A Spiritual Guide

Be Prepared 09.29.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are completing our studies on the book of Zechariah, please read Chapters 8-14 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. You can also cut & paste this link to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zecha riah%208-14&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the promises of the restoration of Jerusalem; the judgement upon neighboring nations; Zion's future king; and the deliverance of Jerusalem. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that Jesus is coming. We have no idea when He is coming, but we must be prepared for that day.

In great anticipation, Zechariah proclaimed, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." (Zechariah 9:9). Although this prophecy was fulfilled five hundered and fifty years later, Zechariah never stopped rejoicing over the coming of the Lord. This prophecy was fulfilled as Jesus entered Jerusalem during the last week before His crucifixion riding on an ass, "And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." (Matthew 21:8-9).

Zechariah also foretold of the details concerning Jesus' betrayer, the religious leaders that paid him, and His crucifixion, "And it was broken in that day: and so the poor of the flock that waited upon me knew that it was the word of the LORD. And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD........And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn" (11:11-13, 12:10). This prophcy was fulfilled as Jesus was rejected and betrayed, "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him." (Matthew 26:14-16).

Zechariah ended His prophecy by foretelling the end of our present sinful age, "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south." (Zechariah 14:1-4).

We all would like this part of the prophecy to be only speculation, but the truth is that these prophecies are in fact a reality that is taking place. We will see nations rise up against each other until the very end and unfortunately all who have not accepted Jesus will not be saved from the destruction. We have no way of knowing when the exact time will be that Jesus will come back, but we can be prepared for that moment. Jesus said, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:7-8). All who accept Jesus receives the Holy Ghost in them and become witnesses for Him.

In today's message Jesus Christ in many ways, as King, (Zechariah 9:9), as Servant, (Zechariah 11:12), and as the Great Shepherd, (Zechariah 13:7).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We pray for a sincere heart that is sensitive to the truths in the Bible, we struggle with forgetfulness and indifference, but with You we can be revived. A revival for messengers who feed our indifference in favor of modern accepted philosophies of this world rather than the life changing truths of the Gospel.  Revival for those who sit in the church pews week after week who hear the life changing truths of Your Word, but leave unyielded to the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Revive both the messenger and listener so that our lives are a demonstration of the reality of a vibrant walk with You, Jesus, our Savior and Lord. In Jesus' name, we pray.......Amen.

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net 

Beyond Appearances 09.28.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we begin our study on the book of Zechariah, please read Chapters 1-7 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. You can also cut & paste this link to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zecha riah%201-7&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the judgement upon Israel; Zechariah encouraging them to repent; Joshua, the high priest; and Zechariah's visions. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that sometimes people look at us as unusable and on no value to God, but God uses all His children. What a wonderful feeling to know that God sees beyond our appearances.

The book of Zechariah is the 38th book of the Old Testament and contins 14 chapters. The author of the book was Zechariah and it was written to the people of Israel. The purpose of the book was to further encourage the Israelites to rebuild the Temple. What we are to learn from the book is that God controls the affairs of all people and nations regardless of what the world thinks.

God through Zechariah foretold of the judgement that was upon Israel, "In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers. Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD." (Zechariah 1:1-4).

However, God as sured them that He would restore the nation and even declared that many nations will follow Him, Jesus is also revealed here. "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee. And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation." (2:10-11).

God proved Satan as He forgave Joshua and cleaned him up, "And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by." (3:4-5).

There comes a time when we all fall victim to Satan's accusations, we feel like we are always doing something wrong and that nothing we do for God is good enough. It is when we are at the end of our resources that we lose confidence in our own abilities and that is when God intervenes and teaches us that He in fact loves us and accepts us just as we are. We learn from Zechariah that it is not by our might or power, but by His spirit that He is with us. "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." (4:6). Yeilding to the Holy Spirit that indwells inside of us is an act of a true Christian who is accomplishing the Will of God.

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through My servant the Branch, (Zechariah 3:8). "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." (John 15:2).

Have a great and wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Stay Encouraged 09.27.08

Hello My friend/Guest,

Today we are studying the books Zephaniah and Haggai, we will read and learn about God's judgement; the future destruction of the Gentile nations; Haggai urging the people to rebuild the Temple; and the reproof of the unfaithful. Today's message focuses on the importance of staying encouraged through our trials. God gives us tasks to do and usually they are when we are in the midst of our circumstances. It is during this time that we need to seek obey His commands otherwise we will waste precious time and end up struggling a lot longer than we have to.

The book of Zephaniah is the 36th book of the Old Testament and contains 3 chapters, the author of the book is Zephaniah and it was written to the people of Israel. The purpose of the book was to warn Israel and all nations of the judgement God placed upon them. What we are to learn from the book is that God is mighty to save all who turn to Him. Please read Chapters 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. You can also cut & paste this link to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zepha niah%201-3&version=9

God through Zephaniah spoke to the people of Israel about the judgement that had been placed upon their nation. "I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD. I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked: and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the LORD. I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests; And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham; And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him." (Zephaniah 1:2-6).

