A Spiritual Guide

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday January 30, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus.

Today's Message: Following God's Commands
Many Christian's are unaware that God reveals specific commands to us when we read His Word. It is of great importance that we read the entire Bible so that we know what they are. By followingHis commands we are not only obeying Him,we are being blessed as well.

Today's Bible Reading: Exodus Chapters 38-39
You can read the chapters by clicking on the link above, if it does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%2038-39&version=9

The children of Israelcompleted the Tabernacle at Mount Sinai as Godcommanded Moses. "Thus was all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets,And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat, The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,The brasen altar, and his grate of brass, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,The cloths of service to do service in the holy place, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and his sons' garments, to minister in the priest's office.According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work. And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them." (Exodus 39:32-43). The Israelites set an example to those who have backslid away from God. Just as they were blessed by turning to God and following His commands, we too can be.

The Ark of the Testimonycontained the Covenant between God and His people. It was a wooden chest overlaid with gold, both inside and out. "And they shall make an ark of shi*tim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it.And thou shalt make staves of shi*tim wood, and overlay them with gold.And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it.And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof." (Exodus 25:10-17). The Ark was a type of Christ, who alone can atone for sin.

The woodis a representation ofChrist'shuman nature, as foretold by Isaiah the prophet, "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:2-5). His description is in contrast to the tree that the Ark was made of. it was made from the wood of theshi*tim tree which grew in the deserts and is a symbol of the barren world system.

The lid of the Ark was made of pure gold and was called the Mercy Seat, the gold represented His divine nature, for He is both fully God and fully man. It covered the Law that had been placed in the Ark. The Mercy Seat represents mercy and salvation from sin. It is also symbolic ofChrist, the perfect, sinless Son of God who provides a way for us to find mercy and salvation.He isour High Priest and atonement for our sins. "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." (Hebrews 2:17). God came here in the flesh of Jesus Christ in order for us to find mercy and salvation from our sins. The Ark was behind the veil, inside the Holy of Holies, which is where the Lord was present. However, without the presence of the Lord, all the services of the Tabernacle would have been meaningless.

The same can be said today, one can read the Bible, go to church, and pray, but without the presence of God we are not going to get very far.It is of great importance that we daily ask for the Power of God to indwell in us.One thing is clear, all who accept Jesus and are baptized are filled with the Holy Spirit, which means that God does indwell in us. However, we must be willing to acknowledge Him. We can not move forward nor know the will of God unless we make an effort to get to let the Holy Spirit work in us. In order for the Holy Spirit to work in us we need to daily read His Word,aswe prayerfully read the Word of God daily and worship the Lord, His indwelling presence will grow, bringing meaning to our lives and showing is His Will.

Today's Psalm: 19:7-9
"The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Wet our appetite for spiritual food that brings nourishment, growth and experience as we partake of the Bread of Life.May our hearts hunger for the wonderful promises, provisions, and principles revealed throughout Your Holy Scripture.As we regularly feast on these nourishing nuggets we become mature and strengthened so that we can trust You in times of famine.Keep us tasting and keep us trusting.In Jesus' name..............Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday January 29, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus.

Today's Message: Intercession
Jesus Christ is the only Intercessor to God and no matter how much your pray, read, or serve God, unless you ask Jesus into your life you will not be known to God.

Today's Bible Reading: Exodus Chapters 35-37
You can read the chapters by clicking on the link above, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodu s" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodu s" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%2035-37&version=9

It was time to build the Tabernacle, all it's furnishings were according to detailed specifications given by God's instructions. "And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the LORD hath commanded, that ye should do them..............And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments." (Exodus 35:1,21).

The Altar of Incense was made, "And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same.And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about.And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary." (37:25-29). The Altar of Incense was symbolic of Christ as our Intercessor, Each morning, Aaron the high priest would refill the lamps with pure olive oil and burn incense upon the altar. He would take a coal of fire from the Brazen Altar and place it on the Altar of Incense and then place the incense, symbolic of our prayers, on it for a sweet fragrance that ascended toward heaven day and night.

