KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date:
Friday,
May 27, 2016
Chapters:
Job 4-6
Message:
Being
Upright With Jesus
Hello
My Friend,
Upright, Honest; just; not deviating from
correct moral principles. Correct Moral Principles, what are they and
who decides what they are? In general, being moral means respecting
the conduct of man and their relations as social beings whose actions
have a bearing on each others rights and happiness. In other words to
learn the difference between right and wrong, and act accordingly. We
do not have to know God to know that something is right or wrong, but
we do have to know God to keep ourselves upright. “Good
and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his
way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep
his covenant and his testimonies.” - Psalms 25:8-10.
There
is no better guide to teach us how to be upright than God’s Word,
while our conscious is pretty good at telling us we are doing
something wrong, it can only go so far because our thoughts are not
as God’s. Now, with that said, what do you do when you do not have
God’s Word. God’s Word followed along with the ages, during Job’s
time, His Word did not exist on paper, it was literally all done by
faith and what they were taught through the generations. As Job sits
there in pain, his friends are watching him, thinking about his life
and like, Job also wondering why he was being afflicted. Now, they
begin to speak on what they think is going on, first Eliphaz. A
descendant of Esau, Jacob's brother, his reasoning as to why Job was
suffering was that God was chastening his for some hidden sin.
“Then Eliphaz the Temanite
answered and said, If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be
grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking? Behold, thou
hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy
words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened
the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it
toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. Is not this thy fear, thy
confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways? Remember, I
pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the
righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and
sow wickedness, reap the same.” - Job 4:1-8.
“who
ever perished, being innocent?” Eliphaz could not wait to be
the first to reprimand Job, he sees this man who appeared so upright,
hiding some terrible sin. Remember, they knew of God, but at this
point He was someone who rewarded you for good and punished you for
evil. In their eyes, Job had to have done something for God to strike
him like this. While God indeed does reward us for good and punish us
for evil, He is not quite the ruthless, strike you down for
everything you do God that He is still portrayed as. Even when
salvation was based on ones works, God was merciful, the same
principles applied as they do today, you must walk by faith,
believing in God and be atoned for your sins. Being upright is not
about trying to remember every sin we committed, it is about
admitting that we are sinners and need Jesus Christ. No one is
innocent, we are all sinners and the punishment for sin is death and
hell. By faith we believe that Christ saves us from that punishment.
“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By
what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we
conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the
law.” - Romans 3:27,28.
Do you remember in the
beginning of the book, we learn a little about Job, he gave
sacrifices to God every day, for him and his children to redeem them
if they had sinned, and this was well before the law was written.
“for
Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their
hearts. Thus did Job continually.” Job
knew he was not sinless, but he was perfect in the eyes of God
because he followed Him wholly. By nature, if a person who knows God
sees someone suffering the first thing they assume is there must be
sin in their lives, which is what Eliphaz was doing. Eliphaz
continues speaking, encouraging Job to accept his chastening with
gladness.
“Behold, happy is the
man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of
the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and
his hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in
seven there shall no evil touch thee. And thou shalt know that thy
tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation,
and shalt not sin. Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great,
and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. Thou shalt come to thy
grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.
Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for
thy good.” - Job 5:1-19,24-27.
“and
know thou it for thy good.” Eliphaz is telling Job that he
is suffering for his own good, and that if he just confesses his sin
God is faithful to deliver him out of his suffering. How often do we
wonder how good of a Christian someone is when they are being
afflicted? How about ourselves, how often do we question whether or
not we are doing something wrong of have some unconfessed sin we
forgot. If we stop to think about it, we do it more than we realize.
It is natural to think that if we are suffering we must have done
something wrong. While we do not always suffer for sin, the truth is,
we sin every day, most of the time we do not realize what we are
doing. That anger that caused a lack of judgment. That frustration
that caused hurtful words. That envy that caused bitterness. That
disappointment that caused a lack of faith in God. These are all
things we do unknowingly that we just need to go to God and say, I’m
sorry for sinning against You. Being upright is not about being
perfect, none of us are, but it is about confessing that we are a
sinner and need the Perfect One, Jesus. “That
if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou
shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” -
Romans 10:9,10.
Do not let your lack of knowing fool you
into believing that you can do something that is sinful and get away
with it. If you are saved, the Holy Spirit lives in you and He tells
you right away if you said, did, or even thought of something wrong.
We are, by nature, engrafted to having certain needs and desires of
the flesh, but we are very capable of controlling ourselves. And by
the way, if you are upright, people know you are, and they know what
you are capable of. If someone says something questionable about you
the people ought to shrug it off, knowing that it is not possible
coming from you. Job responds to Eliphaz, quite saddened by his
assumptions.
“But Job answered
and said, To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his
friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty. For now ye are
nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid. Did I say, Bring
unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance? Or, Deliver me
from the enemy's hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?
Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand
wherein I have erred. How forcible are right words! but what doth
your arguing reprove? Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the
speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind? Yea, ye
overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend. Now
therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I
lie. Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again,
my righteousness is in it. Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my
taste discern perverse things?” - Job 6:1,14,21-30.