However, in the midst of it all God assures them that those who turn to Him will be saved. "The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden." (3:15-18).

The book of Haggai is the 37th book of the Old Testament and contains 2 chapters, the author of the book is Haggai ann it was written to the people of Israel, after the exile; particularly the Jews who had returned to Jerusalem. The purpose of the book was to inspirew Israel to have a new enthusiam for God and to make the leaders aware of their responsibility to rebuild the Temple. Please read Chapters 1-2 or Click Here to read, cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hagga i%201-2&version=9

The Israelites returned from Persia with Zerubbabel to begin rebuilding the Temple with great enthusiam, but when their Samaritan enemies greatly opposed them they became discouraged and stopped working on it. While the Israelites continued to hope for better times, about fifteen years passed and nothing more was accomplished for the Lord. Then God moved upon the prophet Haggai to speak to them, "Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD." (Haggai 1:3-8).

As soon as the Israelites heard Haggai say, Then came the word of the Lord", they renewed their interest in rebuilding the Temple. This time they ignored the threats and did not stop until the Temple was complete, which took about four years. (You can learn more about the rebuilding of the Temple by reading the book of Ezra).

The book of Haggai illustrates that without the Word of God with us we will always fall prey to the threats that keep us from putting Him first. Reading God's Word daily and applying it to our lives gives us encouragement and keeps us renewed. "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;" (Titus 3:1-6).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the Lord, King of Israel, (Zephaniah 3:15). Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Have a wonderful day and many blessings to you.
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Avoid Wickedness 09.26.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are studying the books Nahum and Habakkuk, please read Nahum Chapters 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read Nahum online. You can also cut and paste this link to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nahum %201-3&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Nahum's prophecy and the destruction of Nineveh; and Habakkuk's sorrow and prayer. Today's message focuses on the importance of avoiding wickedness and living by faith.

The book of Nahum is the 34th book of the Old Testament and contains 3 chapters, the author of the book was Nahum and it was written to the nation of Nineveh. The purpose of the book was to warn the nation of the judgement that had been placed upon the capitol of the Assyrian empire who took God's people into captivity. What we are to learn from the book is that we need to be aware of the judgement that we face if we are the cause of evil. It was about 150 years after Jonah's prophecy since the nation had repented and was saved from destruction. God called on the prophet Nahum to address the nation, "The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein." (Nahum 1:1-5).

Now, the time had come for them to be judged by God, Judah was captive to Assyria, but Nahum foretold of their freedom as long as they remained faithful to God through the war. "And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile. Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off." (Nahum 1:14-15). Assyria was probably the most brutal of all the ancient heathen nations, God warned them of there coming destruction, "Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departeth not;" (3:1). The nation of Ninevah was destroyed exactly as it was foretold and the once mighty city is still laid waste today to be a witness to the accuracy of the Word of God.

Many people misunderstand when God says He is a jealous God, this does not mean that He is jealous of you, His child, this means that He is jealous of the man made gods that take His place. One thing God detests more than anything is the wicked that deliberately causes sin, it is one thing to sin by err, but it is another thing to deliberately create the sin, (Ex: One can fall into pornographic sin, but the one that created the pictures, movies etc. is the creator of the sin.). For this reason we are to remain protected by the wickedness of the world. "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).

Also read Habakkuk Chapters 1-3 or Click Here to read them online, cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Habak kuk%201-3%20&version= 9

The book of Habakkuk is the 35th book of the Old Testament and also contains 3 chapters. The author of the book was Habakkuk and it was written to the people of Judah. The purpose of the book was to awaken the spiritual needs of Judah and to warn them of the impending upon them from God. What we are to learn from this book is that we are live by faith and not sight. God used Habakkuk to warn His idol worshipping people of the impending judgement that was placed upon them and that He was using the nation of Babylon to punish them. Habukkuk was burdened by what He saw, "The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you." (Habukkuk 1:1-5).

However, God assured him that those who were just (righteous)&nbs p;Him would be saved, "And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith." (2:2-4). Habukkuk ended his prophecy by putting his faith in God, "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments." (3:17-18)

Habukkuk is an example that we all must follow, no matter how bleak the future looks we can not take our eyes off God. We must learn to live by faith and not by sight. "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)." (II Corinthians 5:6-7).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who the sea obeys, (Nahum 1:4). Jesus commanded the sea to be still, (Matthew 8).

Have a great and wonderful day!
God bless you,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Ordinary People 09.22.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we will begin our studies on the book of Amos, please read Chapters 1-5 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. You can also cut & paste the link to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos% 201-5&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the judgements announced for Judah, Israel, and their surrounding nations; and God's sorrow over Israel's future captivity. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we may think we are not qualified to be used of God, but He has chosen all of us to br used of Him.

