A Spiritual Guide

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday April 28, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Kings. Please read Chapters 14-15 in your Bible, or Click Here to read them online.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%2014-15&vers ion=9

Today's Message: Ignoring God's Word
Adding words to the Word of God is as wrong as eliminating words from the Word of God. We can not ignore God's truth, the Bible is the only inspired Guide from God that gives that truth.

Jeroboam led the Israelites to sin when he set up worship centers for his kingdom at Bethel in the south and at Dan in the north. He forsook his God-given opportunities for what he thought were political advantages. The withered hand, the rent altar, and the message of rebuke from the young prophet of Judah were some of the many warnings that God gave this self-serving king, who in spite of them continued to reject God.

Because of his continued rejection, his oldest son, Abijah became seriously ill. Fearing the worse, he disguised his wife as a peasant and sent her to Ahijah the prophet, seeking assurance that their son would live. "At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick. And Jeroboam said to his wife, Arise, I pray thee, and disguise thyself, that thou be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam; and get thee to Shiloh: behold, there is Ahijah the prophet, which told me that I should be king over this people. And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child." (I Kings 14:1-3). Surely in his heart Jeroboam realized that the false priests he had hired could not provide comfort or receive any message from the One True God, but it was also obvious that his golden calf gods could not help him.

This cleaver well planned attempt to deceive the prophet did not go so well, God told Ahijah, who was blind, that she was on her way. "And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself to be another? for I am sent to thee with heavy tidings. Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes; But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:............Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house: and when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die." (14:6-9,12). No matter how much God loves us He will not allow us to continue to live in sin without consequences, sadly it is our loved ones that suffer the most.

Jeroboam made one major mistake that caused so much pain for him. his family, and the entire northern kingdom, he compromised God's Word for his own satisfaction. This caused him as well as the rest of the kingdom to live in sin. Jeroboam is an example to all of us that sin never has the same influence upon us, but rather always gets progressively worse. The sin nature of our flesh is never satisfied and is always looking to something bigger and better to make us feel better. In order to overcome our sin nature we must know all of God's Word and the only way to know it is by reading the Bible.

We need to be aware of any person whose conversation, conduct, or activities promote other books as equal to the only God-inspired Guide to Life. Satan is the instigator of deception and lies and will use any person or thing to get us to fall away from the truth and into sin. There are many good Christian books, but the Bible is the only inspired Guide from our Creator. Ignoring any portion of the Word of God or adding to God's Word is as wrong as taking away from it. "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18-19).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I pray for a discerning spirit to help me recognize truth from falsehood.  Help me to know when others are lying and help me also to recognize the lies I tell myself.  You always speak the truth and You declare that which is right from that which is wrong.  When the world describes a lifestyle or belief system to be good and You declare it to be evil, help me to stand firm upon Your holy truths as I faithfully read them in the Scriptures. Give me bold conviction to stand firm for truth even when it seems as though no one stands with me.  In Jesus' Name.............Amen.

Have a wonderful night/day.
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday April 28, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Kings. Please read Chapters 14-15 in your Bible, or Click Here to read them online.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%2014-15&vers ion=9

Today's Message: Ignoring God's Word
Adding words to the Word of God is as wrong as eliminating words from the Word of God. We can not ignore God's truth, the Bible is the only inspired Guide from God that gives that truth.

Jeroboam led the Israelites to sin when he set up worship centers for his kingdom at Bethel in the south and at Dan in the north. He forsook his God-given opportunities for what he thought were political advantages. The withered hand, the rent altar, and the message of rebuke from the young prophet of Judah were some of the many warnings that God gave this self-serving king, who in spite of them continued to reject God.

Because of his continued rejection, his oldest son, Abijah became seriously ill. Fearing the worse, he disguised his wife as a peasant and sent her to Ahijah the prophet, seeking assurance that their son would live. "At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick. And Jeroboam said to his wife, Arise, I pray thee, and disguise thyself, that thou be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam; and get thee to Shiloh: behold, there is Ahijah the prophet, which told me that I should be king over this people. And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child." (I Kings 14:1-3). Surely in his heart Jeroboam realized that the false priests he had hired could not provide comfort or receive any message from the One True God, but it was also obvious that his golden calf gods could not help him.

This cleaver well planned attempt to deceive the prophet did not go so well, God told Ahijah, who was blind, that she was on her way. "And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself to be another? for I am sent to thee with heavy tidings. Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes; But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:............Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house: and when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die." (14:6-9,12). No matter how much God loves us He will not allow us to continue to live in sin without consequences, sadly it is our loved ones that suffer the most.

