7-10,12.
“yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD,” Asa let his guilt and pride get in the way and died prematurely because he refused to admit he sinned. When he found out that God was angry at the decision he made he was ashamed to stand before him, so, instead of seeking forgiveness he forsook God. Many saved people have left God, even denounced their faith in Jesus after either getting caught in sin or felt that they did something unforgivable. Let me tell you, once saved always saved, as long as we receive Christ as our Saviour and meant it when we did, we will forever be saved. It is the guilt and pride of the flesh that causes people to stop living for God, but God knows the true heart, and if they were saved before they went awol they will be found when Jesus calls them. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” - John 10:11-28.
Now, Jehoshaphat reigns in Asa’s stead, and he did more to restore the kingdom than any of the kings had done, since David. “And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.” - 2 Chronicles 17:1-6.
“Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand;” Jehoshaphat made sure everything he did reflected God, from his own life to his family, and even business affairs, the people knew that God was a big part of his life. God blesses us when we are faithful to Him, being faithful to God does not mean we are not going to mess up from time to time, it means He is a part of every part of our lives. Having constant communication with God is the key to making Him a part of everything we do. Yes, we are going to have days of silence, but when we do not have the energy to speak God will speak to us. Jesus teaches us how we are to communicate with God. “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” - Matthew 6:6-8,16-18.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Jehoshaphat, who established the kingdom under the authority of God. When Jesus returns, His kingdom will be established in His hand. “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:” - Matthew 25:31,32.
Today's Prayer: God, As much faith as I have in You, I still find myself struggling with unbelief sometimes. Lord, help my unbelief, help me to always seek You first, to keep talking to You, even when I do not have the strength to talk. Give me faith that not only moves mountains, but crushes them, help me to let go of any guilt or shame from the past that keeps me from moving closer to You and asking You for what I am in need of. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Monday, May 9, 2016
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Monday, May 09, 2016
Chapters: 2 Chronicles 12-14
Message: Being Humble To Find The Grace Of God
Hello My Friend,
Faithful, born again Christians are not perfect, in fact, they mess up pretty good sometimes, but thank God they do not have to worry about being perfect because they have a perfect Saviour. While being saved does mean that we will not have to spend an eternity in hell, it does not mean that we will not be chastened while we are on the earth. Sometimes we do get chastened for no wrong doing, but the majority of the time it has something to do with what we have done or allowed in our lives. The key to getting through any chastening is grace, the Favorable influence of God in renewing the heart and resisting from sin. “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” - 2 Corinthians 12:8,9.
Humble, to be submissive. Most of us have a resistance to being humble, being submissive to God, but the only way we can get God’s attention and find His grace is to first humble ourselves to Him. Rehoboam did very well as king in his first three years, but his prosperity got to his head, he forsook the laws of God, taking the kingdom with him. It was not until God sent the thorn of Egypt on his side that he humbles himself before God.
“And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him. And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD, Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.” - 2 Chronicles 12:1,2,6-8.
“that they may know my service,” No Christian has constant perfect faith for God, we can all push God to the side and get kind of arrogant when are doing very well in life. And if things get too far out of hand, God will bring chastening in our lives. God does not chasten us right away, He gives us some warnings first, it is only when we humble ourselves before Him that He will lessen or help us endure the chastening. God will never let us forget that His grace is what kept us from getting what we really deserved. “Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - James 4:5-7.
After Rehoboam died his son, Abijah reigned in his steed. Abijah walked in the ways of David, but there was a continual civil war with Jeroboam, and Israel the whole time he reigned. Abijah stood on top of mount Zemaraim, gathers Jeroboam and all of Israel together, and tries to knock some sense in them.
“Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt? Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord. And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them. And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods. But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business:” - 2 Chronicles 13:5-10.
“the LORD is our God,” You can trust in any god you want or try to worship the Almighty the way you choose, but there is only one God, and only one way to worship Him, and that is through the LORD, Jesus Christ. Thousands of people do some kind of service in a church every week, but they are consecrating (cleansing) themselves to them that are no gods. Meaning there is only one God, and one way to worship Him, unless they know Christ as their Saviour, their works are meaningless. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10.
Now, after Abijah died, his son Asa reigned, God was so pleased with the way that Asa ran the kingdom that He gave him rest from war. It was during that time of rest that Asa cleaned up Jerusalem and built walls of protection to shield them from future attacks. “And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil. And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them. They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.” - 2 Chronicles 14:11-15.
