Bible Study: From Bitterness to Blessings
From Bitterness to Blessings 03.31.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Monday March 31, 2008 and today we are going to study the book of Ruth. The book of Ruth is the 8th book of the Old Testament and contains 4 chapters. The author of the book is unknown, the book was written to the people of Israel and the purpose of the book is to show the historical record of Israel and to illustrate the concern of God for all people. It also illustrates the kinsman-redeemer relationship of Jesus Christ and shows that God can turn bitterness into blessing.
Please read Ruth Chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about a famine in the land; Elimelech and Naomi and their move from Bethlehem to Moab; Naomi and Ruth returning to Bethlehem; and the marriage of Boaz and Ruth. Today's message focuses on the importance of learning that no matter what you have in your life, God forgives and will turn any situation around for all who believe.
A severe famine existed in Bethlehem. A man named Elimelech, his wife Naomi, and two sons left Bethlehem, and went to Moab in search of food and, hopefully, a better life and resided in Moab. "Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons. And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there." (Ruth 1:1-2).
However, during the next 10 years Naomi's life was filled with bitterness as unforeseen tragedy struck them in the idol-worshiping country of Moab. Elimelech died, then his sons ignored their Covenant relationship with God and married Ruth and Orpah, who were Moabite women. Sometime later, Mahlon and Chilion also died. The three childless widows were left without a means of support. "And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah." (1:3-7).
Soon Orpah returned to her earthly securities, back to her people, and to her gods. But Ruth was no longer a Moabite in her heart, for she had forsaken the gods of Moab and confessed her loyalty to the God of Israel. "And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." (1:14-17).
Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem where Boaz, assumed the right of "kinsman-redeemer." He purchased the inheritance of Naomi and took Ruth as his wife. "And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz....So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David." (2:1,4:13-17).
The Book of Ruth highlights our Lord's loving-kindness to Gentiles in selecting Ruth, a Moabite woman, who became the great-grandmother of King David. For the third time God united both Jew and Gentile in the ancestry of David and of our Lord Jesus.
The thrilling conclusion is that out of our most miserable failures, God will work something beautiful when we put our lives in His hands. Ruth's love for Naomi and for God overcame all the hostilities that existed between the Moabites and the Jews and she became an ancestress of Christ. These historical facts illustrate the love of God for all mankind. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatian 3:28-29).
Her story should give encouragement and hope to the most despondent, helpless, defeated person. One may be discouraged and know that he has left "his Bethlehem" and gone into the land of sin, and there buried all hope, but God can always bring something beautiful out of the most miserable circumstance when we turn to Him with our whole heart.
In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through, Bethlehem (Ruth 1:1), which means House of Bread. Jesus, is the Bread of Life, that satisfies the spiritual hunger of all who come to Him. "Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:32-35).
Today's Psalm: 9:1
"I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works"
Today's Prayers:
Dear Lord Jesus,
As we earnestly seek and follow You our minds are being renewed daily. Our ambitions, goals, and affections are being transformed into Your likeness. The ways of the world have less grip on us as we transfix our thoughts upon You. It is in dying to the world that we become alive unto Christ and it is through Your mercy that we offer our lives today as living sacrifices. Help us Lord to turn to You whole heartedly and leave behind the lusts of the world that keep us from being the best that we can be. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.
Have a wonderful Monday, I love you and I am praying for you daily.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Victory From Sin
Victory From Sin 03.30.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Sunday March 30, 2008 and today we are completing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 20-21 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read. I today's study we will read and learn about the civil war between the Benjamites and other tribes; the Benjamites being defeated; and wives are provided for the few remaining. Today's message focuses on the importance of learning that we are all sinners, but we are forgiven and saved through the blood of Jesus.
From Dan to Beersheba, all the tribes of Israel gathered to punish the sins committed at Gibeah (See Judges 19:22-30) by a few perverted men of Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin refused to allow justice to be done to the mob that gang-raped a defenseless Israelite woman causing her death. "Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel." (Judges 20:13)
Following two defeats, they came to the House of God, "Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD." (20:26). In deep humility, they committed themselves to the Lord and it was only after they had built an altar and offered the necessary sacrifices for their own needs that God gave them victory over Benjamin. "And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the LORD said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand." (20:28). Note that they offered sacrifices for their own sins. Clearly this illustrates how available our God is to provide guidance and victory when we submit ourselves to His Word. In the Scriptures we discover God's plan when our desire is simply to do His will.
There is a growing indifference to immorality in our affluent society. Adultery is now called "having an affair." Homosexuality is replaced with "gay and lesbian" or "alternative lifestyles." Fornication is referred to as "live-in lovers." The purpose of this new vocabulary is to remove the sense of guilt for violating God's moral Law and to make the sinner feel comfortable. However, while hating and exposing sin, we must also show mercy and kindness as we pray for and lovingly entreat all sinners to repent and come to Christ as Savior and Lord.
All sin is abominable to our holy God; however, all sin that is truly repented of and forsaken will be forgiven through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9). The Apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians that some of them had been delivered from sexual sins when he wrote,"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:9-11).
In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed as our Deliver (Judges 20:26,28). As we pray and seek the Lord's will, He delivers us from all evil forces. "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:" (Galatians 1:3-4).
Today's Psalm: 18:35
"Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
May we honor You and respect ourselves as we fix our eyes and thought life upon whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and whatever is admirable. Center our attention upon those things which are praiseworthy so that we build others up in the faith as the light of Christ radiates from our spirit to those around us. In Jesus' name......Amen.
Have a wonderful and peaceful Lord's Day, Sunday.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: God Gives & Takes Away
God Gives & Takes Away 03.29.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Saturday March 29, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 18-19 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the Danites forcing Micah's Levite to be their priest, attacking&nb sp;Laish and occupying it; and a concubine getting victimized. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that everything can be given and taken away, but God is Eternal.
More than 300 years had passed since Joshua led their forefathers to the promised land. When the promised land was distributed consider able territory was allotted to the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:40-46). But, submission and obedience to the will of God was missing. As a result, they did not succeed in defeating the inhabitants as God had commanded them to do.
However, the Danties sought another part of the land called Mic ah. "In those days there was no king in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for unto that day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them among the tribes of Israel. And the children of Dan sent of their family five men from their coasts, men of valour, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said unto them, Go, search the land: who when they came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged there." (Judges 18:1-2).
There is no indication that the tribe of Dan prayed for forgiveness for their sins or for guidance to do the will of God. Instead of fighting for the territory which God had appointed them, they chose to go north beyond the promised land. It was inhabited by a quiet, peaceful people whom they massacred indiscriminately men , women, and children. If they had remained in the territory which God had appointed them to possess, they would have been close to those who worshiped the One True God. Instead, on the way to their new territory, five spies from their tribe barged into the house of idol-worshiping Micah, stole his gods, and bribed his priest to go with them to fulfill their religious desires. "And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house. And they took the things which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people that were at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire. And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein." (18:26-28).
Notice Micah's spiritual concern when his gods were stolen, "Ye have taken away my gods which I made and what have I more?" He thought he had lost the most important thing in his life. Micah illustrates a person who may be sincere but be sincerely wrong. This points out that whatever or whoever a person allows to be his supreme love becomes his god. It may be money, businesses, sports, cars, hunting, or fishing, etc. Nothing on earth which can be stolen can take the place of the True Eternal God. If Christ is truly first in our lives, at our loss we can say, "And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21).
We are reminded, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28).
Today's Psalm: 103:9
"He will not always chide (scold): neither will he keep his anger for ever."
Today's prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help our ears to be alert, our eyes to be open, and our hearts to be perceptive as we follow in Your ways. May we be eager to hear Your teaching and apply it to our lives so that we may be found blameless before You and experience the joy You give to those who follow Your commands. When Your meaning is clear help us to seek no other meaning to satisfy our own desires or to change the clear meaning of Your message. Align our desires with Your own, that we might find genuine peace and wholehearted obedience as You bring spiritual healing to our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray.....Amen.
Have a relaxing and wonderful Saturday and enjoy your weekend.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Consequences of Self Gratification
Consequences of Self Gratification 03.28.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Friday March 28, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 15-17 in your Bible or Click Here to Read. In today's study we will read and learn about Samson losing his wife; 1,000 Philistines are slain; Delilah; Samson is defeated, blinded, and dies with the Philistines; and Micah's idols. Today's message focuses on the importance of learning that there are consequences when choosing self gratification over God.
There is no record that Samson ever expressed a desire to be used by the Lord to deliver the Israelites from the Philistine's oppression. So it is not a surprise that he neither prayed for guidance nor protection. He also chose the enemies of God for his friends.
Early in life, Samson disregarded the spiritual significance of his Nazarite dedication by marrying a Philistine woman. He became deeply involved in sin as he made friends with Delilah, another Philistine woman. When Samson saw Delilah, he should have thought of his sacred Nazarite vow and his high calling as a judge. But sin had blinded him to the reason he had been gifted with great strength. And, as always, with each person who presumptuously believes that God's mercy and long-suffering will continue indefinitely when we ignore His will, we see Samson yielding to Delilah's schemes and falling into the hands of the Philistines. "And it came to pass afterward, that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him; and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver....And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death; That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man. And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for he hath shewed me all his heart. Then the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought money in their hand. And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him." (Judges 16:4-5,16-19).
Consequently, the Philistines took him and not only did he suffer the gruesome torture of having his eyes gouged out, he was forced to take the place of an animal and spend his time turning a mill to grind corn into meal. "But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house." (17:21). The story of Samson should send a strong message to every Christian who has fallen into the treacherous web of sinful pleasures. Samson is not the only servant of God who ever lost his power through worldliness and self-indulgence, but by faith God is able to turn all things around to give strength to overcome all consequences.
When accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord of our lives, our chief concern becomes, "How will this particular situation affect my relationship with my Savior and Lord? How will His new life within me react to my thoughts and actions?" Some conform only to what would be right in his own eyes or acceptable to their friends, forgetting that every one of us shall give account of himself to God. "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Romans 14:11-12).
In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through the strength God gave to Samson for his last victory over the Philistines (Judges 16:28-30). "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13).
Today's Psalm: 18:1
"I will love thee, O LORD, my strength."
Today's Prayer (Written from Psalm 18)
Dear Lord,
You are my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon You LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.
Have a fantastic Friday and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina
Bible Study: Yield to God
Yield to God 03.27.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Thursday March 27, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 12-14 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about Jephthah's victory over the Ephraimites; Israel under Philistine's control; Samson and his Philistine wife in Timnath. Today's message focuses on the importance of yielding to God from self gratification.
The Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord once again and became slaves to the Philistines for forty years because of their sins. "And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years." (Judges 13:1).
During that time a child was born, "And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son."(13:2-3) His name was Samson, and unlike Jephthah, Samson had a godly mother and father who desired that their son be fully dedicated to the Lord. "And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol." (13:24-25). One can observe the marvelous manifestation of God's longsuffering and mercy. He will prepare us so He can use us mightily.
Samson was anointed of God from birth to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Eventually, Samson ruled as a judge. However, early in life, we see his disregard for his holy calling. He was given unlimited opportunities, but his life was filled with failure because of his self-serving desires. His first recorded act of unfaithfulness was friendship with the enemies of God. It seems that Samson was easily distracted with his own physical desires and satisfactions, as in Timnath, when he fell in love with a Philistine woman. "And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines. And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well." (14:1-3).
All of us are tempted by the lust of the flesh to gratify physical evils such as sexual sins, drugs, alcohol, gluttony, and similar sins. Every day that we continue in willful sin, Satan's hold becomes stronger, and our chances of deliverance become less likely. Perhaps the greatest deceptive sin is presuming that the long-suffering of God will continue indefinitely.
Samson's life was filled with strife and vain glory, he tried to be somebody without yielding to God. The reason some try to be "somebody" is that they have not yet yielded to Christ as Lord of their lives. Their religion is too self-centered. Christ alone gives our lives value and meaning as He makes us a new creature. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17). Only in the measure in which we allow Christ to guide each hour of our lives shall we be able to truly fulfill His will. We are called upon to be separated from the world with a desire to fulfill the Lord's will. "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (II Timothy 2:22).
In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through Samson, who, as a Nazarite, he was to be consecrated to God from birth to the day of his death (Judges 13:7). Jesus was also set apart and consecrated to God from birth to the day of His death on the cross. Unlike Samson, who often failed God, Jesus totally fulfilled God's plan.
Today's Psalm: 24:4-5
"He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You know the longings of my heart. When I seek thrills and quick fixes to satisfy these needs I am eventually disappointed. You are the Bread of Life and the Living Water that satisfies the inner desires of my heart because You are the only One who can truly meet my spiritual needs. Lord, as I come today hungry and thirsty I look to You, for You satisfy the thirst and hunger with what I need to yield to You and follow Your will to victory. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.
Have a teriffic Thursday!
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Mighty Men & Women of Valour
Mighty Men & Women of Valour 03.26.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Wednesday March 26, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 10 -- 11 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about once again Israel forsakes the Lord and worships idols; Israel is oppressed by Ammonites for 18 years; Jephthah's daughter and here dedication to God. Today's message focuses on the importance of knowing that God knows your heart no matter where you are and will build you into mighty men and women of valour.
Once again Israel forsaked God and fell into worshipping false gods, "And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him. And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon. And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead." (Judges 10:6-8).
After much suffering they pleaded to God to deliver them from the Ammonites. God reminded them of how much he did for them and yet they still followed false gods and challenged them to see if their false gods can deliver them from their troubles."And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation." (10:10-14).
Israel realized their mistake, asked for forgiveness, and put away theie false gods. "And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel." (10:15-16).
Jephthah, because of the illegitimacy of his birth, was disinherited by his father's house and forced to leave the land of promise. "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman." (11:1-2). He went to his mother's country in the land of Tob, it was a land of idols, yet Jephthah had lived long enough in the promised land to acquire a deep and lasting faith in Israel's God. In exile, Jephthah remained faithful to God while surrounded by idolators for about eighteen years.
Because he had been excommunicated from Israel, Jephthah could have said: "Why should I try to do anything for the glory of God?" But this man of faith had gained a reputation for the love of God as well as a warrior in battle that all Israel turned to in the day of their distress. He was the only man who was qualified to respond to the Ammonites' threat to attack the Israelites. "Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh." (11:11). Jephthah held no bitter feelings for having been rejected and illustrates that only God knows our hearts and His estimation of men is often different than our own. While we are surrounded by false phophets and worldly temptations God knows our hearts and will use us no matter where we are to reach the lost.
Israel's attitude toward Jephthah may have been contemptible, but the day came when Israel discovered how much they needed him. But in Jephthah's situation, as with Joseph, Moses, and David, the long delay previous to his great public work was needed in order to develop a character and the skills suitable for the greatness of His work. Difficulties prepare us for what God knows we will face in future ministry. "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:27-31).
The situations in which we live should not dictate our relationship with Jesus. Jesus prayed for us, "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. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." (John 17:15-21).
In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through Jephthah's only child as she wholly submitted to her father's will. (Judges 11:34-40). Jesus wholly submitted to His Father's will. The night He was betrayed Jesus prayed to God, Your will, not mine. "Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matthew 26:38-39).
Today's Psalm: 37:28-29
"For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We are blessed to be Your children, help us to regularly examine our hearts to see if there are things, pursuits, or attitudes that are drawing us away from Your heart and thrusting us once again into the mindset of the world. Our heart’s examinations are not intended to condemn us, but to refresh our spirit and remind us of our godly heritage. Lord, You know our hearts more than we do ourselves, reveal to us that which helps and that which hinders our Christian walk and as we walk in obedience to You we’re grateful for the peace and rest we receive in knowing that You do not condemn us, but deliver mercy to help us in our time of need. You do not stand over us in judgment, but You walk alongside us assuring us of Your unwavering love and unending mercy that will see us through on this side of the journey. In Jesus' name, we pray....Amen.
Have a wonderful Wednesday and God bless you.
Christina
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Bible Study: Controlled By Pride & Greed
Controlled By Pride & Greed 03.25.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Tuesday March 25, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 8 -- 9 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about Gideon making an ephod (priests apron); his death; Gideon's son Abimelech murdering 70 of his brothers; and Abimelech's accident and death. Today's message is on the importance of not falling into pride and greed.
Gideon was chosen from the tribe of Manasseh by Jehovah to deliver Israel from the Midianite oppression. Thirty-two thousand men responded to Gideon's call to war; but God chose to use just 300 men to defeat the Midianites. The other Israelites were sent home; and, with only 300 men, God defeated 135,000 Midianite soldiers in battle. "Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword." (Judges 8:10). This illustrates a twofold principle: God expects man's cooperation, but man cannot overcome his enemies without the wisdom and power of God.
The Israelites urged Gideon to be their king. It was an appeal to his pride. But Gideon knew that it was not he who had saved his people, but God who was their true King. "Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you." (8:22-23). Gideon knew that, as a judge of Israel, he would need God to guide him.
Sadly, the Israelites soon forgot that God was the One who had miraculously delivered them from the Midianites. In order to gain power after Gideon's death, his cruel and crafty son Abimelech negotiated a large sum of money from the Baal temple treasury to pay men to help him murder his 70 brothers in order to become King. "And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem." (9:5-6). At the moment of Abimelech's proudest achievements, Jotham, the son of Gideon who had escaped execution, warned that they would soon discover that this self-made king would bring suffering and death upon them as well as himself. "And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you....Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren: And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal." (9:7,56-57).
Abimelech is an example of a person controlled by the deceptive and destructive forces of pride, and greed. He was determined to gain selfish ends regardless of whom he destroyed. He is a reminder that God says to Be not deceived for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:7-8).
In today's studt Jesus Christ is revealed through Gideon, who delivered the Israelites from Midian. (Judges 8:22-23). The Lord Jesus has delivered us out of the hands of our spiritual enemies, and it is fitting that He should rule over us. "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:" (Galatians 1:3-4).
Today's Psalm: 36:11-12
"O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I recognize that I have not always lived my life for You. At times I have been controlled by pride and living for myself. Forgive me, Lord. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward help me to understand when I am about to fall from this sin and to come to you. In Jesus' name, I pray...Amen
Have a terrific Tuesday and God Bless You.
Christina
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Jesus Said: Feed On Me
Feed On Me, 03.24.08
"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:26-28).
As much as we Christian's love Jesus we can not help ourselves at times to lose our focus on Him. Life takes a turn and all of a sudden we are lost and confused and hungry for some sort of resolution. We starve for a glimpse of hope in that everything will be taken care of.
Of course, that resolution is Jesus and although He does not promise that we will not face struggles, He does promise that He is always with us to lead us into victory over them. The second we accept Jesus into our hearts He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, that is why we suddenly feel at peace. The Holy Spirit never leaves us, but it is up to us to keep the fire burning. It is when that fire begins to smolder that we lose our focus and then Satan begins to get us back into our old way of thinking.
Which is why as we observed the wonderful resurrection of our Lord Jesus yesterday I could not help, but also be excited to know that it was a day of recognition. This was the day that the Lord showed me that all of the past was behind me and was crucified with Jesus on the cross and a new life begins.
All that sadness and depression over things that I can not control were meaningless and only feeding Satan's ego. I was sinning against myself in that I was afraid that the past would repeat itself. I was not letting the past die which kept Jesus from accepting my plea for forgiveness. It was time to let go and let God take control of the situation.