The priests were permitted in the Holy Place, but only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, once a year on the Day of Atonement. In front of the veil was a Gold Altar that was much smaller than the Brazen Altar. But the Brazen Altar sacrifices dealt with the judgment of sin. It was near the entrance to the courtyard. God alone was the source of fire on both of the altars.

Today, only Jesus Christ can make it possible for us to approach the Heavenly Father.He isour High Priestthat intercedes for us each time we pray andallows us to be made perfect in the eyes of God. "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself." (Hebrews7:24-27).

An unsaved man maygo to church, hear sermons, pray, sing hymns, and even read a Bible, but unless he knows Jesus it is as if He has done nothing at all for God. Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23).

From the Old Testament to the New Testament we have always learned that we needed an intercessor in order to reach God. Before we knew Jesus we had to go to a priest or whomever was appointed as the onequalified to hear our prayer, confessour sinsor ask our needs in hopes that God heard us and will help us. However, we no longer have to do all those things norworry that Godhas not heard us becauseall we have to dois accept Jesus. Accepting Jesus will help you experience a true relationship with God. Are you ready to experience a true relationship with Him?

Today's Psalm: 9:10
"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that you came to this earth and died as a substitute for me.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, I pray..........Amen. Have a wonderful day/night and many blessings to you.
God Bless You,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday January 28, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus.

Today's Message: Idol Worship
We all would like to believe that we have a perfect relationship with God, but the truth is, any person or thing that takes place over God becomes an idol that we worship. Until we make God the one and only thing that we worship we will not have a relationship with Him at all.

Today's Bible Reading: Exodus Chapters 32-34
You can read the chapters by clicking on the link above, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodu s" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodu s" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%2032-34&version=9

Moses was on Mount Sinai when God gave him the two tables of stone written byHis finger, he was delayed in coming down to the people of Isreal and was unknown to theevil that was taking place. "And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me.And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play." (Exodus 32:1-4). Instead of waiting on God they decided to make their own god and even gave offerings to it. A true burnt offering was a delight to the Lord since it symbolized full surrender to Him; but these idolatrous sacrifices were hypocrisy.

Returning to the camp, Moses saw how quickly the Israelites had fallen into corruption, "And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt..................And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.................And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.And he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strawed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them?" (32:7-8,15,19-21). Only six weeks before, the whole congregation had sworn to do all that God had commanded, yet they quickly turned on Him the second they became impatient with Moses. The golden calf stands as a symbol of the humanmind which devises its own system of worship apart from, or added to, the Word of God. This false worship leads to irresponsible immoral conduct.

Christians can be compared to the Isrealites, although most of us would reject man made statues as idols we fail to realize that money, possessions, hobbies, careers, and peoplecan beidols as well. Any thing or person that becomes more important than Godbecomes an idol. The world admires the independent person who is determined to be in control, yet the only one who truly is in control is God. The second we think otherwiseHe will make sure He proves one way or another that all things are under His control. "I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things." (Isaiah 45:5-7). God in no way wants to harm us, He truly is a loving God, however He will not be mocked, He isreacting defensively just as anyone else would when being mocked.

Thankfully, because God loves us He forgives all who come to Him when they realize their mistakes. Therefore, it is of great importance that we get right with God by placing Him first above all things. Do not get impatient with Him because things are not going the way you imagined, He is preparing great things for you. Get in the Word of God, follow it and never make up your own rules of how to worship Him. Too many people are facing dire consequences because they chose to mix God's rules with peoples. LetGod lead you and you will have the perfect relationship with Him.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: As the One who is ever-present.
"And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." (Exodus 33:14). Jesus is always with us where ever we go. "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:20b)

Today's Psalm: 81:8-10
"Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.0I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We desire to have You lead us in the paths of righteousness in the way everlasting. Sometimes the next step we take is clearly visible and other times it is a step of faith as darkness seems totake over. As we earnestly pray we can trust You who stilled the tempest and turned darkness into light. We pray for discernment and a willing spirit to follow Your leading in all matters. Let us not become impatient with You, but keep going in full faith that You will lead us to great things. In Jesus' name..............Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and many blessings to you.

God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday January 27, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus.

