A Spiritual Guide

Salvation 12.30.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Revelation, please read Chapters 19-20 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revel ation%2019-20&version =9

Today we are reading about the marriage supper of the Lamb; the rider on the white horse; Satan bound and doomed; and the great white throne judgment. Today's message focuses on the importance of knowing your Salvation. If you were to die today do you know for sure that you are going to heaven?

The first part of chapter nineteen is devoted to the the Lamb, His Bride, and a great multitude of people worshipping God. "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:.........And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." (Revelation 19:1,3-7). The word Alleluia is a Hebrew word made up from two words, Hallel, meaning Praise and Jah, meaning The Lord.

Recognizing the Lord in our daily circumstances will soon cause our whole life to take on a new dimension. We will experience a satisfaction which the worldly minded cannot comprehend. Saying "Praise the Lord!" is an acknowledgement that we are really satisfied with His arrangements.

The final destination of Satan and all who reject Christ as Savior and Lord is one of great significance. All who knowingly reject Jesus and deceive the lost will be cast alive into a lake of fire. "And the beast (the Antichrist) was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.............And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." (20:10,20).

As long as we are on this earth we can make the decision to accept Jesus, but once we leave there is no turning back. Sadly, those who do not know Jesus will be cast into the fire as well. "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (20:14-15). 

Yes, it is a scary thought, but Praise the Lord that all who are saved are in the book of life and as long as we are on this earth we can warn and teach others the importnace of accepting Jesus into their lives. How joyful it will be for those who do repent and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives to see again their loved ones and all the saints that we have read about in the Bible. No one has to be cast into the fire, we all have a chance to be written in the bookof life. We can join with the saints of all the ages and say, Alleluia!" We are saved!

Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that You came to this earth and died on the cross as a substitute for me and my sin. I place my faith in You and what You have done for me. I receive You into my life and choose this day to follow and serve You. In Your mighty name, Jesus........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless and Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Christina

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Power of God 12.27.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Revelation, please read Chapters 12-13 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy ans paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revel ation%2012-13&version =9

Today we will read about the sun-clad woman; the dragon, a baby boy; the blood of the Lamb; and the beasts. Today's message focuses on the importance of knowing that the devil is always around causing trouble in order to get us to walk away from God. We must daily ask for the Power of God to keep us shielded from his wrath.

Feed On God's Word 12.26.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Revelation, please read Chapters 9-11 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revel ation%209-11&version= 9

Today we will read about the fifth, sixth, and seventh trumpets; the angel and the little scroll; and the two witnesses. Today's message focuses on eating God's Word. When we take the time to digest all of God's Word He will give us the wisdom, strength, and protection needed to overcome all things and to teach others about Him.

John was given a little book, he was directed by a voice from heaven to eat it. "And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." (Revelation 10:8-11). The book is symbolic of God's Word. Once it was digested, he was qualified to tell the world that the little book has a message that is exceedingly sweet to those who receive Christ as Savior, we too are to eat the book. Eating all of it speaks of understanding and appropriating all the Scriptures into our lives.

Jesus then led two witnesses to face the fierce opposition of those who hate God, "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. " (11:3-8). They will be invincible until they shall have finished their testimony. Then and only then will these witnesses for Christ be martyred in the city where Jesus was crucified.

It is wonderful to know that, regardless of all else, our work for the Lord cannot end until He is pleased to promote us into His presence. Regardless of how fearful our future may appear, we can enjoy the peace of God, knowing that everything is under His control and that all things work together for good. "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned." (11:15-17).

The same voice of God speaks through His Word to each one of us who makes up His Church today. He calls for a dedication and for a thankful spirit. He calls for a sense of urgency to make us equal to the tasks He has placed before us. He looks for believers who pray from the heart and are ready to serve Him. Are you ready to serve Him? Fear not, He knows when you are ready and waits patiently for that time.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We are mindful that we not only fall short of Your glory, but we also fall short of understanding. Understanding all that You want to teach us in this life and the life yet to come, but we draw near to You with a sincere heart as we study Your truths and seek to apply them with understanding to our minds and hearts. This comes about as we read the Scriptures, as we meditate in prayer, as we contemplate Your holy character, and even as we make wrong decisions that force us to reaccess our actions and go back to Your infinite wisdom and understanding. Teach us Lord and lead us along the path that You have chosen for us. In Jesus' name.......Amen.

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

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King of Kings 12.25.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Revelation, please read Chapters 6-8 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revel ation%206-8&version=9

Today we are reading about the seven seals, the 144,000 that are sealed, the numberless multitudes worshipping God; and four trumpets sounded. Today's message focuses on Jesus, the King of kings.

Sometime in the near future there will come a time when Christ, the King of kings, will appear before all mankind and those who have been rebellious of God will face judgement. "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" (Revelation 6:12-17). Christ, the Lamb of God came to the earth to show God's love for all who receive Him as their Savior. Many have refused His love and have chosen to remain under control of the devil who keeps them captive. Sadly, all who stay under his control will face judgement.

However, we are thrilled to read one of the greatest promises of the Bible. "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (7:9-14). This multitude is all beleivers who have overcome the suffering and tribualtions they faced throughout their earthly journey. This is a wonderful revelation that has strengthened the faith of many Christians who have faced fierce opposition from a hostile world.