Jesus truly is the bread of life and as long as we feed on Him we are never hungry or thirsty. That is why it is so important to seek Him daily, especially when we do not feel like it. That is a guarantee that Satan sees our struggle and will use it against us. Feeding on Jesus enables us to fight back. I will let you in on a little secret, when I feel that Satan is attacking me I will start screaming at him to get away from me and start singing to Jesus. You know I get the craziest looks...lol, but I also find peace and hope that I will see victory and that is a wonderful feeling. Satan might try and control my thoughts, but he can not control the Holy Spirit that dwells in me and that is what turns those negative thoughts to postive ones.
You too can have victory over the past, Jesus will help you through it, all you have to do is call on Him.
Have a blessed day,
Christina
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Bible Study: Victory By Faith
Victory by Faith, 03.24.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Moday March 24, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 6 -- 7 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about Israel forsaking God; the Midianites oppressing Israel for seven years; Israel praying for help; God sending Gideon, the prophet; and Gideon destroying the altar of Baal. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God uses and takes care of all who have faith in Him to do His will.
Once more the Israelites were enslaved, this time by the Midianites, for seven long years the Israelites were worshiping Baal and consequently were suffering under the rule of the Midianites. "And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.....And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD." (Judges 6:1-2, 6). The answer to their prayers began with reproof (chastisement), there was no word of comfort, only reproof. The people were left with the consciousness of their sins and with no hope of relief. They needed to recognize that their miserable suffering was the direct result of disregarding the Word of God. Once they did this, God sent the prophet, Gideon to help.
Gideon questioned God's choice as he was deeply conscious of his poverty and in his own inability, "And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour....And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man." (Judges 6:11-12,14-16). Gideon was truly a man of inexperience and uncertainty, but he unconditionally obeyed the Lord regardless of the opposition. We tend to think the only people God can use are those who are popular. But, God wil use anyone regardless of popularity to work for Him.
Gideon's readiness to obey the command of God was a great risk to himself, not only was there an outcry of vengeance from the city against him for destroying the altar of Baal and erecting an altar to God, he also faced opposition from his family. "And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites......Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night. And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built. And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing. Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it." (Judges 6:23-24,27-30).
In our hopeless hour when there seems no way out God is always with us and will guide us through every situation that we get ourselves into. As we respond in faith, God is able to increase our faith that we may recognize that God is in control of every detail of our lives. "Things" that happen to believers are not accidents but incidents to be used of God to develop our faith to fulfill His will. "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). While Gideon knew he faced much opposition his faith in God helped him achieved God's Will.
Today, it is reassuring to know that Jesus dwells in us and leads us to great things through difficulty. "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," (Ephesians 3:16-20).
In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the Sword of the LORD, "And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon." (Judges 7:20). We know that the sword is the Word of God, "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (Ephesians 6:17) and that Jesus is the Word of God that became flesh, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14).
Today's Psalm: 98:1-3
"O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God."
Today's Prayer,
Dear Lord,
In the maze of life's events where we are often a passenger on the rollercoaster of ups and downs, may we never lose sight of You, Jesus. You are the unseen, but ever-present Shepherd who protects, guides and tenderly comforts us in all our trouble. Thank You, Lord, that when change is constantly about us, You remain steadfast, faithful, and dependable. You are the Anchor that keeps us grounded in the unseen, but eternal truths we build our lives upon. Thank You, Lord for showing us that You do not care about how much money or friends we have, You love us for who we are and use us and our abilities to reach out to others. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.
Have a wonderful Monday and week.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study:God's Faithfulness
God's Faithfulness 03.23.08
It is Sunday March 23, 2008, Resurrection Day also known as Easter and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 3 -- 5 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about the Israelites intermarrying with Canaanites, and their worshipping false gods, their defeat; and the Lord raises up judges, Othniel, Ehud, and Deborah to deliver Israel from sin. Today's message focuses on the importance of seperation from God from sin and His faithfulness to forgive no matter how many times we fail.
Although Joshua had executed all the Canaanite kings, the Canaanite people still occupied the promised land. "And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses." (Judges 3:4).
The first major step in the downfall of the Israelites was their disregard for the Commandments of the LORD. They then became friendly neighbors and dwelled among the Canaanites. The third step in their decline soon followed as they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. The fourth step was inevitable because the Israelites' heathen wives who worshiped idols could not teach their children to worship the One True God. Sadly, the final step was that the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgot the LORD and served Baalim. "And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves. Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years." (3:5-8).
The outcome was certain. Sin separated the sinner from the protective love of God, and they were soon under the control of an enemy nation. However, after years of suffering the Israelites cried out to the Lord, He heard their cry and deliverd them from their sin. "And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim." (3:9-10).
Israel's history confirms that, regardless of how far we have backslidden and sinned, our merciful God always hears the prayers of those who confess their sins and commit their lives to Him. Often we are so taken up with condemning ourselves and others when we fall short of being what our heart tells us is right, that we forget that God does love us and never forsakes us. So don't give up, God is with you and He knows you are trying to live righteously, He will forgive you and all you have to do is ask. "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-22).
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34).
In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through Othniel, a deliverer upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rested (Judges 3:9-11). Jesus declared, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised," (Luke 4:18).
Today's Psalm: 85:2
"Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for everything that you have given me throughout my life. Thank you for Your gift of grace that saves me from sin when I call upon Your name. Jesus, I want to praise You, my great Redeemer, for who You are and for Your acts of kindness seen so many times throughout the day. I never cease to praise You because You never cease to work on my behalf. Your mercy and love, Your strength and comfort, Your sustaining power and guiding hand are only a tiny fraction of the many reasons that lead me to praise You. Instead of a murmuring and ungrateful attitude, I want to join with the multitude of believers and sing of my Great Redeemer's praise to everyone, everywhere, all the time. In Jesus' name I pray....Amen.
I pray that you had a blessed Easter. Rejoice! The Lord has risen and in You, He will guide you and lead you to great things.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Lacking God's Word
Bible Study: Lacking God's Word
Bible Study: Learn God's Word
Learn God's Word 03.21.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Friday March 21, 2008 and today we are completing our study on the book of Joshua. Please read Joshua 22-24 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about two and one-half tribes building an altar, then return east of the Jordan; a civil war is prevented and Joshua's final proclamation. Today's message focuses on the importance of learning God's Word.
When God told Joshua every place that he walked will be given to them he did not merely trust that the Lord would force the Canaanites to voluntarily give up their land. The fact is, the Israelites received their inheritance by faith; but they were to fight for every foot of land that God had promised them.
Now, Joshua was getting old and reminded the Israelites of all the blessings that God had given them over the years. "And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age. And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age: And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations because of you; for the LORD your God is he that hath fought for you." (Joshua 21:1-3).
He also reminded them that they must not be as their fathers were, either serve God wholeheartly or not at all. "And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods..... And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat. Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (24:1-2,13-15). We can not serve two gods, we can not follow the motions of a Chirstian life and live for the world.
After about seven years, the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua completed their conquest of Canaan. However, the Israelites' greatest danger was yet to be faced,"If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel. And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey." (24:20-24).
Jesus, which also means Joshua in Hebrew freed us from sin by His substitutionary death on the cross and His triumphant physical resurrection. What a tragedy it is that so many people assume once a person has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, he just leaves everything else up to the Lord and He will some how tell us what to do without even learning it on our own. The fact is, the Lord has left it up to us, if we just relied on what others have told us we will never learn what it is that the Lord wants us to do personally. In order to walk with God we must be willing to learn and in order to learn me need to be reading our Bibles daily and apply that to our daily lives. "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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (Ephesians 6:13-17)
Today's Psalm: 18:35
"Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Often the daily grind is not appealing as I awaken each morning to the tasks before me. Sometimes the routine seems endless and at times pointless. I find myself lacking fulfillment in this aspect of my life and yet it requires the majority of my time and focus. Jesus, please help me to find the hidden strength that only comes from seeking You to deal with the negative attitudes that tempt me daily. Help me also to look beyond the immediate to the deeper meaning of each day's task. Above all, help me to keep my eyes on spiritual truths as I meditate upon Your Word and apply its meaning to my life each new day. It is in this faithful practice of placing You at the center of my focus that I can rise above the difficulties that come my way. May You restore to me, this day, the joy of Your salvation and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Have a wonderful Friday! As we observe Good Friday take some time to reflect on Jesus and that He died to save us from death. This is also a day to put to death some things that have been haunting us so we can be free from the bondage of it.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Pursuing Visions
Pursuing Visions 03.20.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Thursday March 20, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Joshua. Please read Joshua 20 -- 21 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about six cities appointed as places of refuge and officially assigned; 48 cities given to the Levites; and the Israelites possess the land. Today's message focuses on the importance of pursuing visions for you until they are achieved.
Unlike all the other tribes of Israel, Levi was not given separate territory, They were divided into three groups according to the descendants of Levi's three sons, Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. But only those Israelites who were descendants of Levi through Kohath's grandson Aaron could be priests and serve in the Tabernacle. However, even some of these descendants were physically disqualified to be ministers at the altar because of disabilities; and some were spiritually disqualified because they violated one or more of the Commandments. "Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel; And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle. And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs." (Joshua 21:1-3).
The priests were responsible for preserving, transcribing, teaching, and interpreting the Law. They were also the civil officers responsible for the administration of the Law. All the Levites, not merely the ones who were responsible for the worship at the Tabernacle, were to receive an equal share of the tithes from the other tribes. Each tribe was to provide for the physical welfare of the priests within its own territory. This was not left up to the goodwill of the people but was a command from God.
Because of their unbelief which caused fear and slothfulness, many of the cities within the promised land were still occupied by various Canaanite kingdoms. Their inheritance was delayed because of their sin. But, Caleb was as enthusiastic as he had been forty-five years earlier when Moses sent him to spy out the land. Many hard years had intervened; yet, his vision and willingness to conquer the Canaanites at age eighty-five had not diminished from when he was forty. He rallied the forces, fought the Canaanites, and declared victory in Hebron. There is only one explanation for his success. Caleb had great faith in God and His power to fulfill His promises. Canaan was a wicked, sinful land whose inhabitants contaminated it by their violence, immorality, and idol worship. God said it was a land which deserved judgment and He called upon the Israelites to execute His judgment.