Today's Message:Cleansed
All who accept Jesus into their lives are cleansed from their sins and no longer have to sacrifice animals to be saved. Although we are saved and Jesus lives within us it is still important to find the right church and get around those who also worship God.He teaches us that worship is not just an activity for us as individuals, but is also intended to be done as a group so that we can be cleansed from the corruption of the world.

Today's Bible Reading: Exodus Chapters 29-31
You can read the chapters by clicking on the link above, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodu s" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodu s" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%2029-31&version=9

In order for the priests (Aaron and his sons) to be able to minister in the Tabernacle they had to be cleansed before entering. "And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of wheaten flour shalt thou make them.And thou shalt put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bullock and the two rams.And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water............Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him." (Exodus 29:1-4, 20-21). Anointing them as priests did not exempt them from having to offer sacrifices unto the Lord, for they too were sinners. Today, we are blessed that we no longer have to sprinkle the blood of an animal on our bodies in order to be cleansed because Jesus Christ shed His blood on all of us when He died on the cross to cleanse us.He needs to be recognized for this daily as without Him we would still be practicing this ritual in order to be saved.

Before they could even enter they had to wash their hands and feet, which provided cleansing from the activities of life. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD:So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations." (30:17-21).They were now qualified to enter the Tabernacle throughthe heavy linen veil which was the only entrance into the Holy Place. No matter how much we try to stay away from people and things that corrupt us we are still subject to it daily. It is important that we cleanse ourselves daily so that we too are qualified to meet with God each day.

The Command to keep the Sabbath was already included in the Ten Commandments, but more emphasis was made on this. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people." (31:12-14). Since it appears at the conclusion of the instructions regarding the Tabernacle, it appears that the intention was to teach the connection which existed between the Sabbath, the Tabernacle and our daily lives.

The true Church is not a building, but is made up of born-again believers in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives. "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18). However, the churchbuilding isa place where we meet with other believers to worship Christ, who is Head of the Church. It also becomes a place to study His Word and a place where our spiritual nature is developed. "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (I Peter 2:1-5).

The sacredness of the Lord's Day is indicated by the fact that the Israelites, having a great sacred work to do in building the Tabernacle where God would dwell, were not to build it even on the Sabbath. Surely a child of God, saved and cleansed from his sins under the precious blood of Jesus, should love and respect the Lord's Day.A person who has Christ indwelling him, will desire to worship with others as did the first Christians in Jerusalem.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: Through the Laver, which held holy water
"Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein." (Exodus 30:18). Jesus is the Living water that quenches our thirst.

Today's Psalm: 51:1-2
"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We pray that You will empower us to live responsible lives so that we can be living examples of what it means to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Help us to resist temptations that weaken our resolve to live holy lives by memorizing and quoting Scripture that speaks to that sinful behavior, even while we?re being tempted. We desire to bring joy to Your heart as we live responsibly and cast off that which hinders our spiritual growth. We want to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness so that we will be kingdom servants pursuing righteous living.In Jesus' name...........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday January 22, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus.

Today's Message: Living in Fear
Many Christian's believe in God, but when situations arise they let fear control them rather than faith. It is important during these times that we seek God, not in criticism, but in faith to help us through our difficulties.

Today's Bible Reading: Exodus Chapters 14-16
You can read the chapters by clicking on the link above, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http:/www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodu s%2014-16&version=9

The Isrealites were finally freed from slavery in Egypt and on their way to the promised land. They had traveled only a short distance when they saw all the chariots of Pharaoh's army rushing toward them in a desperate effort to recover his slaves. "And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him:And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them.And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand." (Exodus 14:5-8).

The Isrealites called out for help in fear, hostility, and criticism against Moses. "And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." (14:10-14). The Israelites had seen the miracles in Egypt that had set them free; yet, they now chose not to trust God and His ability to provide for them. Although Moses could not see how the Lord would save them, he confidently declared, the Lord shall fight for you.

The Israelites should have believed God and trusted in His almighty power and loving care, for they had seen His miracles in Egypt that had set them free. However, when ever they were faced with what seemed to them impossible circumstances, they chose to let fear overwhelm their hearts. While things were going well, there was no apparent difference between the faith of Moses and that of the people. But, the same trial that revealed the Israelites' unbelief also revealed Moses' faith in the Word of God. The same is true today. We have been freed from Satan and the power of sinyet we live in fear when things look impossible.