Each generation of believers who have their hearts set upon living for Jesus have always been a small minority. However, the total population of heaven will be a great multitude, which no man could number. These faithful Christians may not have had much of earth's pleasures, but life is exceedingly short compared to eternity. The trials we face now will seem insignificant compared to the glorious privilege of being in the presence of the King of kings for all eternity. "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." (7:16-17).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
How grateful we are that Jesus came into this world to save sinners; to turn despair to hope, darkness to light, and death into life. All that we have need of and presently rely on is abundance from Your generous Hand. You are worthy of our trust and deserving of our fully surrendered life. From the cradle to the cross You, Jesus are the true reason why we enjoy Christmas day. We celebrate Your birth, our Lord and Savior, Happy Birthday to You! In your mighty name, Jesus...........Amen.

Have a wonderful Christmas!
God bless,
Christina

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A Part-time Christian 12.24.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Revelation, please read Chapters 3-5 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revel ation%203-5&version=9

Today we are reading about the Lord's messages to the churches at Sardis, Philadelphia, and  His disapproval of the church at Laodicea. Today's message focuses on the importance of  realizing that we can not be part-time Christian's. Once we accept Jesus into our lives, the old life that we use to live is slowly replaced with a new life with Jesus, but You have to make a choice to either serve God or the world.

The church in Sardis could boast that there were no false doctrines being taught; but there was an equally serious sin, they were dead in their works. "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels." (Revelation 3:1-5). Being dead in works is when one teaches the Word of God, but does not apply that teaching to their own lives. Thankfully, all who confess of their sins are forgiven and made white. 

Jesus commended the church in Philadelphia for their faithfulness, "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.........Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name." (3:7-8,11-12). All who remain faithful to Jesus no matter what they face, and this includes times when all we have is the strength to say "Help Me, Jesus", have Him right there with us and no one can take Him away from us.

The Laodicean believers prided themselves on their ability to compromise. The majority of church members in Laodicea probably congratulated themselves on being moderate and broad-minded, but Jesus saw nothing commendable about what they were doing. "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." (3:14-19). We can not compromise with the world in order to fit in or live in peace. Jesus said that no one can serve two masters, we either live for Him or the world. He much rather us not be devoted to Him at all then to try fit Him into our schedule.

We have much to be thankful of and so much more waiting for us when we walk with Jesus, I think back on the years without Him in my life and I was so empty and never satisfied with what I had. Now, I am more happier than any time in my life. We can all experience more happiness in our lives, simply by making Jesus a part of it.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from You. As recipients of Your tender compassions and tremendous comfort help us to be like cisterns pouring out the mercies we receive from You into the lives of those who desperately need it. 

Have a blessed day/night!
God Bless you and Merry Christmas!
Christina

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False Doctrine 12.22.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are studying the books of II & III John, and Jude, please read II & III John and Jude in your Bible or you can click the following links, if the links do not work you can copy and paste the link next to them.
II John : biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20J ohn%201&version=9
III John : biblegateway .com/passage/?search=3%20J ohn%201&version=9
Jude : biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude% 201&version=9

Today we will be reading about the commandment to love one another; the warning against deceivers; Diotrephes's rebuke; and the judgment on false teachers. Today's message focuses on the importance of staying in the truth of God's Word and telling others.

The book of II John is the 24th book/19th epistle of the New Testament and contains 1 chapter. The author of the book is John and it was written to the "elect lady and her children," which means the Church and its members. (The Church is always addressed in the feminine gender because she is called the bride of Christ.). The purpose of the letter was to caution believers to be faithful to sound doctrine and to warn against false teachers. What we are to learn from the book is that we must guard against false teachers who cause us to lose the spiritual qualities we have developed and who make us partakers of their evil.

In this brief letter to the Church John reminds them that we are commanded to love one another. "The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." (II John 1-7). Hold on to the truths that are in the Bible and do not be decieved by those who try to change your way of thinking.

The book of III John is the 25th book/20th epistle of the New Testament and contains 1 chapter. The author of the book is John and it was written to a man named Gaius. It is written to both him and the church with which he was connected. There is no way to identify who this man was, as the Bible gives no further information on him. The truths of the letter are applicable to all believers. The purpose of the letter was to commend Gaius and Demetrius for their Christian testimony and to reprove the unchristian behavior of Diotrephes. What we are to learn from the book is that our lives are examples of either good or evil to others around us.

In this brief letter John emphasizes the importance of staying away from things which are evil. "The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.........Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true." (III 1:1-4,10-12). This is a reminder to keep our thoughts pure and get around godly people and things.

The book of Jude is the 26th book/21st and last epistle of the New Testament and contains one chapter. The author of the book is Jude (the earthly brother of Jesus by Mary and Joseph) and it was written to all Christians, although the specific audience at the time were members of churches in Palestine and/or Asia. The purpose of the letter was to warn against false teachers and what we are to learn from the book is that we must always be alert for false teachers who divert believers from the truth of God's Word.

In this brief letter to all believers Jude expresses the importance of  holding on to the truths of God's Word and being careful not to let the ungodly people get around them to corrupt their thinking. "Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude 1:1-4).

There is a superficial and deceptive unity being promoted today by some who have joined hands with religions that reject Jesus of Nazareth as the Only Lord God, and our Savior Jesus Christ. Other religions deny either the total deity or the total humanity of Jesus. Some assume there is only One God, but that He is called by various names, such as Allah or Buddha. They ignorantly conclude that as long as you are sincere, it doesn't matter what you believe you will go to heaven.

Jude also warns that the deceivers will be judged, "But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core." (1:10-11).

Having been enlightened to recognize false doctrine, we can add a resounding "Praise the Lord" to Jude's closing statement, "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (1:21-25).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Help each of us to understand the wiles of the devil and to be steadfast in our determination to resist temptation at each step. We want to be self-controlled and alert, standing firm in the faith as we resist the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking for someone to devour. Thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit to resist and to overcome. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Have a great and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

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