“cannot
my taste discern perverse things?” We know what we are
doing, whether it is right or wrong. We do not need God or anyone
else to tell us something we are doing is wrong. The first thing many
people do is use the excuse that they did not know any better. It is
the world that deceives people into believing that something wrong is
right. Why do you think the world reacts so inhumanely when a
Christian tells them what they are doing is sin? They know what they
are doing is wrong. Being upright is not only knowing right from
wrong, but living right, despite what the world is doing. It is not
the people we have to answer to, it is God. No one is perfect, no
one, but we can be led by the Perfect One and let Him help us live
right. Each day with Christ pulls us away from the world and toward
our Father. We are not nor will be sinless until He returns or takes
us home, but He will help us sin less if we remain upright in Him. He
is the key to following the Correct Moral Principles that God has
laid out for us. “What then? shall we sin,
because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know
ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his
servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of
obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the
servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of
doctrine which was delivered you.” - Romans 6:15-17.
Jesus
Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Job, who
reveals he would be conmforted by God through his death. Jesus had no
problem giving His life for man because He had comfort knowing that
His Father would take care of Him. “I came
forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the
world, and go to the Father.” - John 16:28.
Today's
Prayer: God, When I am being afflicted, give me the
strength to endure it, trusting in Your promises. When I see others
afflicted, let me not falsely accuse or judge them, but be a comfort
to them through their distress. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me
Your power to be the light that so many need when they are afflicted
and do not know what is going on, let me be a guide and comfort to
them, and let Your Son shine through me as I live in a way that is
pleasing to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I
am praying for you,
Christina
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Friday, May 27, 2016
Thursday, May 26, 2016
A Trial Of Faith
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2016
Chapters: Job 1-3
Message: A Trial Of Faith
Hello My Friend,
Sandwiched in the middle of the Old Testament books are known as the books of Poetry. Theses books are of human experiences of the people of God under various circumstances of their earthly lives. The Book of Job contains forty-two chapters, it the oldest book written of the Bible books, the timeline is around 1520 BC, around the time of Abraham. The author of the book is unknown, but probable that it was Job or Moses. Unlike most of the Old Testament books that were specifically addressed to the Jews, Job is addressed to all. The purpose of the book is to explain the question many people have, "Why do the godly suffer?". What we are to learn from the book is that there is a spiritual reason behind all the unexplained suffering. “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10.
There are times in our lives when things just do not make any sense, we try to live right by God, put Him first, be there for others, and yet there seems to be no end to the suffering. Let me tell you, suffering is not something God initiates, but it is something He allows. Why? To keep us from evil. To prove us. The Book of Job answers all the questions we have as to who is actually behind our suffering, and why God even allows it to begin with. As much as we think that the devil has great power over us, the truth is, he has no power over God. Satan can only do what God allows him to do. One day, God had a conversation with Satan about Job.
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” - Job 1:6-12.
“Doth Job fear God for nought?” Does Job fear God for nothing? Does Job fear God because he has everything? Job had everything, wealth, family, friends, the devil just knew that if he lost it all he would walk away from God. However, he was wrong because after God allowed him to take it all away, even his family, Job still feared God. Why God even keeps him around is a mystery, but until Jesus returns we have to deal with him. It is truly unbelievable to think that God has conversations with the devil over us, but it is true. The biggest trick of the devil is to get us believing that we fear (love and respect) God because we have everything we want. The true test comes when the devil starts taking things away to see if we stay true to God. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” - 1 Peter 1:6,7.
If there is one thing I have learned the past few years is that it is easy for the devil to tempt us when we seem to have lost everything we have. When the devil cannot get us to forsake God by taking things away from us he starts afflicting our body. Now, when the devil discovered that Job would not forsake God by taking all his blessings away from him, he decided that it was his health that was keeping him faithful to God. Again, God has a conversation with the devil over Job, and He agrees to let the him afflict Job’s health.
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” - Job 2:3-9.
“all that a man hath will he give for his life.” What are you willing to give up to save your life? The devil just knew that if he made Job sick that he would forsake God, but he was wrong once again, he even upbraided his wife for telling him to curse God. Integrity, the entire, unimpaired state of any thing, particularly of the mind; moral soundness or purity. Holding on to ones integrity is not about being perfect, it is about trusting God and fearing Him no matter what the devil does to us. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - I Peter 4:12,13.
Now, just because we will not give up on God that does not mean we do not have thoughts to give up on ourselves. If the devil can get us to give up on life itself than he had done his job because giving up on ourselves is like giving up on God. Here is Job, covered in boils, scraping them with pieces of a clay pot just to get some relief from the pain. After a week he just starts wondering why he was even born. “Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul; Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures; Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave? Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in? For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.” - Job 3:20-26.
“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me,” You see what the devil did here? He found out his fears and used them to afflict him. Job did what we all do when we are being afflicted and cannot figure out why, he started feeling bad about himself. At this point Job just wanted God to take him out of his misery, but He knew deep down that Job was not ready to give up the fight just yet. Barely a day goes by that I do not thank God for getting me out of bed, with as many health issues as I have deal with, I am blessed to be able to do that. As much as I want to give up the fight sometimes, it is not God that I want to give up on, it is me. However, by the grace of God and strength of Christ in me I will not give up because it is the devil who is trying to get me to lose my integrity. Never let the devil defeat you, Christ is your strength. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” - I John 4:4.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Job as he would not give up his integrity no matter what the devil afflicted with him. Jesus was greatly afflicted while being tried and hung on the cross, and while He could have come down from that cross, He kept His integrity and stayed there so that we could live. “And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.” - Matthew 27:30,31.