When tough circumstances arise we must not let fear control us because all we are doing is creating a way for Satan to pull us away from God. God will help us through every situation as long as we put our faith and trust in Him. When you have no where to turn to, seek Him and Him only. He will not only give you peace, but provide a way out of what you are going through. "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (Ephesians 6:14-17).

Jesus Christ is Revealed: Through themanna that fell from heaven.
"And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat." (Exodus 16:14-15). Jesus is the bread of life that feeds our hungry souls.

Today's Psalm: 84:11
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We pray for relief from our distress,we pray that the light of Your face would shine upon us, for You filled our hearts with peace greater joy as we endure our struggles. You give us a sense of security when we lie down so that we can sleep in peace; for You alone,Lord, make us dwell in safety.We lie down and sleep and we wake again, because You sustain us. We will not live in fear because You will give us relief from all our sorrows.From You,Lord, comes deliverance and You shower Your blessings upon Your people. Thank You for caring for us, for sustaining us, and for providing for us.In Jesus' name...........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and be blessed.
God Bless You,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday January 16, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Guided by God
It is important that our first priority before making any life decision should be to seek God for His guidance. Often we make decisions based on our own feelings and the results can bring many consequences. When we take the time to seek God before we do anything we not only follow His will we also save ourselves from many disappointments.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 46-48
You can read the chapters online by clicking the link above, if it does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genes is%2046-48&version=9

Our lives are created to focus our attention on the guidance of God, through faith and trust in Him we are able to endure the tests that are set before us. God is able to take the most pathetic situations and turn them into the most wonderful blessings we have ever imagined. When Jacob learned that Joseph was still alive he did not rush for a grand reunion because he knew that God had planned for his people to live in Canaan, not in Egypt. So he waited on conformation from God before he headed to Egypt. "And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again: and Joseph shall put his hand upon thine eyes. And Jacob rose up from Beersheba: and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him: His sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt." (Genesis 46:1-7). Since the will of God remained uppermost in Jacob's heart, he needed assurance from God concerning his journey to Egypt. We too need to seek God in making major decisions regardless of who we want to be with.

The Lord assured Jacob that their sojourn in Egypt was not to be a permanent one, but that it would be a time of preparing his family to become a great nation. Earthly life is a time of preparation for an eternity with God. What gets priority, and how we live, is an expression of our preparation for eternity. Our eyes should not be set on worldly securities and personal achievements, but foremost on being the person God wants us to be in order to accomplish the purpose for which He created us. God will direct our paths to the best life we can possibly have as long as we let Him guide us.

The life of Jacob gives the believer insight into the sovereignty of God, who assists, strengthens, and sustains all who are faithful to Him. As the years in Egypt passed, Jacob came to see how God had been directing, protecting, and providing for him all of his life.

This remarkable man of God received much abuse throughout his life, but God awarded more blessings on Jacob than any other man in Old Testament history. The name of Abraham, the father of the faithful, appears over 300 times in Scripture. The name Isaac appears only 131 times, often only in conjunction with Abraham and Jacob. Jacob, however, is mentioned over 370 times, and his new name Israel, referring to both himself and his descendants, appears over 2500 times.

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday January 15, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: It's All In God's Hands
The circumstances of our lives change day by day, but much of life is dealing with the good and the bad times of our lives and responding to them properly. By putting our trust and faith in God He will lead us to overcome any situation that we are faced with.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 43-45
You can read the chapters by clicking on the link above, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genes is%2043-45&version=9

As we learned from yesterday's reading, there was a great famine throughout the land of Canaan and Jacob was forced to send his sons to Egypt to get food. Unknowingly, this would be the first time they would see their brother Joseph, who was the second most powerful ruler of Egypt, since they sold him into slavery. "Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another? And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die. And Joseph's ten brethren went down to buy corn in Egypt. But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him. And the sons of Israel came to buy corn among those that came: for the famine was in the land of Canaan. And Joseph was the governor over the land, and he it was that sold to all the people of the land: and Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food." (Genesis 42:1-7). Joseph talked through an interpreter so his brothers were unaware that he understood everything that they were saying. 