The book of Amos is the 30th book of the Old Testament and contains 9 chapters. The book was written by Amos to the people of Israel in hope that they would come back to God. What we are to learn from the book is this is a call for all nations to prepare to meet God.

God often uses just ordinary people like Amos to serve and proclaim to others His message. It is not by what we own or the talents we are blessed with, nor by how popular we are. It is how obedient we are that qualifies us to be used by Him. "For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 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 1:26-31).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the Creator of the universe (Amos 5:8). "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds." (Hebrews 1:1-2).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for enlisting us as Your servants in the kingdom of God here on earth. You do not require a special degree or lots of money for us to be used by You.  You look for willing hearts whose love and commitment to Christ spill over into their words and actions in every setting in which they’re found. May we be eager to diligently study Your Word so that we can effectively serve You in reaching others through the opportunities provided to us. Thank You for the many who are faithful examples of lives that are fully yielded to Your purpose as they glorify You while influencing others for Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a great and blessed day!
God Bless You,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Great Blessings Waiting 09.21.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are studying the book of Joel, please read Chapters 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read it online. You can also cut & paste this to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joel% 201-3&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the plague of insects; Joel's call to repent; the day of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, the restoration of Israel, and the judgement upon the nations. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that the greatest blessings for the future can only be made by surrendering our lives over to God's Will.

The book of Joel is the 29th book of the Old Testament and has 3 chapters. The author of the book is Joel and he orginally wrote it to the people of Judah. The purpose of the book was to warn Judah of their sin and need for repentance and to inform them of God's future plans for the nation. What we are to learn from the book is that even during chastisment, God plans future blessings for His people.

Once again God sent a prophet to the nation of Judah to warn them of the destruction that lies ahead of them. Through Joel God warned them of a plague of insects that would devour the land. "The word of the LORD that came to Joel the son of Pethuel. Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers? Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation. That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten." (Joel 1:1-4).

A trumpet was used to warn the Israelites of solemen days, feasts, and danger approaching, God warned them of the danger, but due to their sins and unwillingness to return to only Him, He could not bless them or protect them. This caused the Israelites to suffer the destruction alone. "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations." (2:1-2).

The one condition the God asks to be forgiven of sins is genuine repentance. Genuine repentance works in several ways; First, it shows God that one is sorrowful over their sins. Second, it is turning only to God and asking Him to forgive you for all of your sins, and third, it is being forgiven and saved through the Lord, Jesus Christ. "Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?" (2:12-14).

Through Joel God also foretold of the coming Gospel era and restoration of the nation, "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:" (2:25-28).

Joel reminds us, "that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered", (2:32). On the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter, quoted word by Joel, "(Acts 2:16-21), preached the prophetic meaning of his words, "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." (Acts 2:22-24). Today we are all saved by the blood of Christ and all who call on Him shall be saved.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh, (Joel 2:28). This prophecy was fulfilled in part on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-18).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
It is not by mistake, but by Your design that we suffer trials in our lives, but it is through those trials that we learn to trust You. Help us to seek You through all times and to find joy in the midst of all trials. May we see gratefulness and thankfulness through our trials and the blessings that are ion our future as we endure them. In Jesus name.....Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God Bless You,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Beast of Power 06.18.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Daniel, please read Chapters 7-9 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Danie l%207-9&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Daniel's vision of 4 beasts; the vision of the ram and goat; his prayer for his people; and the vision of 70 weeks. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that no matter how powerful we are we can not escape the judgement from God. All who do not repent and ask Jesus to come into their lives will be judged.

Through Daniel God reveals another vision, "In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another." (Daniel 7:1-3). The four winds represents man's selfish ambition and their use of cruel power to get what they want. The great sea represents a fallen, godless, and insecure civilization, and the four beasts represent the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.

Daniel continues with his vision and describes the beasts, "The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it." (7:4). The lion represented the kingdom of Babylon, which was the king of all nations. "And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh." (7:5). The bear represented the kingdom of Medo-Persia who later conquered Babylon. "After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it." (7:6). The leopard represented Greece and Alexander the Great who conquered Medo-Persia.

The last beast was one that was horrible looking and unidentifiable, "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things." (4:7-8). This beast represents Rome who cruely and ruthlessly conquered all the nations that remained. The ten horns represent a confederation of ten future world rulers. The little horn represents the Antichrist who will speak against Jesus. (4:23-25).