Jeroboam made one major mistake that caused so much pain for him. his family, and the entire northern kingdom, he compromised God's Word for his own satisfaction. This caused him as well as the rest of the kingdom to live in sin. Jeroboam is an example to all of us that sin never has the same influence upon us, but rather always gets progressively worse. The sin nature of our flesh is never satisfied and is always looking to something bigger and better to make us feel better. In order to overcome our sin nature we must know all of God's Word and the only way to know it is by reading the Bible.

We need to be aware of any person whose conversation, conduct, or activities promote other books as equal to the only God-inspired Guide to Life. Satan is the instigator of deception and lies and will use any person or thing to get us to fall away from the truth and into sin. There are many good Christian books, but the Bible is the only inspired Guide from our Creator. Ignoring any portion of the Word of God or adding to God's Word is as wrong as taking away from it. "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18-19).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I pray for a discerning spirit to help me recognize truth from falsehood.  Help me to know when others are lying and help me also to recognize the lies I tell myself.  You always speak the truth and You declare that which is right from that which is wrong.  When the world describes a lifestyle or belief system to be good and You declare it to be evil, help me to stand firm upon Your holy truths as I faithfully read them in the Scriptures. Give me bold conviction to stand firm for truth even when it seems as though no one stands with me.  In Jesus' Name.............Amen.

Have a wonderful night/day.
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday April 26, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Kings. Please read chapters 9-11 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%209-11&versi on=9

Today's Message: Spiritual Discernment
Spiritual discernment is the key to a successful life, but only comes from reading and studying the Word of God.

King Solomon was the most successful king of all time, he not only possessed great wisdom, he was wealthy and looked highly upon by the rest of the world. However, Solomon's gigantic enterprises may have impressed the world, but the underlying corrupting influences of his wealth, worldly policies, many pagan wives, and ignoring the Word of God destroyed the foundation of David's kingdom.

There were four principles that God required for all kings to observe. (1) They were to read and study God's Word every day. "And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel." (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). (2) They were not to multiply wives for themselves. "Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away:" (Deuteronomy 17:17a). (3) They were not to multiply riches for themselves. "neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold." (Deuteronomy 17:17b). (4) They were not to multiply themselves horses. "But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. " (Deuteronomy 17:16).

Solomon ignored and violated every one of these commands. First, he failed to read and study God's Word. There was no record of him even seeking guidance from prophets. God spoke to him a second time, " And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:" (I Kings 10:3-7). Solomon may have built the most sacred Temple in history, prayed the longest prayer in the Bible, and offered the most sacrifices in history, but these acts still did not hide his sins from God. We can not continue to live the same sinful life and expect God to keep bailing us out when we call on Him, sooner or later He will leave us fend for ourselves for a while until we truly repent.

Second, he multiplied his riches for himself. "Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold, Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country..................And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks."  (I Kings 10:14-15,21-22). Third, he multiplied horses to himself, "And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem." (I Kings 10:26). Fourth, took 700 women as wives, all of them followers of strange gods. "But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart." (I Kings 11:1-3). Consequently, Solomon's compromise with the world and ignoring of the Word of God, deadened his spiritual discernment.

Solomon's kingdom crumbled because of his many sins. If any man could ever have been satisfied by getting all his heart's desires, that man would have been Solomon. However, his life illustrates the self-life having its full fling, but at the end concludes with emptiness. What happened to Solomon can happen to anyone who allows physical pleasure, riches, lust, or any other thing to crowd out their opportunities to give their best to Christ.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
When I chose to follow You, You changed the direction of my life. I truly want to follow in Your steps because Your steps direct me in the paths of righteousness and blessing, rather than aimlessly wandering in the paths of wickedness and regret. Keep my heart faithful and my eyes fixed on the paths marked out for me on this earthly journey that will lead me to my heavenly home. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday April 25, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Kings. Please read chapters 6-8 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%206-8&versio n=9

Today's Message: Spiritual Worship
No matter how beautiful a church looks, it does not mean that God's presence is there. A church is just a building, it is the spirit filled members of the church that brings His presence. 

480 years after the Israelites were freed from Egypt, King Solomon began construction of the Temple, also known as the House of the Lord. "And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD." (I Kings 6:1). The Temple was built from stones that were already shaped so that no noise was made by the craftsmen as they constructed it, it took eleven years to complete. "And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building..............And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it." (6:7,38). This is a reminder for us to realize that we can not rush spiritual progress. We are being transformed into the likeness of Christ, not by noisy human efforts, but by the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. Day by day, God places a stone on His Temple, whom we are, which transforms us into the likeness of Christ.

No other building in the world compared with Solomon's Temple. The most costly materials and treasures were lavished upon it, but the world observed only the external beauty of the Temple. It's true glory was in the presence of God who chose to dwell within the Holy of Holies. "There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD." (I Kings 8:9-11).