After questioning them about their family, Joseph had his brothers imprisoned. As they sat there they recalled how their younger brother Joseph had pleaded with them not to be sold as a slave to the Ishmaelite traders on their way to Egypt. Now, they humbly confessed what a terrible act of cruelty they had committed toward him. "And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us." (42:21). Joseph was not trying to get revenge on his brothers, but give them time to think about their sinful past. Three days later Joseph let them go, except for Simeon, and gave strict orders that they must bring their youngest brother Benjamin when they returned, or they would not be allowed to buy any more food nor will he release Simeon.

Jacob was deeply distressed about the demand to bring Benjamin to Egypt, but when the food ran low he realized that he must do as Joseph demanded. "And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food............ And their father Israel (Jacob) said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: And take double money in your hand; and the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand; peradventure it was an oversight: Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man: And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved. And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph." (Genesis 43:2,11-15). When faced with difficult decisions we must be willing to let God handle the situation and do what is necessary to follow His will. We may not understand why we need to do ceratin things, but God has a purpose for every one of them.

When they returned with Benjamin Joseph sent for them to come to his home. "And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon. And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into Joseph's house." (43:16-17). Joseph finally revealed to them who he was. "Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren. And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence. And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 45:1-8). Can you imagine their shock when Joseph said, I am your brother? For years, they had deceived their father and had escaped all accountability for their cruel sin against him and now they were forced to face their brother for their actions.

Joseph's brothers are an example that no sin goes unpunishable, we are all accountalbe for our actions regardless of how long it takes. Many of the struggles we face today can be traced back from something that we have done years ago. God brings us to the place where we no longer attempt to defend ourselves, but confess that we are undeserving sinners. However, God is merciful and forgiving, once we call on Him for forgiveness the sin is forgotten, never to be brought up again.

A lesson can also be learned from Joseph, he held no hatred or bitterness toward his brothers for what they had done to him. Although his brothers were cruel, God used their wickedness to fulfill His will for Joseph and blessed him abundantly for it. Regardless of how cruel someone has been we must be willing to forgive them, I know it can be hard, but if we do not all we are doing is hurting ourselves. We create a viscious cycle that is not only dangerous to our minds, bodies, and spirits, but to those around us as well. It is a command from God that we are to forgive those who wronged us if we are to be forgiven by Him. "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15). You do not have to worry about whether or not one will receive the justice deserved for what they have done, God will handle it. It may seem as though they are getting away with things, but they are not, it's all is God's hands.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: Through Joseph's dealings with his brothers.
"And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 45:7-8). Christ deals with us in such a way as to bring about our confession of sin and a recognition of His forgiving love.

Today's Psalm: 85:2-3
"Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
There are circumatances in my life that I just do not seem to understand, but I know that You have a plan and purpose for them. Lord, pour the power of Your Holy Spirit upon me and bless me with the peace and comfort I need to endure all the trials I am facing. Bless me with understanding and forgive me for holding on to things that are of the past. Help me to follow Your will and lead me away from all emotions that try to get me to lose my faith and trust in You. In Jesus' name..........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and be blessed.
God bless you,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday January 9, 2009 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Spiritual Blessings. All children of God are descendents of Abraham and receive spiritual blessings, but we must be willing to do what it takes to get them. It is not too late for us to introduce godly spiritual values to our children or someone else's as long as we have them ourselves.
Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 25-27
You can read the chapters by clicking on the link above, if the link does not work on your browser you can copy and paste this one to it: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genes is%2025-27&version=9

Isaac pleaded to God for a child and He blessed him and Rebekah with twin boys, Esau and Jacob. Even before they were born they were fighting in the womb,  "And Isaac intreated (pleaded) the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them." (25:21-26).

Now, Isaac loved Esau, who was hunter and Rebekah loved Jacob, who rather cook the food than hunt for it.  "And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob." (25:27-28). Only two men in the Bible are called hunters, Nimrod, the rebel, and Esau. The fact that Esau is described as a hunter like Nimrod, gives us some insight into his true character.