“and in thy name we go against this multitude.” You see, it is not we who fight our battles, it is God. As Christians we are going to have all sorts of thorns in our side to try and get us away from God. Do not attempt anything on your own, give it all over to God, but prepare yourselves for future battles. You never know when life or anything else is going to sneak up on you, we must be prepared, and the best protection is putting on the armor of God. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:11-13.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Rehoboam, who humbled himself before God. Jesus, with all the power of God humbled Himself, becoming a servant giving all power to the Father. “Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” - Hebrews 2:8,9.
Today's Prayer: God, You love Your children so much that You settle for nothing less than our best. When our best gets fizzled, You do what every Father does, you chasten us. Thank You for Your chastening, as painful as it is at the time, there is good reason for it, and always bring something positive coming out of it. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and endless grace, and for always being there for us, even when we mess up. You are an awesome God, and I'd rather be suffering with You than in the world with no one. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Monday, May 09, 2016
Chapters: 2 Chronicles 12-14
Message: Being Humble To Find The Grace Of God
Hello My Friend,
Faithful, born again Christians are not perfect, in fact, they mess up pretty good sometimes, but thank God they do not have to worry about being perfect because they have a perfect Saviour. While being saved does mean that we will not have to spend an eternity in hell, it does not mean that we will not be chastened while we are on the earth. Sometimes we do get chastened for no wrong doing, but the majority of the time it has something to do with what we have done or allowed in our lives. The key to getting through any chastening is grace, the Favorable influence of God in renewing the heart and resisting from sin. “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” - 2 Corinthians 12:8,9.
Humble, to be submissive. Most of us have a resistance to being humble, being submissive to God, but the only way we can get God’s attention and find His grace is to first humble ourselves to Him. Rehoboam did very well as king in his first three years, but his prosperity got to his head, he forsook the laws of God, taking the kingdom with him. It was not until God sent the thorn of Egypt on his side that he humbles himself before God.
“And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him. And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD, Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.” - 2 Chronicles 12:1,2,6-8.
“that they may know my service,” No Christian has constant perfect faith for God, we can all push God to the side and get kind of arrogant when are doing very well in life. And if things get too far out of hand, God will bring chastening in our lives. God does not chasten us right away, He gives us some warnings first, it is only when we humble ourselves before Him that He will lessen or help us endure the chastening. God will never let us forget that His grace is what kept us from getting what we really deserved. “Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - James 4:5-7.
After Rehoboam died his son, Abijah reigned in his steed. Abijah walked in the ways of David, but there was a continual civil war with Jeroboam, and Israel the whole time he reigned. Abijah stood on top of mount Zemaraim, gathers Jeroboam and all of Israel together, and tries to knock some sense in them.
“Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt? Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord. And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them. And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. Have ye not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods. But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business:” - 2 Chronicles 13:5-10.
“the LORD is our God,” You can trust in any god you want or try to worship the Almighty the way you choose, but there is only one God, and only one way to worship Him, and that is through the LORD, Jesus Christ. Thousands of people do some kind of service in a church every week, but they are consecrating (cleansing) themselves to them that are no gods. Meaning there is only one God, and one way to worship Him, unless they know Christ as their Saviour, their works are meaningless. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10.
Now, after Abijah died, his son Asa reigned, God was so pleased with the way that Asa ran the kingdom that He gave him rest from war. It was during that time of rest that Asa cleaned up Jerusalem and built walls of protection to shield them from future attacks. “And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil. And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them. They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.” - 2 Chronicles 14:11-15.
“and in thy name we go against this multitude.” You see, it is not we who fight our battles, it is God. As Christians we are going to have all sorts of thorns in our side to try and get us away from God. Do not attempt anything on your own, give it all over to God, but prepare yourselves for future battles. You never know when life or anything else is going to sneak up on you, we must be prepared, and the best protection is putting on the armor of God. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:11-13.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Rehoboam, who humbled himself before God. Jesus, with all the power of God humbled Himself, becoming a servant giving all power to the Father. “Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” - Hebrews 2:8,9.