However, Daniel's vision also sees Jesus who will one day be the ruler of all nations, "And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him." (7:27)

Today, we face much opposition as this vision becomes a reality, but no matter what we face we can not back down from our belief's. We must take a stand for Jesus and keep telling the lost about Him because there will be a time when all who do not accept Him will face judgement, but those who have accepted Him will enjoy the everlasting kingdom of God. "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 5:19-25).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14). This vision was confirmed by our Lord as He spoke of His promised return. (Matthew 24:30).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me to remain faithful to You and Your calling upon my life, Strenghten me and increase my faith as I learn Your Word and help me to apply them in my daily walk here on earth. As I face trials and temptations that try to take my eyes off You help me to stay faithful and seek You above all things, holding on the the truth that You died for me and saved me from an eternal life of hell. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God Bless You,
Christina

Learn About Salvation.
Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

From Failure to Success 09.16.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Daniel, please read Chapters 4-6 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Danie l%204-6&version=9

Today we will read and learn about a second dream from Nebuchadnezar interpretated by Daniel; Belshazzar's feast; and Daniel in the lions den. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that failures in our lives bring out the greatness of God. When we put aside our pride and look to Him all of our failures become successes.

Nebuchadnezzar had another dream and once again he called on the magician's, etc. to interpret it. Getting no answers he called on Daniel, "This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule." (Daniel 4:24-26).

Daniel urged Nebuchadnezzar to turn from his sins and listen his counsel, however he did not listen and his dream quickly became a reality. He began speaking to the people and credited himself as the successor even to the point of claiming himself as a god. ""At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?" (4:29-30).

As he was speaking God spoke to him and in an instant he lost his kingdom and began to turn into a beast like person. "While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws." (4:29-33). Seven years passed by, Nebuchadnezzar humbl y prayed, blessed and praised God. As he did he began to return to normal and his kingdom was restored to him. Consequently, Nebuchadnezzar's grandson, Belshazzar who also worshipped false gods, never heeded the warnings from God and lost his life due to his unchanging ways. (Daniel 5:1-30).

Today, we learn a lesson from both Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, God always gives us a chance to turn away from our sinful ways. He even gives us a way out should we ignore all the warnings, but we can not be too confident that we can continue to sin and God will bail us out because sooner or later it will be too late and there will be no chance to repent.

True repentance turns any failure into a success and many times we end up being successful far beyond what we even dreamed because we are giving God control. "(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:32-34).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I pray for the courage to stand up to all those who criticize us and try to change our way of thinking. It is You that I choose to obey and follow and not the wordly people. Strengthen our faith and help us to do what is right and not what is the popular thing of the week is. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Enjoy your day and be blessed.
God Bless You,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Judgements Upon Nations 09.10.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Todat we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 29-32 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezeki el%2029-32&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the invasion of Egypt by Babylon; the warning of Egypt by the fall of Assyria; the lamentation over Egypt. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God is in control of all the earth and whether we accept it or not war is the Will of God. We need to let God who directs the affairs of nations guide us by His Word.

Since the Exodus, Egypt had grown into a great nation, they knew the power of the One True God, however they still failed to put away their idols and worship Him. About a year after Babylon had invaded Jerusalem God warned them through Ezekiel. "Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt: Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself........And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.  " (Ezekiel 29:2-3,12).

Although Egypt would not have great power over the world, it was not to be destroyed as Jerusalem was nor Babylon would be. Ezekiel foretold, "Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered: And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom. It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations." (29:13-15). Egypt never regained the power it had then, even today it remains the same. Egypt stands as a witness to the supreme authority of God over all nations and no matter how many reject the One True God, He is in control.

Over the centuries, God brought judgement upon Israel, Judah, Tyre, Sidon, Egypt, Babylon, as well as many other nations, even the US has faced judgement since it's discovery. It's easy for the world to put the blame on other nations and to say that they are the ones who have control, but sooner or later all realize that God says, "I am the LORD". "And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the LORD:" (29:9a). The phrase "I am the LORD" is mentioned 66 times in this book alone to point out the importance of realizing that God is on control and that we need to obey His Word.

A future time of redemption and restoration was also foretold, "In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD." (29:21). The horn is a symbol of power, "The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed." (I Samuel 2:10).

As prophesied, the people of God, both Jew and Gentile, have a future destiny of glory with Jesus as their Messiah. "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God." (Romans 2:7-11).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the prophets by the Word of the Lord (Ezekiel 29:1). Jesus is the great prophet who revealed to us His death, burial and resurrection as well as His second coming.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I know that contentment with godliness is of great benefit. It brings about a lasting peace and grateful heart that only You can give. Help me not to focus so much on the world and it's material possessions that I lose sight of that which is of vital importance. May the character of my soul and the fruit of my actions be of much greater importance than the perishable goods that capture my attention. I look to You for proper balance in the things You have blessed me with and the attitude in which I receive these good things from Your hands. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a great and mighty day!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Comparing Others 09.10.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 25-28 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezeki el%2025-28&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the judgement of the Gentiles (nations); the judgement upon Tyre's king; and the future regathering of Israel. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we can not justify our actions by comparing ourselves to the failures of others.