Esau had no interest in spiritual values, knowing this Jacob ceased the opportunity to take his birthright from him. "And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright." (25:29-34). There was no way that Esau could not have been at the point to die by missing one meal, to sell his birthright over one meal proved that he really had no interest in what God had to offer him. The family birthright included, the sacred position of spiritual leadership of the family and heir to the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. More importantly, the birthright was a link in the line of descent through which the Messiah was to come. 

Now, Isaac was getting old in age and unsure of how much longer he would live, so he planned to bless Esau, but Rebekah overheard Isaac speaking to him and when Esau left to do as his father commanded Rebekah schemed to get Jacob blessed instead. "And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I. And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death: Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison; And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die. And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee." (Genesis 27:1-8). It appears that Isaac's admiration for his worldly minded son Esau caused him to ignore the prophecy that God had revealed to Rebekah before the twins' birth.

Jacob was blessed as the prophecy stated and that caused much friction between Esau and Jacob. That friction has carried on for generations and is still carried on today. Like Esau, many are willing to gratify fleshly cravings in total disregard for God's will in their lives until it is too late. Then, like Esau, they find fault with the people of God and blame their failures on someone else. Inevitably, the faithful servant of God will be falsely accused and betrayed; but, it is encouraging to see from Jacob's experience that it is impossible for anyone to keep the chosen servant of God from accomplishing the perfect will of God.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: As the spiritual Seed that would bless all the nations. "And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;" (Genesis 26:4).

Today's Psalm: 3:8

"Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Help me to hold on to the Spiritual Values that you have taught me in Your Word and bless me with the wisdom to teach others what I have learned. Give me strength and endurance to keep going no matter how difficult things get to accomplish Your perfect will for me. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend.
God bless you,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is January 8, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Praise God When Suffering. At one point in time we are all faced with trials and suffering regardless of whether or not we are a Christian. However, Christians have one of the best things going for them through their suffer, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 22-24
You can click on the link above to read them online, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genes is%2022-24&version=9

After 25 years of waiting for the promised son, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with Issac. Isaac was a young man when this final test came to test Abraham's faith. "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." (Genesis 22:1-2). A burnt offering sacrifice was always to be a male animal, was the best the offerer had, and was to be wholly consumed by fire. It was an expression of dedication to God.

Abraham knew that Isaac must live since God had said He would establish His Covenant with him, yet I am sure he was a little fearful as the command of God was to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, but obediently, Abraham followed God's command. "And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood." (22:6-9). 

Abraham's many years of trusting in the Lord gave him faith in God. This is an amazing testimony of how Abraham's faith had grown over the years until he knew that God never makes a mistake and has a purpose for every command. "And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." (22:10-13). 

Through trials and suffering, the Lord develops our faith. He will not tempt us with anything that we can not handle and always provides us with a way out. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (I Corinthians 10:13).

When our desires are to please Him, God orders all the ways of our lives so that He may bless us and we may offer Him the worship He desires and deserves. Christians should not hesitate to give Him all the praise for everything, even difficulties in life. There is reason and purpose for every thing that goes on in our lives and the more we praise Him the more we not only become closer to Him, but are blessed.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: Jesus is revealed by Issaac who was offered as a sacrifice. Jesus willingly offered His life as a living sacrifice for all mankind.

Today's Psalm: 54:6
"I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I confess that there are times in my life when things seem to difficult to handle, but now I realize that you will never send anything before me that I can not get through. In fact, I know I can get through anything as long as I have You with me. Lord, I praise You for my difficulties, I praise You for my struggles, I praise You for every blessing and every bit of my suffering. I know that You are with me and that You will see me through every situation. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night!
God Bless,
Christina

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01.05.09

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is January 5, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Faith in God. We will focus on the importance of realizing that we need to put our faith in God completely. Those who place their faith in God have no need to fight for the best because the best is heading toward them.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 13-15
If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genes is%2013-15&version=9

The testing of Abram's faith began after he and Lot left Ur of the Chaldees on their journey of about 1000 miles to the promised land. "And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south." (Genesis 13:1). 