Today, the land which Christians are to possess is the whole world. Jesus said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19-20). With Christ as our King, we are to wage unceasing warfare against evil, in whatever forms it may be found. The nature of warfare is not changed, its conditions remain the same and victory is still its objective. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." (I John 5:4). Servants of God are called to root out evil without compromise, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21).
In today's lesson Jesus Christ is reveal by By Eleazar, the chief priest, "Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest," (Joshu a 21:1a). Christ is our High Priest, "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;" (Hebrews 3:1).
Today's Psalm: 98:1
"O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help us to contend with those seeming obstacles that hinder us from pursing our visions. May we patiently endure and prayerfully endear to our hearts the important truths You teach us and lead us to victory. In Jesus' name, I pray...Amen.
Have a great Thursday and God Bless you,
Christina
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Bible Study: Walking in God's Spirit
Walking in God's Spirit 03.19.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Wednesday March 19, 2008 and today we are contuning our study on the book of Joshua. Please read Joshua 17 -- 19 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Today we will read and learn about the continued distribution of land to all the tribes; Manasseh failing to drive out the Canaanites; a Tabernacle is set up at Shiloh; and Joshua's inheritance. today's message focuses on the importance of walking in the spirit of God.
The conquest of Canaan was completed and the land was divided, not by majority vote, but by the Lord. Although they had received some of the best territory in the promised land, the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim complained that they should have more territory given to them because of their great numbers and what they perceived as their prominent position among the tribes. "And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto? And Joshua answered them, If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if mount Ephraim be too narrow for thee. And the children of Joseph said, The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are of Bethshean and her towns, and they who are of the valley of Jezreel." (Joshua 17:14-16).
The Ephraimites were proud of their history as descendants of Joseph. Added to that, Joshua, the victorious commander who had led in the conquest of Canaan, was also from their tribe. "And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:" (17:17).
When we have our priorities centered upon the Lord, we need not fear losing our share of anything. In fact, we gladly accept less to maintain peace with others and many times in doing so we reeive more than we imagined. In a striking contrast to the greed of the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, Joshua chose to be the last to lay claim to any territory. "When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them: According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelt therein." (19:49-50). As captain, we could expect him to be first and to take the best for himself Instead, he chose to be last. His choice was a very small area near Shiloh, where he could best worship and serve the Lord. It was there, in the nearness of the Lord's presence, that Joshua built his small city.
Joshua illustrates the importance of walking in the spirit, "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idol atry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:18-25).
In today's study Jesus Christ is reveal through Shiloh, "And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them." (Joshua 18:1). Shiloh was the dwelling place of God's presence in the Tabernacle and was prophetic of Jesus. "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14).
Today's Psalm: 27:4
"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We look to You for hope that renews our faith and restores our strength. In the midst of situations that challenge and weary us, Your power and strength never diminish. You never tire of us coming to You but rather You expect it. The promise of Your strength helps us rise above life's detours and difficulties. We place our confidence in You, unchanging God, and develop the fruit of patience as we wait on You to fulfill the promises You've made in Your Word. In Jesus' name, we pray....Amen.
Have a great Wednesday and God Bless you,
Christina
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Bible Study: Building God's Kingdom
Building God's Kingdom 03.18.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Tuesday March 18, 2007 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Joshua. Please read Joshua 14 -- 16 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the division Canaan among the tribes; and the territories given to Judah, Caleb, Ephraim, and Manasseh. Today's message focuses on the importance of building God's Kingdom.
The Anakim (giants) had been driven out of Hebron by Joshua, perhaps five years before this time (Joshua 10:2-11; 11:21-22). Now they were back and in control of the territory, undoubtedly, with a much greater determination to retain the land promised to Caleb. Who can fail to see the guidance of God in the lives of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, or even in Israel's conquest of Canaan? "And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them. By lot was their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe. For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them." (Joshua 14:1-3).
At Caleb's "retirement" age of 85, he recounted to Joshua how God had brought him to the promised land, "Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God." (14:7-8). Caleb's unshakable faith can be seen in his report as a spy, he spoke his convictions as he faced the opposition of the other spies and the people. He stood alone with Joshua.
Yes, we too will face giant Canaanite difficulties in life as well as friends who attempt to discourage us. At times we are afraid to speak about our faith when our convictions are unpopular, but the person blessed of God speaks what is in his heart. God knows what is best for our future, however, each one of us is responsible for developing our spiritual opportunities. God chooses His servants and bestows His gifts to all who have the desire and determination to serve Him and see the importance of becoming involved in building His Kingdom. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)
Accomplishing the will of God never comes by just waiting for a more convenient time, but through obedience to the voice of Him who alone knows what is best. God knows how much we can bear; how much prosperity or adversity we are able to withstand in serving Him. God's choice is interwoven with the willing efforts of His own people to fulfill His will. The land was to be divided to each of the twelve tribes as God directed. As the believer yields his self-will, there becomes a growing revelation of the Lord's perfect will. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6). When Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives, then no Christian is ever left to chance, but God has a wonderful plan for every life and He always gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Ephesians 1:3-6).
In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through Caleb, who wholly followed the Lord. "Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God." (Joshua 14:8). Jesus came to do the will of God, "In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Hebrews10:6- 10).
Today's Psalm: 143:10
"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a new day and thank you for the many blessings that you give me each second of the day. Lord, I want to be Your servant, I want to follow Your will for my life. Walk with me, guide me, and be with me in all that I do. Teach me to understand and to know that I am following Your will and give me the strength and courage to see it through. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen
Have a wonderful Tuesday and God Bless you.
Christina
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Bible Study: Teach Others
Teach Others 03.17.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Monday March 17, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Joshua. Please read Joshua 11 -- 13 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the conquest of the northern kings; Joshua's obedience; the conquered kings; and 2-1/2 tribes settle on the east side of the Jordan River. Today's message focuses on the importance of staying active in our walk with God and teaching others.
Everyone in Jericho knew the reputation of Israel's God, the Canaanite kings also had known what the Gibeonites knew but they decided to defend their heathen gods against the One True God. (Joshua 11-12)
The communication of God with Joshua continued through the dividing of the remainder of the land of Canaan. About 25 years had passed since Israel crossed over Jordan into the promised land; all the kings had been defeated and Canaan was controlled by the Israelites. Yet, the Amorites, Jebuzites, and Hittites were still in possession of much of Canaan. "Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed." (13:1).
At this time, the nation of Israel was living for the most part in the mountains and hills. Most of the cities in the valleys had not been conquered but, by faith, Joshua divided the remaining land and claimed it according to the promise of God. By pronouncing the land division, Joshua was warning Israel not to be satisfied with past victories. All the land of promise was theirs but had to be taken by the Israelites in battle with the Canaanites.
The older generation that first entered and defeated many kingdoms within Canaan should have led the way for final conquest. Often Christians, once active in the Lord's service, become inactive and satisfied with past achievements when their years of experience could enable them to render the Church a more valuable service than ever. The experience of years of godly living needs to be taught to those who are just beginning in the Christian faith so they may avoid Satan's pitfalls. Reading God's Word will give spiritual discernment when dealing with today's problems. "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (I Corinthians).
History and Scripture alike join in revealing the truth that whatever you do, do it with all your might. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest." (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed by Moses the servant of the LORD, "Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh." (Joshua 12:6). Jesus was the Servant of God. "Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles." (Matthew 12:18).
Today's Psalm: 132:12
"If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore."
Today's Prayer,
Dear Lord,
Thank You for blessing us with a new day and thank You for the many blessings thay You give us each and every day. Thank you for Your word that guides us, speak to us, Lord. Teach us. We love you, Jesus. It's so amazing that you are proud of us, even though we haven't done anything to deserve it. We can't do anything to make you more proud of us except to go out into the world and teach others about You. Help us, Lord be the Your servants and give us peace knowing that in doing so that You will bless us with all of our needs. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.
Have a wonderful Monday and week and remember, keep your focus on Jesus and all things are possible.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study:Pray For Direction
Pray For Direction 03.16.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Sunday March 16, 2007 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Joshua. Please read Joshua 9 -- 10 in your Bible, or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about Israel's treaty with Gibeon; Gibeon being attacked; God's intervention, God causing the sun and moon to stand still; and the Amorite kings being defeated. Today's message focuses on the importance of praying and asking God for direction in all of our decisions.
After Joshua's victories over Jericho and Ai, five kings united to fight the Israelites. However, the Gibeonites, located between the land of the Canaanite kings and the encampment of Israel decided their chances of survival would be greater by making a league with the Israelites rather than by joining with the Canaanite kings in their war with Israel. "And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof; That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord.....And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us." (Joshua 9:1-2,6)
However, to make such a league was a violation of the Law, "And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee. Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee." (Exodus 23:31-33). Israel soon would realize that ignorance of God's Word does not cancel out its results.
This league with the Gibeonites should impress upon us the enemy's skill in deception and how fallible our human reasoning is. "And the men took of their victuals (food), and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them." (Joshua 9:14-16). If Joshua had prayed for the Lord's guidance, the league never would have been made and they would have never been betrayed by the Gibeonites.
This was the second time that Joshua made a decision without directions from God. Joshua was misled by a deception that resulted in a covenant with the Gibeonites. At the time, he was unaware that they were actually Canaanites who were to be destroyed because of their wickedness. The Gibeonites knew they could not stand against the power of God; therefore, they resorted to deceiving Joshua. This decison ultimately resulted in a devastating famine in Israel during David's reign many years later. Joshua experienced how impossible it is to discern God's will by human judgment.