The island of Tyre was on the Mediterranean sea and was one of the richest cities of the world. It's wealth was gained by a commercial business of ships and it's fleet was the greatest of all the nations. However, the land was full of immoral idolatry and rejoicing over the destruction of Jerusalem. Through Ezekiel God warned them, "And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, because that Tyrus hath said against Jerusalem, Aha, she is broken that was the gates of the people: she is turned unto me: I shall be replenished, now she is laid waste: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up." (Ezekiel 26:1-3). God foretold that Tyre would be fully destroyed and that its competition no longer existed.

Tyre seemed like the most secure place on earth. But, Nebuchadnezzar battled against this mighty city and besieged its fortress for thirteen years until it was defeated. Then the rulers of Tyre moved the city to an island off the mainland. Surrounded by water and their great fleet of ships they once again thought they were secure above all places on the earth.

However, Alexander the Great besieged Tyre, tore down the walls, towers, and other buildings of the old Tyre on the mainland, and used them as material to build a causeway in the water, literally a rock road directly to the island, fulfilling Ezekiel's prophecy of it's destruction. "By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach. With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground. And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water." (26:10-12).

The attitude and destruction of Tyre should be a warning for us today, we can not rejoice in the downfall of our competition, whether it be business or personal. Christian's who resent the success of othe rs and rejoice in their failure have much to repent. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:25-26). There is no failure in God's eyes, all the trials we face are opportunities for us to repent, move onward and forward to better things, and to succeed. "Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (I Corinthians 13:6-7).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who will execute judgment upon Satan (Ezekiel 28:14-19). The return of Christ will bring the judgement upon Satan, "And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years." (Revelation 20:2).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
It is not by mistake, but by Your design that we experience the detours of life that give us perspective in a way that nothing else does. Though we see others who travail in difficulty, it is particularly when we ourselves experience tough terrain that we seek to understand Your purpose for the trial we are enduring. Help us to persevere in the midst of uncertainty and unfamiliar landscape. May we find joy in the simple pleasures we overlooked when life’s journey was routine and uninterrupted by the surprise of difficult detours that bring about delay or a change of plans. May the testing of our faith bring about maturity and give us a new perspective that makes us stronger in our faith and more effective in our witness to those around us. May they see a grateful spirit in us even as we undergo difficulty so that we glorify Your name rather magnify our problems.  In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderfully blessed day!
God Bless You,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Sincerity 09.07.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 20-21 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezeki el%2020-21&version=9

Today we will read and learn about God's refusal to be consulted by the elders; the history of rebellious Israel, Israel's defeat by Babylon; and Israel scattering among the heathen. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that unless we are sincere in our walk with God He will not hear us when we call on Him. God will not give us anything that is going to take His place, harm others or ourselves.

God gave continuous warnings through the prophet Jeremiah and Ezekiel about the judgement upon Israel yet the Israelites continually rebeled against it, often expressing their hatred toward them instead of truly listening to what they had to say. Of course when the destruction of Jerusalem began taking place the people were questioning God and asking Him why it was happening. "Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying, Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to enquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you........Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness. Nevertheless I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth." (Ezekiel 20:2-3,21-22). Because the Israelites disregarded His Word and loved the things and abominations of the world, God could not bless and protect them, He will not give blessings for evil doings. Had they returned to God completely He would have listened to their call for help.

Following this, Ezekiel received a terrifying message from God of the total destruction of the land. "Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop thy word toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel, And say to the land of Israel, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I am against thee, and will draw forth my sword out of his sheath, and will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked. Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of his sheath against all flesh from the south to the north: That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more." (21:2-5).

Soon we learn of king Zedekiah and the people being captured as well as the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by Nebuchadnezzar. "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are discovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because, I say, that ye are come to remembrance, ye shall be taken with the hand. And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end," (21:24-25). Since then, no king has been anointed to sit on the throne of David in Israel for the past 2500 years. Ezekiel foretold, "Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem (crown), and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase (lower) him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him." (21:26-27). In the time of Jesus, an Edomite named Herod was merely a puppet king appointed by Rome to govern only the Jews of Judea. The promised land will continue to exist without a king until the return of Jesus Christ.

To seek God in the midst of trouble without the sincere desire to put Him first above all things is just foolish. God knows our hearts and unless we repent and sincerely try to change our ways He will not listen to our call for help. What is so amazing is that God forgives us for all our sins and wipes them clean from our slate, every sinner who repents and turns to the Lord, Jesus Christ is saved by His mercy and grace. Jesus said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15:14-16).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who will gather His people from all nations and purge out the false from the true. (Ezekiel 20:34-38). Jesus said, "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." (Matthew 25:31-32).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I lift up to you all my concerns and any areas of my life where I have unrest. I ask that you would take this burden away from me and bring your joy and peace into my life. My hope is in you and I praise you for your hand of blessing on me. Thank you that as I look to you, you shine the light of your face on me and on the path I need to walk. My hope is in you and I will look to no other one to guide me. In Jesus name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderfully blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Nuture Your Seed 09.06.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 17-19 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezeki el%2017-19&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the parable of the eagles; the judgement upon bad conduct; the blessings for good conduct; and the sorrow over the leaders of Israel. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we are planted with the seed of the Holy Spirit and only we can help it grow and become frutiful.