Upon arrival, he discovered there was a famine, they traveled south near Sodom where the pasture was the best. Abram and Lot both had large flocks, there was strife between their herdsman and the land was not big enough to accomodate them both so they decided to split up. Abram could have taken the best for himself since he was older than his nephew, as well as being the spiritual leader. Instead, he graciously gave Lot the choice of which way to go. "And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly." (13:8-13). Lot decided to ignore his spiritual need to be in fellowship with Abram. Instead, he made friends with the wicked people of Sodom.

It was after this experience that Abram received a promise from the Lord that He would make Abram's seed numerous. "And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered." (13:13-16). 

Lot is an example of the worldly-minded, professing Christian. Like so many today, he was more concerned over material gain than he was over spiritual blessings. Only a few listen seriously to their Savior, who said we can not serve two masters. "No servant 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 (false god)." (Luke 6:13). Satan desires to make us believe that we must take what we want in order to have the best things in life.

However, no one gives up the best by putting God first in his life! We may see things in the present as the worst, but God has better plans for us. He wants to give us the best that there is to offer, but He also wants us to seek Him first in order to obtain it. We should all follow the example of Abram and put our faith in Him, after all, He knows us beter than we do.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: By Melchizedek, the High Priest. "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all." (Genesis 14:18-20). Christ is our High Priest today who is interceding in prayer for us and who is deserving of our gifts and service to Him.

Today's Psalm: 89:4
"But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the many blessings that you have given me that I take granted for. Help me Lord, increase my faith in You daily for it is the only way to overcome the devil's deception. Bless me with wisdom and understanding of Your Words and help me to apply them to my life in all that I do. You are my Rock, my Savior, and All that I need to enjoy the best that this earthly life can offer. I put my complete trust and faith in You. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and week.
God bless,
Christina

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Be On Guard 01.04.09

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday January 4, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we must always be on guard of those who are rebellious to the Word of God. Since the spirit of defiance is alive and well in our world today, we must keep our focus on His Word and His alone.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 10-12, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genes is%2010-12&version=9

Highlights of Today's Reading: The descendants of Noah; the origin of different languages; the city of Babel;God's call and covenant with Abram; and his journey to Canaan and Egypt.

After the flood destroyed all of the human race except Noah's family, new generations began. "Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood........And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan. And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtechah: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan. And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD." (Genesis 10:1,6-9).

Nimrod is the first king mentioned in the Bible, his name means rebel. With Nimrod as their leader the people came together to build a city and a tower that could reach heaven. "And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." (Genesis 11:3-4). The words make us a name revealed their desire for power. The human heart seeks a name for itself and has no desire to glorify God.

Nimrod established the first world empire and ruled it, the city was known as the city of Babel (Babylon). His ambition to build a tower did not mean he expected to reach the throne of the Almighty God, it meant that his desire was to make himself and his followers rulers of the world. God dealt with this rebellion by dividing the people into nations and giving them different languages. "And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth." (11:5-9). By God giving the people different languages it kept His people from being corrupted by rebellious nations.

Historic Babylon has been destroyed as prophesied in Isaiah 13:19-22, but this God defying spirit of rebellion against the authority of God's Word still remains today, attempting to dominate and control the minds of all. There is a worldwide movement to unite and control all people and all religions into a one-world government and one church. The only assurance of not being deceived in this age of lawlessness is knowing the Word of God as a personal relationship with Jesus. This knowlede exposes the motives behind the actions of leaders in world affairs.

The call of God demands that we make a choice. Even the closest ties of human loyalty or affection must be cut when they conflict with our submission to Christ and what is written in His Word.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. "(Genesis 12:2-3). Jesus is the Promised Seed of Abraham. Abraham was a type of Christ who leads the way to a far better promised land. "For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham." (Hebrews 2:16).

Today's Psalm: 56:4
"In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
As we are faced daily with corruption let us keep our eyes and ears focused on You and Your Word. Bless us with the wisdom and knowledge we need to know the truth and hold on to it throughout our earthly journey. Pour the Power of Your Spirit upon us and give us the strength and endurance to remain faithful to You no matter what we are faced with. In Jesus' name.........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and or weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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