All of us tend to be rather gullible when we don't seek the Lord's guidance. How easy it is to make a decision based on what looks best and fail to pray for the will of God only to see devastation sometimes years later. The natural mind is no match for the supernatural power of Satan for he will often convince us that what we are thinking is God's will only to be fooled. However, God's people are invincible against every force of the enemy when we continue to read through the Bible."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).
Knowing the Word of God, we can pray according to His will and not face consequences down the road. It is so important to read and reread the Bible over and over again. No matter how many times you read it, you will always learn something different as God designed it that way. If is only by reading His Word are we able to know how He wants us to live, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16-17). No other book is inspired of God.
In today's study Jesus Christ is reveal through whom we have victory, "And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight." (Joshua 10:25). "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:57).
Today's Psalm: 23:5-6
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your plan for our lives. You are the one, True God, and you are all powerful in every aspect of our lives. We want to turn all over to you, but there are parts of us, that we are reluctant to release. We might not even know what it is that we are holding on to, but we can feel that part of our flesh is ruling us more than it should. Holy Spirit, sweep through us. Help us to see what it is that we are unable to let go of, and then minister to our hearts so that we can trust you and follow Your will in our lives. In Jesus' name......Amen.
Have a wonderful and great Lord's day and always remember He is always with you and will get you through any situation.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Follow God's Instruction
Follow God's Instruction 03.15.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Saturday March 15, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Joshua. Please read Joshua 7 -- 8 in your Bible ot Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the sin of Achan; Israel's defeat at Ai; the judgment of Achan; Ai is defeated; the altar on Mount Ebal; a Covenant is renewed; and the Law is read.
One of the most remarkable victories in Israel's history is achieved by the complete destruction of Jericho without having even one Israelite casualty. However, the following day, assuming continued success, Joshua sent spies to assess the strength of Ai, without seeking direction from God, the Israelites attacked the city of Ai only to be defeated by them. "And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai. And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few. So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water." (Joshua 7:2-5).
One of the most alarming aspects of this downfall is the revelation that Joshua and all the people were unaware that the Lord was no longer with them. No one seemed to have had the least suspicion that He had withdrawn His blessing from Israel. By not consulting the Lord, Israel's defeat was inevitable. Joshua had momentarily failed to consider that the Lord Himself was their Commander-in-Chief, that He alone could issue orders that would result in success. First, he had to be instructed on how to handle the evil sin by Achan of stealing what belonged to God. "And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it." (7:19-21).
Then, he had to instructed on how to complete their victory over Ai. "And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land: And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it." (8:1-2).
The Israelites' reasoning that led to their defeat at Ai has been repeated by most of us. When no serious problems seem to exist, we become overconfident, seemingly self-sufficient, and assume the Lord expects us to use "our own good judgment." However, apart from our submission to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, the smallest temptation will prove to be too powerful for us. He alone imparts discernment as we read and desire to obey the Word of God. Many begin their Christian lives in prayer and daily Bible reading, but eventually they become self-confident and stop, often causing problems for themselves in order to realize that they have fallen away from God's instruction.
We as Christian's must never let success stop us from our daily Bible reading and prayer. It is that relationship with God that keeps us successful and if God thinks that we do not need Him He will take that success away from us until we realize that we do need Him. In everything that we do we must follow the instruction of God and in doing so we will not only be blessed with success we will also be blessed with all the gifts that God has waiting for us.
In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the uncut stones of the altar, "As Moses the servant of the LORD commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of whole stones, over which no man hath lift up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings unto the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings." (Joshua 8:31). Daniel saw Christ as a Stone which was not cut by human hands, "Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure." (Daniel 2:45). Jesus is our Head of the Corner Stone, "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded." (I Peter 2:6-8).
Today's Psalm: 16:7
"I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing us with a new day here on earth and thank you for the many blessings that you give us each second of the day. Lord, there are times that we have been overconfident in ourselves and lose sight of you. We think that we no longer need You to instruct un in everything that we do. Forgive us, Lord. Help us to understand that without You nothing will remain a success and that we need you in every area of our life. Lord, direct our paths and inspire us to do the work which You have given us to do with singleness of heart as Your servants, and for the common good. We ask these things in Jesus' name.....Amen
Have a great Saturday and enjoy your weekend.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Circumcision
Circumcision 03.14.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Friday (TGIF!), March 14, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Joshua. Please read Joshua 4 -- 6 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the memorial at Gilgal; circumcision; Passover at Gilgal; manna ceasing; and Jericho is besieged and destroyed. Today's message focuses on the New Convenant that Jesus made that replaced the Passover.
God said to the Israelites, I have given you the land to possess it, however, the promises of God always include personal responsibilities for the receivers of those promises. Before going further into the land, the LORD said to Joshua circumcise again the children of Israel. "At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised." (Joshua 5:2-5).
The right of circumcision had been instituted by the Lord with Abraham, the father of the faithful, as a visible sign of the people's Covenant relationship with Him (Genesis 17:9-14). Circumcision of all males was required before eating the Passover (Exodus 12:48). After being circumcised, the new generation also became identified as the Lord's Covenant people and was qualified to keep the Passover. "And it came to pass, when they had done circumcising all the people, that they abode in their places in the camp, till they were whole. And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day. And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho." (Joshua 5:8-10). The Passover commemorated the Lord's deliverance of His people from Egypt and pointed the way to the coming messianic Deliverer. Circumcision and the Passover foreshadowed the commands of believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper for the Church.
At His last Passover, our Lord Jesus revealed that His death would fulfill and replace the Passover. Concerning this new ordinance, the Apostle Paul wrote, "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come." (I Corinthians 11:23-26).
The Christian's circumcision is also explained by Paul, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:8-15).
Today's Psalm: 51:9-11
"Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I thank You, through Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, that You keep me safe from all evil and danger. Save me, I pray, today as well, from every evil and sin, so that all I do and the way that I live will please you. I put myself in your care, body and soul and all that I have. Let the Power of Your Holy Spirit reveal itself to me, so that the evil enemy will not gain power over me. In Jesus' name, I pray.....amen
Have a wonderful day/night and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Crossing The Jordan
Crossing the Jordan 03.13.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Thursday March 13, 2008 and today we are beginning our study on the book of Joshua. Please read Joshua 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
The book of Joshua was written by Joshua to the people of Israel and the purpose of the book is to record the history of their conquest of Canaan and to show that no moral or spiritual victories are won without battles. There are 24 chapters contained in the book and the main characters in the book are Joshua, Rahab, Caleb, Achan, Balaam, Eleazar. In today's study we will read and learn about God speaking to Joshua; the spies that are sent to Jericho; a pledge between the spies and Rahab; Israel crosses the Jordan River. Today's message focuses on the importance of following the will of God even through difficulties.
Joshua was born into Egyptian slavery but, during the desert trials, he became a coworker with Moses. Joshua remained a faithful coworker in submission to Moses, even when the majority threatened to kill him when he urged the nation to advance into Canaan about forty years earlier. (See Numbers 14). Now the Lord spoke to him for the first time, "Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast. There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Joshua 1:1-5).
To be brought out of Egypt was one thing, but it was altogether another thing to go over this Jordan and become committed to battle against the powerful Canaanites with their chariots of iron, walled cities, and armies of giants. The same crisis comes to all who have been redeemed. There must be once and for all an abandonment of self to the will of God making Him Lord of our lives so that, from that point on, the will of God is first in every decision. It is only by doing God's will that we are able to overcome the powerful giants we are faced with and succeed. Jordan must be crossed by all of us.
Jesus had to die for all sin and by His death we may receive Him as our Savior. By His atonement, sin has no more dominion over us, and under His leadership we can, by faith, defeat the spiritual enemies of lust, hate, jealousy, and fear. We must follow Him through the Jordan River; that is, we too must die to sin and rise again unto righteousness.
Israel's first encounter with the Canaanites into the promised land under Joshua's leadership was at the powerful walled city of Jericho. Two spies were sent to view the land, they were greeted by a harlot named Rehab who hid them from the King. "And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shi-ttim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country. And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country. And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were: And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them." (2:1-5).
After they left Rahab spoke to them, "And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death." (2:9-13). She then turned from her false gods, left her life as a prostitute, and trusted in the mercy of the One True God. It was no accident that the spies came to her home and promised that God would protect her and her family when they invaded Jericho. Because of her faith in God, Rahab became an ancestress of King David and part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
Let us follow the example of Moses, Joshua, and Rahab, by showing a persistent and hard-working effort to follow the will of God. "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright." (Hebrews 12:15-16).
In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through the scarlet line in the window that saved Rahab and her household. "And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window." (Joshua 2:21). Scarlet is symbolic of the blood of Christ, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." (I John 1:7).
Today's Psalm:104:30
"Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
By your patience in suffering you endured earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father's will: Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.
Have a wonderfully blessed day/night.
God Bless,
Christie
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Bible Study: God As Our Refuge
God As Our Refuge 03.12.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Wednesday March 12, 2008 and today we are completing our study on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read, Deuteronomy 32 -- 34 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the song of Moses; Moses blessing the 12 tribes; the death of Moses on Mount Nebo; and Joshua taking charge. Today's message focuses on the blessings given to those who put God first in their lives.
The Israelites were to proclaim greatness to our God, "Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." (Deuteronomy 32:1-4). Moses foretold of the blessings and happiness that would be theirs if they lived in obedience to His Word. "And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death." (33:1).
After conferring spiritual blessings upon each of the tribes, Moses concluded with praise to God. There was spiritual insight in the last words spoken by Moses to the people of the second generation, "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. Israel then shall dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew. Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places." (33:27-29). There is enough power in His outstretched arms to lift up every downcast person. His love reaches out to care for the most degraded one and to protect and shelter even the weakest. His arms have power unlimited and unconquerable. The everlasting arms are a great comfort to the child of God in the midst of this world's perplexities and conflicts which threaten to discourage, defeat, and destroy us every day.