During their final days of being invaded by Baby lon and the destruction of Jerusalem too place the people of Judah endured much pain and suffering. They were bitter and angry at God for what they were facing, accusing Him of being unjust by allowing them to be disgraced and defeated by Nebuchadnezzar.

They failed to realize that because of their failure to turn from their sins that God was helping them. If not for them being captured they would not have been able to escape total destruction. By God allowing them to be captive in Babylon they could learn of their mistakes and God can rebuild them into the people they were meant to be. Later on, it is foretold of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the destruction of Babylon by both Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Through Ezekiel God gave a parable about eagles. "Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar: He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants. He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree. And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs." (Ezekiel 17:2-6). The eagle represents Nebuchadnezzar and his bringing the Israelites into Babylon. The seed represents the Israelites who were placed into the land and were taught the correct doctrine and became fruitful as they repented of their sins and sought only God.

This is a lesson for all of us today that when we accepted Jesus into our lives we were planted with the seed of the Holy Spirit and in order for it to grow and be fruitful we need to water and nurture it. The only way to be fruitful is to read God's Word every day and get around godly people who know the True Word of God. That is why I provide these lessons, to be a guide to help you know the truth. The more you read His word the more you understand as the Holy Spirit grows inside you. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (I Corinthians 2:12-14).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the One whose forgiveness provides life everlasting (Ezekiel 18:20-22). God made Jesus, who was sinless, to be sin in order to provide us with everlasting life. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (II Corinthians 5:21).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You that when we came to faith through the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus, we became fellow citizens with Your people and members of Your household. Our faith is now built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as our chief cornerstone. It is through Him that our whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple bringing glory and honor to Your name. We no longer live for the world, but we invite Your Spirit to indwell us so that we are being transformed into Your image day by day. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Enjoy your day and many blessings to you.
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Be Fruitful 09.05.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 14-16 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezeki el%2014-16&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the judgement pronounces upon the elders of Israel and Jerusalem; the parable of the vine; and the promises of future blessings under a New Covenant. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we can not serve God and the world. Trying to do both only seperates us from God and keeps us from being fruitful.

Although the Israelites regularly offered sacrifices to God, they also worshiped the heathen idols of other nations, which caused their estrangement (seperation) with God. "Then came certain of the elders of Israel unto me, and sat before me. And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them? Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols; That I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols." (Ezekiel 14:1-5).

Certain elders came to consult Ezekiel as if they desired to know the will of God, however the Lord revealed to him what their true intensions were and the hypocrisy Ezekiel would face from them. "And I will set my face against that man, and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of my people; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him; That the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord GOD." (14:8-11).

To illustrate their one purpose as the people of God, the Lord presented a parable (a short simple story of illustration) to Ezekiel, "Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest? Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon? Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devoureth both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned. Is it meet for any work?" (15:2-4). The vine represented the grapevine which was often used by God to illustrate the Israelites. The grapevine was valued only for its fruit and was worthless for making anything useful or of value thus showing the Israelites if they continued in their wicked ways that they were just like a vine with no fruit.

The righteous judgment of God upon those in Jerusalem had to be consistent with the great privileges they had willfully forsaken or they would not be fruitful. Jesus said, "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." (Matthew 6:24). We can not serve God and continue to live the same sinful lives that we had before we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior.

In fact, God rather you not serve Him at all if you are not sincere in serving Him. "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." (Revelation 3:15-18).

These principles of God's Word are still true today, "For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience." (Ephesians 5:5-6).

When we place God before the world and  make the choice to not do what everyone else is doing that is when we become fruitful and multiply our blessings.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the everlasting Covenant (Ezekiel 16:60). He is the Mediator of a better Covenant (Hebrews 8:6).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Because I love Your commands more than worldly pleasures or temporal possessions I despise the paths that lead me astray like a lost sheep. You have gone before me and cleared the way so that I might follow in Your steps and the steps of other righteous, godly saints. I am comforted in knowing that I don’t walk alone, but I walk hand in hand with You as my Guide. Through eyes of faith I see a great cloud of witnesses, those spoken of in the Bible and those I’ve known in my lifetime, who’ve already finished the race cheering me on as I persevere in this path of righteousness.  May I endure hardship as a form of discipline and may I wholeheartedly seek You above everything else, for You are a Rewarder of those who diligently seek You. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day and many blessings to you.
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

God's Presence 09.04.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 10-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezeki el%2010-13&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the Glory of the Lord leaving the Temple; the judgement placed upon the lying leaders; the promise of Israel's restoration and renewal; and captivity draws near. Today's mesage focuses on the importance of realizing that those that have experienced God's saving grace know the joy of having a new life in Christ Jesus free from the guilt of the past.