Today's Prayer: God, I admit that the first thing I think of when I am being afflicted is, “What have I done and how can I fix it?” It is those thoughts that hinder me from seeing the blessings you are giving me through my affliction. You already know what I am going through, I just need to trust You and let You take care of it as I do what I can in my ability. Lord, help me to walk continuously in my integrity and keep looking to You for help through my affliction instead of trying to fix the problem myself without Your guidance. I love You and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Thursday, May 26, 2016
Chapters: Job 1-3
Message: A Trial Of Faith
Hello My Friend,
Sandwiched in the middle of the Old Testament books are known as the books of Poetry. Theses books are of human experiences of the people of God under various circumstances of their earthly lives. The Book of Job contains forty-two chapters, it the oldest book written of the Bible books, the timeline is around 1520 BC, around the time of Abraham. The author of the book is unknown, but probable that it was Job or Moses. Unlike most of the Old Testament books that were specifically addressed to the Jews, Job is addressed to all. The purpose of the book is to explain the question many people have, "Why do the godly suffer?". What we are to learn from the book is that there is a spiritual reason behind all the unexplained suffering. “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23:10.
There are times in our lives when things just do not make any sense, we try to live right by God, put Him first, be there for others, and yet there seems to be no end to the suffering. Let me tell you, suffering is not something God initiates, but it is something He allows. Why? To keep us from evil. To prove us. The Book of Job answers all the questions we have as to who is actually behind our suffering, and why God even allows it to begin with. As much as we think that the devil has great power over us, the truth is, he has no power over God. Satan can only do what God allows him to do. One day, God had a conversation with Satan about Job.
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” - Job 1:6-12.
“Doth Job fear God for nought?” Does Job fear God for nothing? Does Job fear God because he has everything? Job had everything, wealth, family, friends, the devil just knew that if he lost it all he would walk away from God. However, he was wrong because after God allowed him to take it all away, even his family, Job still feared God. Why God even keeps him around is a mystery, but until Jesus returns we have to deal with him. It is truly unbelievable to think that God has conversations with the devil over us, but it is true. The biggest trick of the devil is to get us believing that we fear (love and respect) God because we have everything we want. The true test comes when the devil starts taking things away to see if we stay true to God. “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” - 1 Peter 1:6,7.
If there is one thing I have learned the past few years is that it is easy for the devil to tempt us when we seem to have lost everything we have. When the devil cannot get us to forsake God by taking things away from us he starts afflicting our body. Now, when the devil discovered that Job would not forsake God by taking all his blessings away from him, he decided that it was his health that was keeping him faithful to God. Again, God has a conversation with the devil over Job, and He agrees to let the him afflict Job’s health.
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” - Job 2:3-9.
“all that a man hath will he give for his life.” What are you willing to give up to save your life? The devil just knew that if he made Job sick that he would forsake God, but he was wrong once again, he even upbraided his wife for telling him to curse God. Integrity, the entire, unimpaired state of any thing, particularly of the mind; moral soundness or purity. Holding on to ones integrity is not about being perfect, it is about trusting God and fearing Him no matter what the devil does to us. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - I Peter 4:12,13.
Now, just because we will not give up on God that does not mean we do not have thoughts to give up on ourselves. If the devil can get us to give up on life itself than he had done his job because giving up on ourselves is like giving up on God. Here is Job, covered in boils, scraping them with pieces of a clay pot just to get some relief from the pain. After a week he just starts wondering why he was even born. “Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul; Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures; Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave? Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in? For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters. For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.” - Job 3:20-26.
“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me,” You see what the devil did here? He found out his fears and used them to afflict him. Job did what we all do when we are being afflicted and cannot figure out why, he started feeling bad about himself. At this point Job just wanted God to take him out of his misery, but He knew deep down that Job was not ready to give up the fight just yet. Barely a day goes by that I do not thank God for getting me out of bed, with as many health issues as I have deal with, I am blessed to be able to do that. As much as I want to give up the fight sometimes, it is not God that I want to give up on, it is me. However, by the grace of God and strength of Christ in me I will not give up because it is the devil who is trying to get me to lose my integrity. Never let the devil defeat you, Christ is your strength. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” - I John 4:4.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Job as he would not give up his integrity no matter what the devil afflicted with him. Jesus was greatly afflicted while being tried and hung on the cross, and while He could have come down from that cross, He kept His integrity and stayed there so that we could live. “And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.” - Matthew 27:30,31.