Today's Prayer: God, You love Your children so much that You settle for nothing less than our best. When our best gets fizzled, You do what every Father does, you chasten us. Thank You for Your chastening, as painful as it is at the time, there is good reason for it, and always bring something positive coming out of it. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and endless grace, and for always being there for us, even when we mess up. You are an awesome God, and I'd rather be suffering with You than in the world with no one. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Sunday, May 8, 2016
2 Chronicles: Bearing Temptation
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Sunday, May 08, 2016
Chapters: 2 Chronicles 9-11
Message: 2 Chronicles: Bearing Temptation
Hello My Friend,
Temptation. Did you ever notice that the second you tell yourself you are not going to do something there are all sorts of temptations to entice you. We do not know how long Eve starred at that fruit tree before she grabbed a piece from it, and we do not know how long she held it in her hand before she bit into it, but we do know that she took a bite because she saw it was something to be desired. God never said that He would not allow us to be tempted, He did say that He would give us a way out. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13.
It is often said that in order to keep yourself from being tempted you need to remove everything that would entice you. I use to think that it did not matter if I removed the temptation, I am strong enough to overcome it. While that can be achieved sometimes, the truth is, our flesh is way too weak to avoid falling into temptation if it is staring at us in the face every day. But in all honesty, we are tempted every day, and most of the time we pay no mind to it. It is only when we are mentally weak that we desire them, thus falling into the temptation. As wise, wealthy, and famous as Solomon was, you would have though that he would have left with a better legacy, monarchs all over the world praised him and gave him an abundance of things because they knew it was God that blessed him.
“And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart. And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year. And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance. And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.” - 2 Chronicles 9:22-28.
“And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon,” There is something to be said about being desired. We all want recognition, to be acknowledged, accepted, and praised for our good work, but if we are not careful we forget that God is the one who blessed us. Solomon had everything he ever wanted and needed, yet something was amiss, it had to have been since he had a thousand wives. He may have looked happy on the outside, but he desired something much more than money, possessions, or women could give. Nothing with God is more valuable than everything without Him. “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I? For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.” - Ecclesiastes 2:24-26.
Now, after Solomon died, his son Rehoboam reigned. It did not take long before he, desiring to be accepted by his friends as the new king, caused the entire nation to split. Every tribe, except for Judah and Benjamin, rejected him, even claiming their namesake of Israel as well. “And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents. But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that was over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.” - 2 Chronicles 10:13-19.
“for the cause was of God,” 1 Kings explains this in more detail, but God was angry with Solomon for allowing the influence of his foreign wives to bring false god and idol worship into Jerusalem, he even began worshiping them himself. To keep his promise to David, God caused the split. Why? To keep the corrupt Israelites from the godly. You see, God knows well ahead of time what is going to happen when we give into the mental desires that lead to temptation. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” - James 1:14,15.
Now, with the news that everyone scattered, Rehoboam is fuming, he wants to show Israel who is in charge, he gathers up an army to fight against them, but just as the battle began God orders them to stop the fight. Once he realizes that all this was under the hand of God he straightened up, and for three years was strong in the Lord. “And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam. But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam. And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah. And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.” - 2 Chronicles 11:1-5,6,7.
“And they obeyed the words of the LORD,” When we obey God that is when we have the power to bare and escape any temptation. Sometimes things do not make sense, anger, pride, depression, loneliness, these are some of the many things that play a part in our mental desires wanting to be fulfilled. When we are not right with ourselves that is when we are most vulnerable to temptation, but Jesus, can help us overcome any temptation when we look to Him. Jesus was tempted just as we are, He used the power of God to help Him, so He can help us. The key to overcome is not in our strength, we will fail every time, it is in the strength of Jesus in us.
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” - Hebrews 2:9-11,17,18.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is reveled through the ivory throne of Solomon’s kingdom. The luster of his kingdom illustrated the glory of the coming of Christ’s kingdom, and is a faint representation of His throne to be set up when He returns. “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.” - Revelation 20:11.