God is almighty, righteous, holy, and wise. Mankind has wandered far from Him in numberless paths of sin; but He has revealed His love by providing for our return through the atonement of His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. By the grace of His Holy Spirit He draws us to Himself and saves us from otherwise inevitable ruin so that we may enjoy eternal life with Him. Having God as our refuge does not imply that we will have a great abundance of this world's possessions or will be free from cares and sorrows. Our earthly life is the only opportunity to prepare for eternity. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
All trials and sufferings are primarily tests of our faith as well as a means of developing our spiritual insights. We have but one purpose for life and that is above all other things. "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38).
In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed as our Rock, "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." (Deuteronomy 32:4). Christ was that spiritual Rock that followed them, "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (I Corinthians 10:1-4).
Today's Psalm: 46:1-3
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
It is in my hour of need that I see Your powerful provision in my life. When I'm in need of comfort, You are my Comforter. When I'm in need of courage You go before me. When I'm in need of friendship You are my friend that sticks closer than a brother. When I'm in need of stability You are the Anchor for my soul. When I'm in need of finances You own the cattle on a thousand hills. When I'm in need of peace You are the peacemaker. When I'm in need of food You are the Bread of Life. When I'm thirsty You are the living water that leads to eternal life. You are my Shepherd and I shall never be in want of anything becasue You will supply me with all that I need. Thank You, Lord for all that you do for me. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.
Have a great and wonderfully blessed day/night.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Facing False Gods
Facing False gods 03.11.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Tuesday March 11, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 29 - 31 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the new generation's covenant; warnings against disobedience; Joshua, Moses' successor; and Moses' last speech. Today's message focuses on the importance of chosing God over the false gods of the world. (e.g. fame, fortune, possesions)
God chose the small Israelite nation as the people through whom He would reveal Himself to the world as the One True Self-Existent God. "These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in Horeb...Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do...That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day: That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." (Deuteronomy 29:1,9,12-13).
Moses continued to warn the people of the consequences of disregarding their Covenant responsibilities, "Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood; And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven." (29:18-20). God's chosen people confirmed their covenant relationship with God. It implied much more than rules and regulations. The Covenant covered a person's total being and was a permanent arrangement.
When the Israelites entered the promised land of Canaan, they were surrounded by influences that would test their loyalty to the One True God. They were faced with people who seemed to have advantages, such as chariots for war, and an attractive religious system with images they could see and touch. Today and forever, Israel's God was the One and only True God and our God, there is no other. Israel's Messiah is our Savior, Jesus of Nazareth. Christians are the people of God and are by far given a more precious covenant than the one made with Abraham, our love for God is tested just as the Israelites by the many false gods that we face each day.
As the nations of the world have become our near neighbors, some are deceived and assume that their false gods are also the One True God who is just called by another name and that their faith is but one of many ways to worship God. But all worshipers who do not accept Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives worship a false god that cannot provide eternal life.
Moses had finished his ministry as the lawgiver and leader of Israel. The aged guide to the promised land is speaking his last speech to Israel and commanded that the children of Isreal love the Lord. "See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it...That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them." (30:15-16,20).
Moses final words were, "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (31:6). These words are just as true today as they were back then, God is always with us and in all that we do. We may have a new covenant with Jesus, but we are still commanded to live for God and put our complete trust in Him to lead us our promise land. Israel failed to reconize this and to this day still struggle, God does not want to see us suffer, He wants to give us the best life we can possibly have on this earth, but He also wants us to reconize Him and thank Him for the blessings that He gives us and to have some morals to our lives. Your life is more precious to Him than Gold, otherwise the streets in heaven would not be paved with it.
In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed as life,"See, I have set before thee this day life" (Deuteronomy 30:15). Jesus is the Resurrection, and the Life, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:" (John 11:25).
Today's Psalm: 139:16-18
"Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."
Today's Prayer: From Psalm 86:1-7
Dear Lord,
Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
Have a great and wonderful day/night.
God bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Blessings Through God's Will
Blessings Through God's Will 03.10.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Monday March 10, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 28 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the blessings received for obedience and the consequences of disobedience. The purpose of today's message is to show the importance of chosing God's will over our own in order to see the true blessings in store for us.
The pathway of conquest was linked with Israel's obedience to God's Word. As Israel obeyed God they could, in turn receive blessings from Him. "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out." (Deuteronomy 28:1-6).
They were to see that submission to God and enjoyment of life were bound together as an inflexible spiritual principle. "The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee." (28:9-11).
The Israelites could choose either to live as His Word directed and enjoy the Lord's blessings or to reject His Word, as their parents had done, and suffer the consequences. "The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me. The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it. The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish." (28:20-22).
There are almost four times as many verses that warn of the curses resulting from disobedience compared to the blessings for obedience. The obvious conclusion of God's Word is that each sin has a consequence. However, this fact can also be misapplied as Jesus made His disciples aware that some curses can be blessings. "And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." (John 9:2-3). What seemed to be a curse became a blessing, for it brought him to his Savior.
This points out that not all misfortunes are the result of sin, and that not all wealth and good health are necessarily a blessing from God. Victory over our present-day Canaanite giants is achieved, not because of our abilities but because of our commitment to do the will of God. Overcoming power is found in cooperating with the Spirit of Christ, who dwells within us. Those who follow the will of God can joing the Apostle Paul when he said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13).
Today's Psalm: 143:10
"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me in all things to rely upon your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by you. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will and teach me to live the way You intended me to live. In Jesus' name......Amen.
Have a wonderful day/night and enjoy your week.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Honesty
Honesty 03.09.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Sunday March 9, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 24 -- 27 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
In today's study we will read and learn about divorce; domestic relations; firstfruits and tithes; the Law on Mount Ebal; and an altar on Mount Gerizim. Today's message focuses on the importance of being honest.
God required that all of Israel's business transactions reflect His integrity and justice. Deception and dis honesty too often have marked the business principals of the world then and now. Moses, the lawgiver and prophet, warned against two sets of weights and measures one for buying and the other for selling. "Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small. But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God." (Deuteronomy 25:14-16).
God hates lying and bribery. Each of us has the opportunity to exercise the principles of justice and equity or to take advantage of others, which takes some form of dishonesty such as wasting time on the job, taking what doesn't belong to us, unethical business transactions, lies, fraud, or any other dishonest act. Often the believer will be exposed to innumerable disappointments; he may be deceived by someone he trusts or injured by others he has helped to benefit. However, all these disappointments give the believer the opportunity to exercise the character and nature of God in the spirit of forgiving love and long-suffering.
Our relationship with others goes much deeper than either word or deed; it goes to the hidden motives of our hearts and reveals what we truly are. This means that the thoughts of a Christian should always be the expression of what Jesus would do. The attitude of fairness and consideration for others' well-being applies to a Christian's daily conduct. The self-centered "I" must give way to Christ and His control.
It is possible to have bitter thoughts while doing kind deeds and to say loving words while having wrong attitudes and motives. But, our Adamic nature and its self-serving conduct can be overcome by the Christ-centered nature that He has bestowed within us. Our Lord leads us to consider others and admonishes us to think of our neighbor as our equal and someone whom God loves and whom Jesus gave His life to save. He persuades us to overcome our selfishness and consider our neighbor's best interest. In our thoughts, we should change places with the person with whom we have business dealings and ask ourselves: "If he were where I am, and I were where he is, how would I want him to treat me in this transaction?" We need to, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Philippians 2:3-4).
Today's Psalm: 39:11
"When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah"
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.
Have a wonderfully blessed day/night.
God bless,
Christina
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Jesus Said:I Will Not Leave You
I Will Not Leave You 03.07.08
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:12-18)
What an amazing God that we have, no matter what we are facing, even though we feel so alone He is right there with us helping us through it. We have nothing to fear yet at times it seems that is all we do. I think when we are faced with difficulties it is so easy to just play along as nothing is wrong, but each day that goes by we get weaker and weaker and more vulnerable to the temptations of the world only to fall right into Satan's trap.
As I sit here for the first time in weeks and have nothing to do I am left wondering, "God, am I following Your will for my life or mine?" That is not an easy question to answer as there are so many thoughts that go through our heads. So, how do we know when we are following God's will and not our own? We seek Him for answers, we move forward in faith and if something in the back of our heads is telling us to not go there, it is God telling us that we are not to go there.
I will tell you that the past month has been very stressful to me, I have been living in fear and it seems that Satan has grabbed a hold of me and will stop at nothing to get me to give up my faith and fall away from God. I will honestly tell you that I was being investigated, I have been self employed for 5 years and doing work that I really enjoyed. I am an Aromatherapist and Relaxation Therapist. I had a client that was not very professional and tried to get me to do some things that I just would not do. He got angry and a week later I had an investigator at my door. All that hard work to become successful only to lose everything because of one man who for some reason thought that I was supposed to submit to his ungodly demands.Life is crazy that way, we can be on top of the mountain and all of a sudden we make one wrong move and go tumbling.
As I was writing in my prayer book this morning I asked God to release me from this fear, let me know His will for my life and let me know that what I vision in life is His will and not mine. Well, just before I began typing this message I got a knock at the door. It was the investigator, I was cleared of all the charges against me and free to continue my work as long as I have the proper licenses and permits of course. So, just maybe my visions are God's will after all and He is just making sure I am prepared to handle every situation that I would be faced with. So, as I move forward, in my faith I am finally at peace knowing that Jesus is right here with me, comforting me and leading me in the right direction.
He will do the same for you as well, He loves you and will answer every prayer and provide you with everything you need. Of course it is answered on His time, but never stop believing, never give up because when you are ready to accept the prayer being answered it will be.
God bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Resist Lust & Help Others
Resist Lust & Help Others 03.08.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Saturday March 8, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 21-23 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the laws concerning murder; female war captives, their marriage and divorce; another's property; sanitation; and human relations. Today's message focuses on the importance of resisting the lusts of the world and helping others.