Today's Prayer: God, I admit that the first thing I think of when I am being afflicted is, “What have I done and how can I fix it?” It is those thoughts that hinder me from seeing the blessings you are giving me through my affliction. You already know what I am going through, I just need to trust You and let You take care of it as I do what I can in my ability. Lord, help me to walk continuously in my integrity and keep looking to You for help through my affliction instead of trying to fix the problem myself without Your guidance. I love You and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Wednesday, May 25, 2016
You Must Be Born Again
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Chapters: Esther 6-10
Message: You Must Be Born Again
Hello My Friend,
As I was consoling a friend who lost her husband (it is his birthday today) something hit me, birthday’s must be a big celebration in heaven because it was the day that God gave them life. But think about it, what gives God more joy than bringing a new life into the world? A second birth, one that would give life to their soul so they can be in heaven. Life is precious to God, so precious that He sent His own Son to make sure we do not have just one birthday, but two. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” - John 3:6-8.
Sometimes when God lays it on my heart to write about something I wonder what it has to do with the chapters I am reading. Then God reminds me that there is always a new moral to every story, which is why we are to read His word continually. As we continue reading the Book of Esther we learn that evil never prevails. As Haman schemed to try and get all the Jews destroyed, God was working to make sure that did not happen. First, God was going to make sure Haman would be humiliated for what he was doing. The king called for Haman as he discovered that Mordecai never got the proper honor given to him for saving the kings life.
“So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself? And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour. Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour. And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.” - Esther 6:6-12.
“To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?” It is interesting to see how wicked people are so stuck on themselves. The wicked never prosper, and those who do only do for a short time until God sees His plan through. When we belong to God we will be exalted in due time, we just have to wait and be faithful to Him. People often wonder why the ones who obey the laws suffer while the ones who disobey them do not, but the truth is, they suffer more. God will take His own home to ease their suffering, but He will let the wicked die in their own shame. A drunk person that causes a person die under the hands of their influence will remain alive so they can suffer the repercussions of taking that life. Likewise, the same thing goes for those who end a child’s life in their womb. The wicked will always suffer for their sin, but God’s people will be exalted for their faith.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - 1 Peter 5:6-10.
The Book of Esther testifies to the secret watch and care that God has over His people. Amazingly not once is His name mentioned, but there is no other book in the Bible that His presence is revealed. With the threat of all the Jews lives in danger, Esther made the decision to expose Haman for who he was. The humiliation of taking Mordecai through the streets to honor him was just the beginning. During the second banquet Esther requested with the king, she exposed Haman for writing the decree to have the Jews killed.
“Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage. Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.” - Esther 7:3-7,10.
“If I have found favour in thy sight,” You know, we do not have to go very far to find God’s favor, our first step is humbling ourselves before Him and admitting that we cannot do this alone. The second step is to receive His Son as our Saviour. God’s favor, while it is good to live honorably, is not in our deeds, but by first becoming one of His people. The only way to become one of His people is to be born again, God has already given life to our flesh even while being conceived, He gives life to our soul by believing on His Son and accepting Him as our personal Saviour. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” - John 3:3.
After Haman was hung by the very gallows he had made for Mordecai, the king asked Esther what else he could do to make things right. She asked him to allow the Jews to defend themselves of the decree that Haman had forged concerning that all Jews be executed. And that is exactly what they did, even having his sons hung.
“On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her. And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews. The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.” - Esther 8:1-3,16,17.
“And many of the people of the land became Jews;” It often takes fear of death for people to realize they need Christ. When believers trust God through their difficulties His people will always increase in number. We must understand that all life is precious to God, they would not have been conceived if He did not have plans for them. However, people are going to do what they want to do, and will face God for it. Yet, we must also understand that we are all sinners, and God will use any circumstance for good. A woman who aborts her child can turn her life around with Christ and through the forgiveness of that sin teach others how precious life is. Likewise, a person who killed someone in a drunken state can turn their life around with Christ and teach others how precious life is. We are all born predestined to become born again, but the choice is up to us whether or not we fulfill that will. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” - Romans 8:28-30.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Mordecai, who was honored through the streets. Jesus was greatly honored in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. “And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” - Matthew 21:8,9.
Today's Prayer: God, As I look back on my life I can see all the difficulties that You have allowed in my life and just how much Your hand played a part in my enduring them, even when I did not always have obey You. I thank You for the cross that I bare and how You bring me to victory every time I place my faith and trust in You. I am glad to be a member of Your church and learning to live day by day on Your daily bread. I love You and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Chapters: Esther 6-10
Message: You Must Be Born Again
Hello My Friend,
As I was consoling a friend who lost her husband (it is his birthday today) something hit me, birthday’s must be a big celebration in heaven because it was the day that God gave them life. But think about it, what gives God more joy than bringing a new life into the world? A second birth, one that would give life to their soul so they can be in heaven. Life is precious to God, so precious that He sent His own Son to make sure we do not have just one birthday, but two. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” - John 3:6-8.
Sometimes when God lays it on my heart to write about something I wonder what it has to do with the chapters I am reading. Then God reminds me that there is always a new moral to every story, which is why we are to read His word continually. As we continue reading the Book of Esther we learn that evil never prevails. As Haman schemed to try and get all the Jews destroyed, God was working to make sure that did not happen. First, God was going to make sure Haman would be humiliated for what he was doing. The king called for Haman as he discovered that Mordecai never got the proper honor given to him for saving the kings life.