Ezekiel's vision revealed the dispatching of seven men, one to spare the faithful minority and six to slay the idolatrous majority of Israelites. All who were faithful to the Lord were marked on their foreheads. Slowly, Ezekiel saw God's presence leaving the Temple, "Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims." (Ezekiel 10:18). He hesitantly departed the city and went to the Mount of Olives where He hovered as though waiting and watching to see if Israel would repent and return to Him. "And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city." (11:23).

Israel lost their most precious possession, the presence of the Lord. They were headed for disaster and it appears that the Israelites were so involved in their religious activities that they were not aware that God had even withdrawn His presence from them. 

The Lord then again gave Ezekiel a prophecy that reached so far into the future that it reaches us Christian's today. "Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." (11:17-20). After Christ died on the cross, arose from the grave, and ascended to heaven, God the Holy Spirit came to dwell in all Christians.

The Apostle Paul reminds us, "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;" (Ephesians 2:19-20).

We need to realize that once we accept Jesus as our Savior we are free and no more strangers to God. He is always right there with us and the amazing thing is that all we have to do is call on Him and He will speak to us. What a great feeling it is to know that we are a part of the kingdom of God and are free. Praise the Lord!

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You reign over all the earth and You also reign in my heart! What an awesome blessing this truth brings to me today. As I consider that it is not by my might, nor by my power, but by the Spirit of the Lord that my personal mountains are removed. Jesus, I know that many of the mountains I face are not just blown away by a simple prayer of faith, but these mountains are often the very essence of how You work through my life to reveal Your faithfulness and Your power in the midst of my struggles. I love Your Lord and I praise You. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net 

God's Presence 09.04.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 10-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezeki el%2010-13&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the Glory of the Lord leaving the Temple; the judgement placed upon the lying leaders; the promise of Israel's restoration and renewal; and captivity draws near. Today's mesage focuses on the importance of realizing that those that have experienced God's saving grace know the joy of having a new life in Christ Jesus free from the guilt of the past.

Ezekiel's vision revealed the dispatching of seven men, one to spare the faithful minority and six to slay the idolatrous majority of Israelites. All who were faithful to the Lord were marked on their foreheads. Slowly, Ezekiel saw God's presence leaving the Temple, "Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims." (Ezekiel 10:18). He hesitantly departed the city and went to the Mount of Olives where He hovered as though waiting and watching to see if Israel would repent and return to Him. "And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city." (11:23).

Israel lost their most precious possession, the presence of the Lord. They were headed for disaster and it appears that the Israelites were so involved in their religious activities that they were not aware that God had even withdrawn His presence from them. 

The Lord then again gave Ezekiel a prophecy that reached so far into the future that it reaches us Christian's today. "Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God." (11:17-20). After Christ died on the cross, arose from the grave, and ascended to heaven, God the Holy Spirit came to dwell in all Christians.

The Apostle Paul reminds us, "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;" (Ephesians 2:19-20).

We need to realize that once we accept Jesus as our Savior we are free and no more strangers to God. He is always right there with us and the amazing thing is that all we have to do is call on Him and He will speak to us. What a great feeling it is to know that we are a part of the kingdom of God and are free. Praise the Lord!

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You reign over all the earth and You also reign in my heart! What an awesome blessing this truth brings to me today. As I consider that it is not by my might, nor by my power, but by the Spirit of the Lord that my personal mountains are removed. Jesus, I know that many of the mountains I face are not just blown away by a simple prayer of faith, but these mountains are often the very essence of how You work through my life to reveal Your faithfulness and Your power in the midst of my struggles. I love Your Lord and I praise You. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net 

Idolatry 09.03.08

Hello My Guest/Friend,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please read Chapters 5-9 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezeki el%205-9&version=9

Today we will read and learn about famine, pestilence, and the sword; the remnant that is to be spared; the vision of the glory of God; and the vision of slaying in Jerusalem. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that failure to honor God and His Word always opens the way for idolatry instead of worship of the One True God. Idolatry is not just a image to bow down to it is also anything or person that takes us away from reading, learning, and obeying God's Word.

Fourteen years after Nebuchadnezzar's initial conquest of the kingdom of Judah, life in Jerusalem seemed to have returned to normal. Consequently, the people would not believe Ezekiel, who was in Babylon, when he prophesied concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. "And say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord GOD; Thus saith the Lord GOD to the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys; Behold, I, even I, will bring a sword upon you, and I will destroy your high places. And your altars shall be desolate, and your images shall be broken: and I will cast down your slain men before your idols." (Ezekiel 6:3-4).