The underlying principle of the laws of these chapters was given by a loving Creator to protect His people from the immoral conduct of surrounding nations which would destroy the Israelites' ability to fulfill His purposes. There are many unusual laws and although we are under no obligtion today to literally observe these command, the principle of purity is still the main focus. "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (I Corinthians 10:6-12).
Our Lord also set forth the principle of single-hearted devotion by saying, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33). Single-heartedness is the key to victorious Christian living. Jesus declared that there can be only one lord in our lives. We choose either Christ, who speaks to us through His Word, or some other person or thing. The test comes when both are demanding our time and it is those who chose Christ over riches that not only live victoriously, but are also blessed with much of what they desire. "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (riches). Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" (Matthew 6:23-26). God will never forsake us and will always take care of our needs without resorting to the lusts of the world.
The Israelites had been taught that everything belonged to God and they were only caretakers of His possessions. Because of their Covenant relationship with the Lord, they even were responsible for the welfare of their neighbor's property. "Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again." (Deuteronomy 22:1-2).
We may not be held legally responsible for failing to prevent someone else's financial loss. But our stewardship responsibility to God requires that we respond to another's needs in a spirit of Christlike love. The person we help may or may not appreciate or deserve the kindness shown, but our responsibility is not to the person who needs our help but to the Lord, who is the true Owner of all creation, and who provides the opportunities for us to express His love. In our Lord's Sermon on the Mount, He taught His followers to go beyond merely helping preserve the property of enemies or friends. Jesus commanded His followers to love their emenies and to bless those who curse you. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:44-45). God rewards us for helping out those who have hurt us and will always take care of us no matter what situation we face. Now, God does not want you to be a pushover, but He does want you to be kind and pray for those who like to take advantange of others kindness.
In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the one who died on a tree, "His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance" (Deuteronomy 21:23).
Jesus died on a cross in our place, releasing us from the penalties of death imposed by the Laws for our sins. In the evening He was taken down from the cross, signifying that the Scripture had been fulfilled. "After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away." (John 19:28-31)
Today's Psalm: 96:9-11
"O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof."
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with another day here on earth and thank you for the many blessings that you give us each and every day. Lord Jesus, I thank You that salvation comes from You alone. I thank you that You are enough. We would come up far short if we relied on our good works, our charming personality, our status in life or our worldly accumulation to purchase our salvation. You are the sinless Lamb of God, the only acceptable sacrifice to God, who provides salvation to every man, woman, boy and girl from every region on the face of this earth who call upon Your name. Keep reminding us that we cannot earn our salvation because You give it freely. Bles those who do not know you and thoae who have fallen away from and refuse to know you. Lord, forgive them for they are unaware of the truth, work in their hearts and show them the truth. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend. Forgive me for being late with the lesson for those of you who are use to reading it in the morning, had computer issues this morning.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Overcoming Battles
Overcoming Battles 03.07.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Friday March 7, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 17 -- 20 in your Bible to Click Here to read online. In today's study we will read and learn about idolaters; obedience to authority; offerings due priests and Levites; and heathen practices, the prophecy concerning the coming of Christ; and cities of refuge. Today's message focuses on God's promise to help us endure all battles and the coming of Christ.
God directed Israel to overthrow the kingdoms which were reigning in Canaan because of their abominable wickedness. No inhabitants of Canaan were to be spared to share the land of promise with Israel because of their sinful conduct. Israel was faced with the Canaanite armies who were far greater in numbers.
The Israelite soldiers thought they were powerless when Canaanite soldiers in speeding iron chariots attacked them. This is why the Israelites fled to the mountains where the chariots could not follow. However, all the miracles of their past should have caused them to believe that God was right there in battle with them and that they were safe. "When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." (20:1-4). Israel was reminded not only of what God had done but what He would do.
The Christian life is a life of warfare. But we can be assured that God will not fail us nor forsake us. The God who saved us will empower us to overcome all evil, but only as we determine to be all that He created us to be. Only when the Israelites fought with all their might were they able to overcome their enemies. They illustrate our spiritual battles that can be won daily when we are determined to defeat the devil and all his deceitful deceptions.
Mose foretold the coming of Christ, "The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;.....And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him." (18:15,17-19). Jesus said to His critics that Moses and the Scriptures bore witness of Him, "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?" (John 5:46-47)
Jesus declared to Pilate: My kingdom is not of this world, meaning it is a spiritual kingdom without end. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter boldly proclaimed that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Moses, "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days." (Acts 3:22-24).
In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the Old Testament sacrifices which were made without blemish or defect (Deuteronomy 17:1). "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" (I Peter 1:18-19).
Today's Psalm: 9:9-10
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with antoher day here on earth and thank you for the many blessings that you have given me. Lord, there are times when all I feel is darkness, weakness and helplessness. Lord, forgive me for letting my cares and emotions control my actions rather than coming to You for help. Lord, watch over me, guide me, and be with me in all that I do, let me sense Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help me to have complete trust in You knowing that You are with me and protecting me through all my battles. Teach me Lord, to follow Your will and not my own and in doing so I will be blessed. I love You, Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name.....Amen.
Have a wonderfully blessed day/night and weekend. Remember we begin Daylight Savings time this weekend so set your clocks 1 hour ahead of time Saturday night.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Tithing & Forgiving Debts
Tithing & Forgiving of Debts 03.06.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Thursday March 6, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 14 -- 16 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about clean and unclean food; the Law of the tithe; dedication of the firstborn; the three feasts (festivals) to be observed; judges and justice. The focus of this study is the importance of tithing and forgiving of debts.
The prosperity of Israel in the promised land did not depend on advanced agricultural techniques but on obedience to the Word of God. The Israelites were taught to truly tithe on all the increase of your harvest from what you sow. "Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household," (Deuteronomy 14:22-26).
Tithing reminded the people that they, as well as the land, belonged to the Lord, and who should occupy first place in their lives. Since all they possessed was the result of His loving provision, their tithes to the Lord were to be given first, before all other considerations. Furthermore, no Israelite could come before the Lord without an offering commensurate with his income. To bring less would be unacceptable and an expression of disobedience and ingratitude. The Israelites were also taught to rejoice with a heartfelt appreciation for the privilege of honoring God with their tithes and offerings and that by doing so they will see the blessings of God. "At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest." (14:28-29).
More than five hundred years before the Law was given to Moses, Abraham, paid a tenth (tithe) as an acceptable offering to the Lord. That principle continued throughout the Bible, and includes all believers today who are called the children of Abraham. Today, the Lord's ministries, missionaries, churches, Bible schools, Bible publishers, translators, and other agencies are being sustained through the tithes and offerings of His people in order to reach out to the lost and those who live in poverty.
Israel was instructed to observe a year of release every seven years when all indebtedness was to be cleared from all the records. "At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD's release. Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release; Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it: Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day" (15:1-5).
God has always demonstrated loving concern for the poor, the widow, children, and the helpless. The sufferings of distressed people touch His heart. "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him." (15:11-14).
God is just as compassionate today when He observes men, women, and children who live in poverty and exp ects us to respond as His Body on earth. Can anyone believe that God is indifferent to the pain, sorrows, griefs, and trials of His creation? In the darkest night and wildest storm, He is saying to all who receive Him as Savior and Lord, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. "But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." (Matthew 14:27).
The Gospel of salvation is a testimony to the tender mercy of His nature. He has remembered all of us when we were eternally lost and bound by Satan and separated from the riches of His grace. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). All who have received Christ as Lord of their lives and who have manifested His concern for the needs of others will hear the King say unto them: "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: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." (Matthew 25:31-36).
Today's Psalm: 72:12-13
"For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Bible Study: Loyalty To & From God
Loyalty To & From God 03.05.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Wednesday March 5, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 11 -- 13 or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about Israel's subjection to love and obey God; a warning against false gods and adding to or taking away anything from His Word. This message focuses on the importance of remaining loyal to God, teaching our children, and thithing.
To perpetuate loyalty and love to God in future generations, every Israelite was to live in subjection to the Word of God. "Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.....For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven: A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year. And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full." (Deuteronomy 11:1,10-15).
Our foremost concern every day should be to teach our children to love the Lord and be loyal to Him. They should have no doubt that we also truly love the Lord and are obedient to His Word. If our hearts are filled with the Word of God, it will overflow from our lives and teach us to live the way God intended for us to live. God is loyal to all who are loyal to Him. "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth. For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him; Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves." (11:18-23).
What our children become is often dependent upon our values in life. What we are in great measure is what our children become. That is why it is so important that parents devote time to molding the rapidly developing minds of their young children. It is of utmost importance that parents guide even the youngest children to reverence God, to worship Him, to pray, and to recognize the Bible as the voice of God speaking to them.
Influences outside the home often send strong messages to our children that are opposite in character to the values we desire them to live by. It becomes increasingly important to provide our children with a strong spiritual environment.
The tithes of the produce from the ground and from the herds were brought in recognition that God was the source of all mercies and all blessings of life. "But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: 6And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee." (12:5-7) God claimed the tithes and gifts as an essential part of worship and as a safeguard against Israel's turning to idolatry. When you neglect the privilege of supporting the Lord's Church, you are depriving yourself of the joy of sharing and the satisfaction of being a profitable servant of our Master. Everyone can pray for the pastor and his leaders, the sick as well as so many friends who need to be in a closer relationship with Chirst. Those who live only to get, to have, to hold, and to keep, discover too late that life becomes less satisfying and wanting more with the passing of every year.
The test of our love is not only what we do with our abilities and possessions but how much do we really love God and desire to do His will? What is it that dominates our lives, even our thoughts? Our personal activities show our love for the Lord even now and if our wants, needs, and possesions come first then they become our idols. God will never forsake us nor leave us, He will always provide us with all of our needs and desires, but we must first be willing to put Him first above all things, including our time and money.
For a true Christian, everything, including himself, belongs to our Creator God, not just a tenth or just attending church on Sunday. "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).