“So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself? And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour. Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour. And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.” - Esther 6:6-12.
“To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?” It is interesting to see how wicked people are so stuck on themselves. The wicked never prosper, and those who do only do for a short time until God sees His plan through. When we belong to God we will be exalted in due time, we just have to wait and be faithful to Him. People often wonder why the ones who obey the laws suffer while the ones who disobey them do not, but the truth is, they suffer more. God will take His own home to ease their suffering, but He will let the wicked die in their own shame. A drunk person that causes a person die under the hands of their influence will remain alive so they can suffer the repercussions of taking that life. Likewise, the same thing goes for those who end a child’s life in their womb. The wicked will always suffer for their sin, but God’s people will be exalted for their faith.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” - 1 Peter 5:6-10.
The Book of Esther testifies to the secret watch and care that God has over His people. Amazingly not once is His name mentioned, but there is no other book in the Bible that His presence is revealed. With the threat of all the Jews lives in danger, Esther made the decision to expose Haman for who he was. The humiliation of taking Mordecai through the streets to honor him was just the beginning. During the second banquet Esther requested with the king, she exposed Haman for writing the decree to have the Jews killed.
“Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage. Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen. And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.” - Esther 7:3-7,10.
“If I have found favour in thy sight,” You know, we do not have to go very far to find God’s favor, our first step is humbling ourselves before Him and admitting that we cannot do this alone. The second step is to receive His Son as our Saviour. God’s favor, while it is good to live honorably, is not in our deeds, but by first becoming one of His people. The only way to become one of His people is to be born again, God has already given life to our flesh even while being conceived, He gives life to our soul by believing on His Son and accepting Him as our personal Saviour. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” - John 3:3.
After Haman was hung by the very gallows he had made for Mordecai, the king asked Esther what else he could do to make things right. She asked him to allow the Jews to defend themselves of the decree that Haman had forged concerning that all Jews be executed. And that is exactly what they did, even having his sons hung.
“On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her. And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews. The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour. And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.” - Esther 8:1-3,16,17.
“And many of the people of the land became Jews;” It often takes fear of death for people to realize they need Christ. When believers trust God through their difficulties His people will always increase in number. We must understand that all life is precious to God, they would not have been conceived if He did not have plans for them. However, people are going to do what they want to do, and will face God for it. Yet, we must also understand that we are all sinners, and God will use any circumstance for good. A woman who aborts her child can turn her life around with Christ and through the forgiveness of that sin teach others how precious life is. Likewise, a person who killed someone in a drunken state can turn their life around with Christ and teach others how precious life is. We are all born predestined to become born again, but the choice is up to us whether or not we fulfill that will. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” - Romans 8:28-30.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Mordecai, who was honored through the streets. Jesus was greatly honored in His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. “And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” - Matthew 21:8,9.
Today's Prayer: God, As I look back on my life I can see all the difficulties that You have allowed in my life and just how much Your hand played a part in my enduring them, even when I did not always have obey You. I thank You for the cross that I bare and how You bring me to victory every time I place my faith and trust in You. I am glad to be a member of Your church and learning to live day by day on Your daily bread. I love You and pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Guided By God
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Chapters: Esther 1-5
Message: Guided By God
Hello My Friend,
The Book of Esther was originally written to the Jews who where in Persia (Babylon). The author of the book is unknown, but most likely Mordecai. The timeline for these events took place approximately 464–434 BC. The purpose of the book is to testify to the secret watch and care that God has over His people no matter where they are. What we are to learn from the book is that God uses all people to serve Him in some way, but prepares His people to be witnesses and blessings to others. “For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.” - Esther 10:3.
God uses many means to point people to His direction, judgment, sickness, hope, love, death, the list goes on and on, how He gets our attention goes back to the choices we make. If we choose God He will protect us no matter what road we are on. Contrary to what many people believe, our fate is not planned out for us, yes, there are some things destined for us that no one can alter, but we choose the path, and oddly enough, God is the guide. When the Jews were taken captive and brought to Babylon they had no idea what would come of them, as far as they knew God removed them out of His sight. He might have taken them out of Jerusalem, but He still kept an eye on them. God gives us a look into the state of the Jews in Babylon, he uses a young Jewish woman name Hadassah, whose name was changed to Esther to change the fate of the Jews in Babylon. By a strange turn of events, Esther finds herself vying for a chance to become queen, and just by being herself was chosen.
“Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.” - Esther 2:15-20.
“Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people;” Those who walk with Christ are set apart from everyone else, they do not need to reveal to the world that they are a Christian because they see it. Sadly, many do not know it is Him, but they see something different in them, which is why they become blessed even in the world. Sometimes the path that God takes us makes no sense at all, but we have to trust Him and let Him continue to guide us. “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” - Isaiah 58:11.
After Esther became queen, king Ahasuerus (Artaxerxes) promoted a wicked man named Haman, which gave him the right to enforce the king's commands. Haman was so influential with the king that he expected all the people to bow down to him. However, Mordecai refused, and that gave him ammunition to conspire to get rid of not only him, but all the Jews. He lies to the king and tells him that a group of people were going against his laws and needed to be put to death for it. The king agrees, not knowing that he was talking about the Jews.
“Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring. And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.” - Esther 3:12-15.
“and sealed with the king's ring.” Over the years, especially in our current generation, our countries leaders are being deceived into signing laws that are pretty much trying to kill off God’s people. And as Christians, we are forced to comply with laws that should never even be into existence for the sake of a few egos that are hurt because we will not bow down to them. While we are no longer under the law, and while we are be wise in our decisions, we must never let anyone belittle us for our faith. At one time it use to be, and still is a crime to discriminate against someone over their religion, yet we get persecuted for following Jesus. Stand by your faith, do not bow down to them! We have a right to be here, and no one can force us to break a law from the utmost authority, God. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.” - Proverbs 29:25,26.
After learning of the decree Queen Esther came up with a plan to expose Haman to the king, even if that meant she would lose her life. She encourages the Jews to fast and pray for three days, and then she would approach the king, even if that meant she would die for it. Esther put on her royal clothes and went into the kings court, he received her with gladness. All she requested was to have dinner with him and Haman, which the king gladly accepted. That night he asked her what she wanted and all she asked for one more night to feast with the king and Haman. Haman left that day with his head swelled that he was personally invited to dinner with the queen, but was not enough because he wanted Mordecai dead. That is when they had a gallows made for him.
“Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king. Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate. Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.” - Esther 5:9-14.
“Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart:” When the wicked mess with God’s people their egos are inflated as they think they are the ones in control. The wicked forget one huge thing, God. God may allow His people to be afflicted, but He will never let them be destroyed. Right now, the devil’s ego is inflated, he thinks he is in control, but God is the one who is always in control, and no one will take His people from Him. “For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,” - Psalms 95:3-7.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Esther, who sacrificed her life for her people. Jesus sacrificed His life and died a sinless death to save all who believe in Him from death and hell. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” - Hebrews 9:28.
Today's Prayer: God, It seems like the more I try to live my life in Your will the more opposition I face. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power to withstand this opposition and strengthen me to be able to keep going for Your glory. I know that whatever I go through as long as I look to You I will see victory. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Chapters: Esther 1-5
Message: Guided By God
Hello My Friend,
The Book of Esther was originally written to the Jews who where in Persia (Babylon). The author of the book is unknown, but most likely Mordecai. The timeline for these events took place approximately 464–434 BC. The purpose of the book is to testify to the secret watch and care that God has over His people no matter where they are. What we are to learn from the book is that God uses all people to serve Him in some way, but prepares His people to be witnesses and blessings to others. “For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.” - Esther 10:3.
God uses many means to point people to His direction, judgment, sickness, hope, love, death, the list goes on and on, how He gets our attention goes back to the choices we make. If we choose God He will protect us no matter what road we are on. Contrary to what many people believe, our fate is not planned out for us, yes, there are some things destined for us that no one can alter, but we choose the path, and oddly enough, God is the guide. When the Jews were taken captive and brought to Babylon they had no idea what would come of them, as far as they knew God removed them out of His sight. He might have taken them out of Jerusalem, but He still kept an eye on them. God gives us a look into the state of the Jews in Babylon, he uses a young Jewish woman name Hadassah, whose name was changed to Esther to change the fate of the Jews in Babylon. By a strange turn of events, Esther finds herself vying for a chance to become queen, and just by being herself was chosen.
“Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.” - Esther 2:15-20.
“Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people;” Those who walk with Christ are set apart from everyone else, they do not need to reveal to the world that they are a Christian because they see it. Sadly, many do not know it is Him, but they see something different in them, which is why they become blessed even in the world. Sometimes the path that God takes us makes no sense at all, but we have to trust Him and let Him continue to guide us. “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” - Isaiah 58:11.
After Esther became queen, king Ahasuerus (Artaxerxes) promoted a wicked man named Haman, which gave him the right to enforce the king's commands. Haman was so influential with the king that he expected all the people to bow down to him. However, Mordecai refused, and that gave him ammunition to conspire to get rid of not only him, but all the Jews. He lies to the king and tells him that a group of people were going against his laws and needed to be put to death for it. The king agrees, not knowing that he was talking about the Jews.
“Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring. And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.” - Esther 3:12-15.
“and sealed with the king's ring.” Over the years, especially in our current generation, our countries leaders are being deceived into signing laws that are pretty much trying to kill off God’s people. And as Christians, we are forced to comply with laws that should never even be into existence for the sake of a few egos that are hurt because we will not bow down to them. While we are no longer under the law, and while we are be wise in our decisions, we must never let anyone belittle us for our faith. At one time it use to be, and still is a crime to discriminate against someone over their religion, yet we get persecuted for following Jesus. Stand by your faith, do not bow down to them! We have a right to be here, and no one can force us to break a law from the utmost authority, God. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Many seek the ruler's favour; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD.” - Proverbs 29:25,26.
After learning of the decree Queen Esther came up with a plan to expose Haman to the king, even if that meant she would lose her life. She encourages the Jews to fast and pray for three days, and then she would approach the king, even if that meant she would die for it. Esther put on her royal clothes and went into the kings court, he received her with gladness. All she requested was to have dinner with him and Haman, which the king gladly accepted. That night he asked her what she wanted and all she asked for one more night to feast with the king and Haman. Haman left that day with his head swelled that he was personally invited to dinner with the queen, but was not enough because he wanted Mordecai dead. That is when they had a gallows made for him.
“Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king. Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate. Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.” - Esther 5:9-14.
“Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart:” When the wicked mess with God’s people their egos are inflated as they think they are the ones in control. The wicked forget one huge thing, God. God may allow His people to be afflicted, but He will never let them be destroyed. Right now, the devil’s ego is inflated, he thinks he is in control, but God is the one who is always in control, and no one will take His people from Him. “For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,” - Psalms 95:3-7.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Esther, who sacrificed her life for her people. Jesus sacrificed His life and died a sinless death to save all who believe in Him from death and hell. “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” - Hebrews 9:28.
Today's Prayer: God, It seems like the more I try to live my life in Your will the more opposition I face. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power to withstand this opposition and strengthen me to be able to keep going for Your glory. I know that whatever I go through as long as I look to You I will see victory. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Monday, May 23, 2016
Choosing Jesus
KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus
Through Every Chapter
Date: Monday, May 23, 2016
Chapters: Nehemiah 11-13
Message: Choosing Jesus
Hello My Friend,
Choosing Jesus is not something that we automatically do, oh, He nudges us along the path we choose, but it is not something that comes naturally to us. That is why choosing Jesus is a big deal to God, it means we finally realize that we cannot do all this on our own. Even though we choose Jesus it can be easy to get sidetracked when the pressures of life come knocking at our door, sadly, it is during difficulties when most lose sight of God. When we get to that point we must step back and seek our own personal spiritual revival. It's amazing what praising can do in the midst of the most difficult circumstances. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 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 4:5-7.
When Nehemiah left Babylon he was determined to bring the presence of God back to it he was succeeding pretty well. Ezra and his crew were successful at restoring the temple, Nehemiah and his crew were successful at repairing the walls that would keep the world out. For the first time in nearly a hundred years the Law of God had been read, the passover was observed, and thousands of people willingly promised to serve God. However, very few actually lived within the walls of Jerusalem, most of them lived in the suburbs where they could make a living more easily. Because of this, there was not enough people living in Jerusalem to maintain and protect it. An account is given of those who willingly offered to stay in Jerusalem.
“And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants. The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God. For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day. And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.” - Nehemiah 11:1-3,22-24.
“was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.” You know, God may be up there on His throne, but every matter in His hand, there is not one thing that goes on that He does not know about. When we choose Jesus, we are His business, that means we choose to stay within His walls. God will not stop us from going out into the world, but the walls that He puts around us are not meant to keep us out of the world, they are meant to keep the world from coming into us. No matter where we go, a job, school, church, a restaurant, we represent Him, that means people ought to see Him in us. God does not force Himself upon us, we must willingly come to Him, and willingly choosing Him includes being willing to remain within His walls to keep from being enticed by them. “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” - John 17:14-16.
Nehemiah went to the people and encouraged them to return to God, it was a revival, the Levites and those of Judah and Benjamin returned to God with great joy and began to rebuild the city. “Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited. And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.” - Nehemiah 12:43-47.
“so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.” Life gets difficult, and to be honest, choosing to live a life that has Jesus in it can bring even more difficulties because we are no longer part of the world. Choosing Jesus may not be popular, but we can have a pretty good life here, despite the difficulties. God does not place us in the world to be of the world, but that His Son might be seen through us and bring others to Him. And let me tell you, if the world does not see Him in you, perhaps it is time to rethink your priorities. Christians today have lost their zeal for Jesus, they are more concerned about what the world thinks of them instead of proclaiming Christ. It is time to stop hiding Jesus, get excited about Him, let our joy of Him be heard beyond our comfort zone. “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.” - John 15:18-21.
After being in Jerusalem for about twelve years Nehemiah said it was time to return home to Babylon, after all the temple was in order and everyone was serving God faithfully. He went home and sadly it did not take long before they began neglecting their duties, including the spiritual leaders and temple workers. When Nehemiah arrived he was stricken with grief, how could such a small town get so out of touch with God so fast. Nehemiah quickly gathered everyone together, began upbraiding them and reminding them why they were to separate themselves from among them in the first place.
“And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?” - Nehemiah 13:22-27.
“Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things?” Do you think that everything that the people of God did was something that He approved of? No. We are all the same, sinners saved by His grace. God used men and women that were no different than us, none of them were prefect, which is why He chose to put these people in His book. Every person, Adam, Moses, David, Mary, John the Baptist, Paul, name any key figure in His Word, none of them were without sin (except Jesus), but by the grace of God, He used them all to be examples and testimonies of how loving, merciful, and gracious He is to those who willingly choose Him. We are not perfect, we do have to try to be because we have the perfect one in us, but we are examples and testimonies of a life that was led by Jesus. Or we can be examples and testimonies of a life that pretended to know or rejected Him, but we have no one to blame, but ourselves for the consequences of the choices we make outside of Jesus.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:1-3.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Nehemiah who upbraided the people who were selling and working on the Sabbath. Jesus overturned the tables and upbraided the people who were selling in the temple “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: God, I have spent time trying to live the way I wanted to live, and while I did have some success, it didn't last, and it always proved to be a sinking ship. I do not want to walk through the wide gate anymore, it only brings pain and suffering, I want to walk travel the narrow path, the one led by Your Son, who took my place on the cross for the sins I deserved. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power to stay on the narrow path, give me the strength to separate myself from the world and let me not be tempted by it's visage of evil. Keep me in Your Word and walking with You daily so I do not fall off the narrow path. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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Date: Monday, May 23, 2016
Chapters: Nehemiah 11-13
Message: Choosing Jesus
Hello My Friend,
Choosing Jesus is not something that we automatically do, oh, He nudges us along the path we choose, but it is not something that comes naturally to us. That is why choosing Jesus is a big deal to God, it means we finally realize that we cannot do all this on our own. Even though we choose Jesus it can be easy to get sidetracked when the pressures of life come knocking at our door, sadly, it is during difficulties when most lose sight of God. When we get to that point we must step back and seek our own personal spiritual revival. It's amazing what praising can do in the midst of the most difficult circumstances. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 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 4:5-7.
When Nehemiah left Babylon he was determined to bring the presence of God back to it he was succeeding pretty well. Ezra and his crew were successful at restoring the temple, Nehemiah and his crew were successful at repairing the walls that would keep the world out. For the first time in nearly a hundred years the Law of God had been read, the passover was observed, and thousands of people willingly promised to serve God. However, very few actually lived within the walls of Jerusalem, most of them lived in the suburbs where they could make a living more easily. Because of this, there was not enough people living in Jerusalem to maintain and protect it. An account is given of those who willingly offered to stay in Jerusalem.
“And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants. The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God. For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day. And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.” - Nehemiah 11:1-3,22-24.
“was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.” You know, God may be up there on His throne, but every matter in His hand, there is not one thing that goes on that He does not know about. When we choose Jesus, we are His business, that means we choose to stay within His walls. God will not stop us from going out into the world, but the walls that He puts around us are not meant to keep us out of the world, they are meant to keep the world from coming into us. No matter where we go, a job, school, church, a restaurant, we represent Him, that means people ought to see Him in us. God does not force Himself upon us, we must willingly come to Him, and willingly choosing Him includes being willing to remain within His walls to keep from being enticed by them. “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” - John 17:14-16.
Nehemiah went to the people and encouraged them to return to God, it was a revival, the Levites and those of Judah and Benjamin returned to God with great joy and began to rebuild the city. “Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited. And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God. And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.” - Nehemiah 12:43-47.
“so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.” Life gets difficult, and to be honest, choosing to live a life that has Jesus in it can bring even more difficulties because we are no longer part of the world. Choosing Jesus may not be popular, but we can have a pretty good life here, despite the difficulties. God does not place us in the world to be of the world, but that His Son might be seen through us and bring others to Him. And let me tell you, if the world does not see Him in you, perhaps it is time to rethink your priorities. Christians today have lost their zeal for Jesus, they are more concerned about what the world thinks of them instead of proclaiming Christ. It is time to stop hiding Jesus, get excited about Him, let our joy of Him be heard beyond our comfort zone. “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.” - John 15:18-21.
After being in Jerusalem for about twelve years Nehemiah said it was time to return home to Babylon, after all the temple was in order and everyone was serving God faithfully. He went home and sadly it did not take long before they began neglecting their duties, including the spiritual leaders and temple workers. When Nehemiah arrived he was stricken with grief, how could such a small town get so out of touch with God so fast. Nehemiah quickly gathered everyone together, began upbraiding them and reminding them why they were to separate themselves from among them in the first place.
“And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin. Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?” - Nehemiah 13:22-27.
“Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things?” Do you think that everything that the people of God did was something that He approved of? No. We are all the same, sinners saved by His grace. God used men and women that were no different than us, none of them were prefect, which is why He chose to put these people in His book. Every person, Adam, Moses, David, Mary, John the Baptist, Paul, name any key figure in His Word, none of them were without sin (except Jesus), but by the grace of God, He used them all to be examples and testimonies of how loving, merciful, and gracious He is to those who willingly choose Him. We are not perfect, we do have to try to be because we have the perfect one in us, but we are examples and testimonies of a life that was led by Jesus. Or we can be examples and testimonies of a life that pretended to know or rejected Him, but we have no one to blame, but ourselves for the consequences of the choices we make outside of Jesus.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” - Romans 12:1-3.
Jesus Christ Revealed: Today, Jesus is revealed through Nehemiah who upbraided the people who were selling and working on the Sabbath. Jesus overturned the tables and upbraided the people who were selling in the temple “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: God, I have spent time trying to live the way I wanted to live, and while I did have some success, it didn't last, and it always proved to be a sinking ship. I do not want to walk through the wide gate anymore, it only brings pain and suffering, I want to walk travel the narrow path, the one led by Your Son, who took my place on the cross for the sins I deserved. Lord, lead me and guide me, give me Your power to stay on the narrow path, give me the strength to separate myself from the world and let me not be tempted by it's visage of evil. Keep me in Your Word and walking with You daily so I do not fall off the narrow path. 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
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