Even the Israelites who were captive in Babylon were sure that God would protect Jerusalem and the only Temple on earth where His presence dwelt, but Ezekiel continued to warn them, "They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him. But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity." (7:14-16). What a horrifying vision of what was to come and as a result of their disobedience to the Word of God, the Israelites had filled the land with violence, fulfilling the prophecy that Ezekiel warned them about. 

Today, we face similar situations, many people are more worried about material success than trying to learn the Word of God. God tells us why He created us, how He expects us to live and even what He expects us to do with our lives while here on earth. Yet, when seeking wealth we becom e disobedient to God. Please understand that God does not want us to starve and live on the streets, but wealth was never meant to be selfishly accumulated or to be lavished only on ourselves. God entrusts us with wealth when we put Him and others before ourselves. "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" (II Corinthians 9:7-8). 

The Israelites did not cease to acknowledge the Lord as their God, but what they failed to do is eliminate idols that took the place of God. Today, many do the same thing, they go to church and acknowledge God on Sunday, but the rest of the week they go back to their idols. The fearful thing is that it is possible to call ourselves Christians, believe all the fundamental doctrines of the faith, attend religious services regularly, and go through the motions of worship because we feel it is our religious duty and, yet, never truly worship only Him. Our hearts and thoughts can be elsewhere, even during the worship service. We need to get back to putting God first above all things, it is the only way to experience all that God has to offer us. "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:31-33).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the man clothed in linen (Ezekiel 9:2-11) representing Christ as High Priest, marking His people to be spared from the flaming sword of vengeance.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
The comfort You provide us through the Scriptures is sort of like a safety net catching us as we tumble through life’s ups and downs. You have not immunized us from the same experiences of those who have not placed their trust in You, but Your strength is perfected in our weakness. You not only provide grace and overcoming for our present needs, but You have prepared a place for us where the best is yet to come; where we no longer face separation, pain, or sin. Keep us faithful in our walk until that appointed day when You call us to our heavenly dwelling place. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net

Do Not Despair 09.01.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing and completing our studies on the book of Lamentations. Please read Chapters 3-5 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamen tations%203-5&version =9

Today we will read and learn about God's mercy; His punishment for Zion; the faithful grieving over the disaster; and the confession of their sins. Today's message focuses on the imporatnace of realizing that God's excellent power is shown through us when a Christian does not despair over affliction and puts their faith and trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Rejection 08.31.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we will begin our studies on the book of Lamentations, please read Chapters 1-2 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamen tations%201-2&version =9

Today we will read and learn about Jeremiah's lamentation over the destruction of Jerusalem. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that many will do anything for fortune and fame, often forgetting or even rejecting God, but no one escapes the judgement of God.

The book of Lamentations is the twentififth book of the Old Testament and contains 5 chapters. The author of the book was Jeremiah to the Jews who were captive in Babylon and the purpose of the book was to produce the repentance necessary for spiritual restoration. The book of Lamentations expresses Jeremiah's deep sorrow over his own country who was not listening to his warnings from God of the destruction of Jerusalem and their being placed into captivity. The book teaches us that God is faithful in both judgment and mercy, He corrects and protects us all.

Jeremiah was deeply grieved that the holy city of Jerusalem had been destroyed and tells us why it was. "How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary! She weepeth sore in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks: among all her lovers she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies. Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude: she dwelleth among the heathen, she findeth no rest: all her persecutors overtook her between the straits.........Her adversaries are the chief, her enemies prosper; for the LORD hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions: her children are gone into captivity before the enemy. " (Lamentations 1:1-3,5). Jeremiah compared the once wealthy, secure, and proud Israelites to a widow who had lost her husband. The loving Lord was the generous Provider and powerful Protector of Israel, but the people had rejected Him. As a widow, Jerusalem was now alone, weeping in the night, with no one to comfort her.

Jeremiah witnessed the destruction and is a type of Christ as he wept over the same city that Jesus wept over six centuries later. "Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:34-37). Both tragedies are the result of ignoring the Word of God.

Spiritual rejection eventually led the Israelites to lose not only their personal liberty, but also the precious privilege of letting the world know that there is only One True God. They choose to follow and worship their idols which God expects them to reject and turn to Him.

We too have idols that hold us captive and from letting the world know the true Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Idols such as financial security, popularity, and material success keeps us from experiencing the true blessings in store for us. God does not want us to starve or go without the necessities of life, but He does want us to put Him first above all things and not get caught up in the lusts of the world. You can be sure that all who follow the world will be judged by Jesus. "Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences." (II Corinthians 5:9-11).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Jeremiah's sorrow over Jerusalem at her fall (Lamentations 1:12-22). Jesus expressed His sorrow over Jerusalem's failure to come to Him before it fell again (Matthew 23:37-38)

Have a great day and be blessed.
God Bless,
Christina

Learn about Salvation,
Visit A Spiritual Guide.
aspiritualguide.net