In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the burnt offerings which were totally consumed. Deuteronomy 12:6.These typified Christ's total offering of Himself to death, "But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God." (Hebrews 10:3-7).
Today's Psalm: 9:10
"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Gracious Heavenly Father, I thank you and praise you for this day.
I thank you for my being able to see and to hear this morning.
I'm blessed because you are a forgiving God and an understanding God.
You have done so much for me and you keep on blessing me. Lord I love you and I need you, come into my heart. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. And purify me with the precious blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Guide me to walk with you by your Holy Spirit. Lord, I love you and I need you and ask these things in Jesus' name.....Amen.
Have a great and wonderfull day/night.
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Overcoming Adversity
Overcoming Adversity (Misfortune) 03.04.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Tuesday March 4, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 8 -- 10 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about the importantance of keeping the commandment;, the reasons why we have the commandments; a reminder of parents' rebellion, a golden calf; and the second tablets of stone. Today's message focuses on the importantance of learning God's Word and overcoming adversity.
God's purpose is given for all His rules and laws, "All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. " Deuteronomy 8:1-3).
The forty long years of wandering in the wilderness were necessary for the Lord to persuade Israel to acknowledge the pointlessness of their own abilities and to put their trust in the sustaining power of His Word. The many unexpected disappointments were the plan of God to destroy confidence in themselves and bring into reality a dependence on His Word for daily provisions, protection, and guidance. Adversity for the Israelites was aimed at overcoming the spirit of self-dependence that develops through pride.
The manna was given daily and its only guarantee of continuance was God's promise. All the unforeseen circumstances were needed to develop their faith in His Word. Our problems should bring us to the same persuasion that we are dependent each day upon God. He does supply all our needs and He loves to make available what is best for our journey through life. Pain and disappointments become more endurable when we recognize that the love of God has allowed it for our best eternal purpose. There is a tendency to forget God as we gain material possessions and by our adversities we learn that we still need Him and did to succeed without Him.
Adversity is a necessity, although some adversity may come as the result of sin, Job illustrates the fact that the best man living may be forced to face painful afflictions even though his own actions were not the cause (Job 1:8-12). God arranges the terms and time of our "need" for our eternal good. Throughout every book of the Bible there is Divine Life and power to satisfy every "need." Read it daily with confident expectation that you, too, will enjoy the strength of His Life that is indispensable to satisfy your real needs in the years to come.
To overcome His adversity Jesus began quoting f rom the book of Deuteronomy when tempted by Satan after His 40 day fast in the wilderness. His response to Satan, who tempted Him to make bread for Himself from stones after His 40-day fast was quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3, "And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:3-4). Satan himself quoted Scripture, but he misapplied its meaning, like so many people do today.
Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:16 after the second temptation, "And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." (Matthew 4:6-7). At the third temptation, He quoted Deuteronomy 6:13, "Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." (4:8-11)
Jesus did not compromise even once, a lesson some Christians need to learn today. A vital key to overcoming Satan is knowing God's Word through which we are empowered to be overcomers. For the Word of God is quick and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and it is the overcoming weapon needed to defeat Satan. As we continue reading all of God's Word, the Holy Spirit brings it to our minds when it is needed.
Moses warned Israel, "Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:.....And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day." (8:11,17-18). After reviewing the Commandments, Moses added, "And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD's thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day." (10:12-15).
Jesus not only quoted these verses as applying to His followers, but also said, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:21-23).
In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the wood used to make the Ark of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 10:3). Acacia wood, a desert growth, is symbolic of Christ in His human form as a root out of a dry ground (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus took on human form to redeem us. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5).
Today's Psalm: 94:12-14
"Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for my life on this earth, however challenging or not. Thank you for giving me the free will to love and be loved, to make my own decisions, to learn from my mistakes, to laugh when I am happy, to cry when I am sad. Thank you for my family, my friends, my pets, my colleagues, and for every other living creature I meet along my journey. Thank you for giving me strength to overcome adversity, to do what's right for the benefit of the greater good, to rise above negativity. Thank you for giving me hope for an end to world suffering, pain, and war, for a beginning of a world filled with light and everlasting love. In Jesus' name....I pray.
Have a wonderful day/night
God Bless,
Christina
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Bible Study: Only One True God
Bible Study: Respect & Facing Giants
Respect & Defeating Giants 03.02.08
Hello my Friend/Guest, It is March 2, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Dueteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 3 -- 4 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. In today's study we will read about the division of land east of the Jordan; Moses' prayer; and the Israelites defeat a giant king. This message focuses on blessings through respect for God and His ability to help us through any problem, big or small.
Before the people of Israel crossed the Jordan River,they turned and went northwards where they were confronted by Og, the King of Bashan. He was a powerful ruler who controlled over sixty separate communities built with high walls. The area was thickly populated and powerfully defended by giants. Doubtless, King Og and his united forces of Amorites fought fiercely to keep their kingdoms. Nevertheless, Israel defeated and then destroyed them. "Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining. And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city." (Deuteronomy 3:1-6). Giants are only pygmies before God who enables us to overcome insurmountable problems in order that the glory and praise may be to Him. The defeat of the united Amorite forces encouraged the faith of the Israelites as well as struck fear in surrounding nations.
God had promised to permit the tribes of Reuben and Gad to remain outside the promised land, however this was not the perfect will of God. It points out that God will not force anyone to do His will and allows us to choose second best. In doing so we fall short of His perfect will for our lives. Why settle for less when you can have an abundace simply by following God's will. We will face many giant problems in our lives but, as we trust in the Lord and follow His Word, He will give us victory over each and every one of them. Moses reminded the new generation of Israelites that living according to God's Word would bring lasting fulfillment. He began to explain the Law that God had given their parents 40 years earlier at Mount Sinai.
To declare this Law meant more than merely "repeating" the Law; it meant to explain its meaning. Moses' first message highlighted the importance of keeping all the Word of God. "Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." (4:1-6)
"That ye may live" meant that the Israelites would enjoy the best in life. The one essential requirement for remaining in the land of promise was obedience to God's Word. "Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee. For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. When thou shalt beget children, and children's children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger: I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed." (4:23-26).
God desires that we seek Him with all our heart and with all our soul no matter what we are faced with and He promises that through it all we will be blessed. "But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them." (4:29-31).
Obedience to the One True God would have enabled Israel to be successful and morally and spiritually unique among all other nations. The Bible provides our only source of knowing the will of our Creator. "Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever." (4:39-40).
We too need a daily reminder to remain faithful to God and to teach our children the word of God. Children begin developing respect for God by first being taught to behave in a respectful way toward their parents, teachers, and all in authority. Unless children learn respect for their parents, they seldom learn to respect and obey God. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6).
In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Joshua, who led the Israelites into their inheritance (Deuteronomy 3:28). Through Jesus we receive His promised inheritance among them which are set apart by faith that is in Jesus. "But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." (Acts 26:16-18).
Today's Psalm: 101:41-43 "He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:"
Today's Prayer: Dear Lord, You have given us Your Word for a light to shine upon our path; Help us to meditate on that Word, and to follow its teaching, that we may find in it the light that shines more and more until the perfect day through Jesus Christ our Lord. In Jesus's name, I pray.....Amen. Have a wonderful Lord's Day. God Bless you, Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.net
Bible Study: Submission to God
Submission to God 03.01.08
Hello MyFriend/Guest,
It is Saturday March 1, 2008 and today we are beginning the study of the Book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 1 -- 2 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. The Book of Deuteronomy contains 34 chapters and was written by Moses to the people of Israel in order to restate the law to the new generations of Israelites born since Mt. Sinai. The intention of this book is to show God's people that obedience brings blessing, but disobedience brings judgment. In today's study we will read about Moses' review of the past 40 years; the command to leave Mount Sinai; thier refusal to enter into the promised land and 38 years of wandering. We will learn of the blessings in store for us by submitting to God's will.
It has been 40 years after Israel's first generation left Egypt, about 2 million Israelites are now at the border of the promised land.The first generation has died, except for three men, Moses, Joshua, and Caleb. In his first message to the new generation (Deuteronomy 1:1 — 4:43), Moses reminded them of what God commanded. "These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red sea, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab. (There are eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadeshbarnea.) And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;" (Deuteronomy 1:1-3).
Despite their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the older generation sinned against the Lord by not believing that He would give them victory over the Canaanites. The adult Israelites who had left Egypt failed to recognize that their hardships were designed to test their faith and prepare them to defeat the Canaanites. As a consequence of their sin of unbelief, they failed to accomplish the will of God and wasted their lives wandering in the wilderness. The new generation also would now be tested.
We too can choose to be like the majority of Israelites who found fault with everything, or we can choose to be like Caleb and Joshua whose faith in God's Word overcame all fears and frustrations.
Like the Israelites, some today, although they have accepted Christ as their Savior, have made little or no spiritual progress since they first believed. They do as little as possible to help others spiritually for they have not made Christ Lord of their lives. But all Christians are responsible to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. It takes all of us working together to win the world for Christ.
Loving submission to the Lord develops our faith in His ability to guide, protect, and provide for our every need. Just as God had a plan for Israel, so He has a plan for each of us. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10).
In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through Moses, who spoke to the children of Israel, according to all that the LORD commanded (Deuteronomy 1:3). Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." (John 8:28).
Today's Psalm: 18:44
"As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me."
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Grant us the opportunity to share your truth with someone today. Holy Spirit, prepare the way in the person's heart, and give us the worlds to speak. Give us the courage to set aside our reservations of what the person might think. Their relationship with you is more important. Fill us with your love, and let that be pervasive in our conversation with this person. Help us to just love them unconditionally, and let the concept of the love of Jesus be like coming up for air after an eternity under dark waters. Thank you, Jesus, for our salvation. We ask this in Jesus' name....Amen
Have a wonderful day/night and enjoy your weekend.
God Bless,
Christina
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