Today's Prayer: God, You did not promise that we would not be tempted after we receive Your Son as our Saviour, but You did promise that You would give us a way out, an escape. It is not the temptation itself that causes us to fall, it is our mental state. Lord, You are our only strength to strengthen our mind, body and spirit to walk away from temptation. Help us take control of those emotions that make us vulnerable to temptation, lead us away from anything that will cause us to think upon and desire these things. Give us Your power to bare any temptation that does find us, let us be forgiving to ourselves for any fall, and help us get back up if we do. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Sunday, May 08, 2016
Chapters: 2 Chronicles 9-11
Message: 2 Chronicles: Bearing Temptation
Hello My Friend,
Temptation. Did you ever notice that the second you tell yourself you are not going to do something there are all sorts of temptations to entice you. We do not know how long Eve starred at that fruit tree before she grabbed a piece from it, and we do not know how long she held it in her hand before she bit into it, but we do know that she took a bite because she saw it was something to be desired. God never said that He would not allow us to be tempted, He did say that He would give us a way out. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13.
It is often said that in order to keep yourself from being tempted you need to remove everything that would entice you. I use to think that it did not matter if I removed the temptation, I am strong enough to overcome it. While that can be achieved sometimes, the truth is, our flesh is way too weak to avoid falling into temptation if it is staring at us in the face every day. But in all honesty, we are tempted every day, and most of the time we pay no mind to it. It is only when we are mentally weak that we desire them, thus falling into the temptation. As wise, wealthy, and famous as Solomon was, you would have though that he would have left with a better legacy, monarchs all over the world praised him and gave him an abundance of things because they knew it was God that blessed him.
“And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that God had put in his heart. And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year. And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem. And he reigned over all the kings from the river even unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. And the king made silver in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar trees made he as the sycomore trees that are in the low plains in abundance. And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt, and out of all lands.” - 2 Chronicles 9:22-28.
“And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon,” There is something to be said about being desired. We all want recognition, to be acknowledged, accepted, and praised for our good work, but if we are not careful we forget that God is the one who blessed us. Solomon had everything he ever wanted and needed, yet something was amiss, it had to have been since he had a thousand wives. He may have looked happy on the outside, but he desired something much more than money, possessions, or women could give. Nothing with God is more valuable than everything without Him. “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I? For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.” - Ecclesiastes 2:24-26.
Now, after Solomon died, his son Rehoboam reigned. It did not take long before he, desiring to be accepted by his friends as the new king, caused the entire nation to split. Every tribe, except for Judah and Benjamin, rejected him, even claiming their namesake of Israel as well. “And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents. But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that was over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.” - 2 Chronicles 10:13-19.
“for the cause was of God,” 1 Kings explains this in more detail, but God was angry with Solomon for allowing the influence of his foreign wives to bring false god and idol worship into Jerusalem, he even began worshiping them himself. To keep his promise to David, God caused the split. Why? To keep the corrupt Israelites from the godly. You see, God knows well ahead of time what is going to happen when we give into the mental desires that lead to temptation. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” - James 1:14,15.
Now, with the news that everyone scattered, Rehoboam is fuming, he wants to show Israel who is in charge, he gathers up an army to fight against them, but just as the battle began God orders them to stop the fight. Once he realizes that all this was under the hand of God he straightened up, and for three years was strong in the Lord. “And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam. But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam. And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah. And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.” - 2 Chronicles 11:1-5,6,7.
“And they obeyed the words of the LORD,” When we obey God that is when we have the power to bare and escape any temptation. Sometimes things do not make sense, anger, pride, depression, loneliness, these are some of the many things that play a part in our mental desires wanting to be fulfilled. When we are not right with ourselves that is when we are most vulnerable to temptation, but Jesus, can help us overcome any temptation when we look to Him. Jesus was tempted just as we are, He used the power of God to help Him, so He can help us. The key to overcome is not in our strength, we will fail every time, it is in the strength of Jesus in us.
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” - Hebrews 2:9-11,17,18.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is reveled through the ivory throne of Solomon’s kingdom. The luster of his kingdom illustrated the glory of the coming of Christ’s kingdom, and is a faint representation of His throne to be set up when He returns. “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.” - Revelation 20:11.
Today's Prayer: God, You did not promise that we would not be tempted after we receive Your Son as our Saviour, but You did promise that You would give us a way out, an escape. It is not the temptation itself that causes us to fall, it is our mental state. Lord, You are our only strength to strengthen our mind, body and spirit to walk away from temptation. Help us take control of those emotions that make us vulnerable to temptation, lead us away from anything that will cause us to think upon and desire these things. Give us Your power to bare any temptation that does find us, let us be forgiving to ourselves for any fall, and help us get back up if we do. In the name of Jesus, 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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