Today, every child of God is more precious to our Heavenly Father than Solomon's Temple was since we are the temple of God. Every day is a sacred trust that becomes more meaningful with the awareness that the God of heaven lives within every believer. The miracle of the new birth and the indwelling Holy Spirit are the differences between the true Christian and the religious world.

As the people stood in the courtyard and worshiped the Lord, Solomon stood on a platform and prayed the longest recorded prayer in the Bible, praising God for His faithfulness. "And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: And he said, LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day.............Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day." (8:22-24,61).

The Israelites were chosen to let the world know there is only One True God. Buddha, Allah, and all other "gods" are false gods for only One God is the The Creator of all things. "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:" (Colossians 1:16). The One True God includes all three persons of the Trinity: God the Father, Jesus, who is God the son, and God the Holy Spirit. A Christian's daily conversation and conduct should express love and loyalty to only the One True God. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (I Timothy 2:5-6).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
You know the very intention of all that I say and do. As I invite You to examine my heart, I lay before You the people and pursuits that drive me further away from a heart of worship. You have not removed me bodily from this world, but You have raised me up spiritually to abide in Your presence even as I carry out my daily duties. As Your presence graciously overshadows me it is there that Your love and faithfulness sustains me and gives me a true heart of worship. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday April 24, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Kings. 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 link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%203-5&versio n=9

Today's Message: Spiritual Failure
It does not matter how wise or talented we are, we can not compromise God's Word in order to become successful. In doing so, we become spiritual failures and eventually any success becomes failure.

Solomon was known as the wisest man of all time, although he loved God there was no record that showed he loved God with all his heart. This proved true when he became friends with the Pharaoh of Egypt and married his daughter as well as made sacrifices to God in high places, which were for pagans. "And Solomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter, and brought her into the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the LORD, and the wall of Jerusalem round about. Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days. And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places." (I Kings 3:1-3). Solomon is an example of brilliant, multi-talented people who are so blessed with God's gifts, yet
compromise biblical principles, assuming that God is pleased with them since they are successful and popular in the world.

To get Solomon to realize that he needed to rely on God he came to him on a dream. "In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day...................Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing.................Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days." (3:5-6,9-10,12-14). God was trying to get Solomon's attention through the dream to remind him that he needed to meditate upon Scripture so he could discern between good and bad, but this remarkable dream had no lasting affect on his life, for he became increasingly self-centered.

In his lifetime, Solomon offered enormous sacrifices to God, built the world famous Temple in Jerusalem, and offered the longest recorded prayer in the Bible, but his disregard for God's Word, his many marriages to pagan wives, and his worship at their high places were all acts of rebellion against God. These actions eventually led to his apostasy. It all started with his willingness to compromise with the world in order to prosper. Compromise, is a powerful foothold of sin and often destroys our spiritual strength and the only way to overcome it is to study God's Word so you know exactly what his instructions are. "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." (II Timothy 2:14-16).

God will use many ways to get us to hear what he has to say to us, even our dreams. How do you know if it is God speaking to you? Anything God says, whether it is in a dream, a vision, an impression, or that still small voice, will agree completely with what He has revealed in His Word. If you you feel God is speaking to you, prayerfully examine the Word of God to see if it is in agreement with Scripture. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." I Corinthians 2:12-14).

Today's Psalm: 51:10
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday April 22, 2009 and we are beginning our studies on the book of I Kings. Please read chapters 1-4 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: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%201-2&versio n=9

Today's Message: Spiritual Strength
As we grow old our physical strength begins to diminish, but our spiritual strength only gets stronger as long as we continue to pray in fellowship with our Lord and share the Word of God with others.

The book of I Kings is the eleventh book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-two chapters. The author of the book is unknown, but possibly Jeremiah and it was written to the Israelites. The purpose of the book was to record God's dealings with His people. What we are to learn from the book is that compromise may seem the best thing to do, but it is always costly later.

King David was now old and stricken in his years, it was now time for him to anoint a new king. Adonijah, presumed that since he was the oldest living son of David that he had the right to the throne. He along with Abiathar, the high priest and Joab, commander-in-chief of David's army conspired  to make him king. "Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him...................And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest: and they following Adonijah helped him." (I Kings 1:5,7). Disregarding his father's prolonged illness, Adonijah ruthlessly attempted to seize the throne by force. Although Adonijah was the oldest son and presumed to be the next heir to be king the reign was to go to Solomon, whom was designated  to be king by God Himself. 

However, Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba went to David and put Adonijah's plans to a halt. While Adonijah was at his inaugural feast, Solomon, was being anointed as king. "And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon. And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of them. And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar? And while he yet spake, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came; and Adonijah said unto him, Come in; for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings. And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, Verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king." (1:39-43).

Upon Solomon's reign, David gave him some words to live by, he said nothing to Solomon about becoming wealthy or enlarging his kingdom. Instead, he stressed the true values of living in obedience to God, the Supreme King of Israel. "I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man (stand firm against compromise); And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself: That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel." (2:2-4). It was important that Solomon keep God's Commandments so that he, as well as we, might please God and be an example to his and our children as well as others. David's concern was that he prosper spiritually by living in complete harmony with God's Word. The more we read God's Word the stronger we become spiritually, giving us the power to overcome any situation that we are faced with.

From a human point of view, all of David's disappointments were a tragedy but, from God's point of view, they were designed to expose the selfish and greedy motives in the hearts of those who were supposed to be loyal and close friends. They were also a clear revelation of the sovereign hand of God over the practical concerns in everyone's life. "For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (II Corinthians 4:15-18).

Today's Psalm: 1:1-2
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I want my heart to be tuned to Your Truth and righteousness, for You are the Truth, the Way, and the Life. I place my complete trust in You and reject the godless trends and vain philosophies promoted by the world. May Your words be embedded in my heart and mind through the faithful study of Scripture so that I might not sin against You and so that I will recognize truth from error. Keep me faithful and true. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.

Have a wonderful night/day.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday April 21, 2009 and we are completing our studies on the book of II Samuel. Please read chapters 21-24 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: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2021-24&ver sion=9

Today's Message: Honoring God
There was a famine in the land, the misery of the famine was accompanied by a sense of judgment from God. After three years, David turned to God for answers. "Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites." (II Samuel 21:1). Saul had broken the covenant that Joshua had made with the Gibeonites about 400 years before. "And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. And it came to pass at the end of three days after they had made a league with them, that they heard that they were their neighbours, and that they dwelt among them."  (Joshua 9:15-16). That treaty was still sacred because the covenant had been sworn to in the Name of God.

Since God was the real King of Israel, His integrity and honor were at stake in what Saul had done. David recognized that he had to meet their request. The surviving Gibeonites did not ask for silver or gold to compensate for the murder of loved ones or for the loss of their property, they asked for seven men from the house of Saul.  "Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD? And the Gibeonites said unto him, We will have no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house; neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for you. And they answered the king, The man that consumed us, and that devised against us that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the coasts of Israel, Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, and we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, whom the LORD did choose. And the king said, I will give them." (21:3-6). David was responsible before God to deliver the seven men to the Gibeonites. Because of David's covenant with Jonathan, an exception was made for his crippled son, Mephibosheth.

Throughout the Old Testament, we learn the value God has placed on keeping our promises. Let us recognize the danger of disregarding our moral and spiritual responsibilities. In God's eyes, not even the king of a nation is above its laws. "For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;" (Romans 2:11-12). Although David's life was filled with many disappointments, sufferings, and sorrows, he readily acknowledged that it was the Lord who gave every deliverance from his enemies. He wrote a song, praising God through all his success and sorrows, "Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name." (II Samuel 22:50).

The greatness of a person's life is measured by his surrender to God's will and purpose and then gives Him the credit for any success. It's not what we get, but it's what we give that measures our spiritual maturity. If we give with no ulterior motives for personal gain then we are receiving the the true spirit of Christ whom truly dwells in us. There is a harmony between sacrifice to God and sacrifice for others. Your relationship with God needs to be one of sincerity, and wholly to honor Him. Therefore, our daily association with others becomes an opportunity of offering ourselves to meet their needs, then thanking the Lord for that privilege. "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour." (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Today's Psalm: 18:49
"Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name."

Have a wonderful night/day
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday April 20, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Samuel. 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 link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2019-20&ver sion=9

Today's Message: Healing Heart
The tragedy of broken homes, hearts, hopes, and dreams is all too common. The healing touch for hearts that are breaking comes from the heart of Jesus who said "I will not leave thee nor forsake thee".

Absalom was a traitor, who was determined to destroy his own father so that he could be king. However, this battle for the throne ceased when Joab killed Absalom. David's soldiers returned from battle expecting a celebration. Instead, they heard the old king weeping over the death of his son. "And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son. And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!" (II Samuel 19:1-4).

David had faced many sorrows throughout his life with his children. When his first child with Bathsheba became sick, David had prayed and fasted. Then, when he received word the child had died, David confidently declared I shall go to him. "Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." (II Samuel 12:21-23). David knew heaven would be all the more precious because his child was with the Lord. However, David never expressed any hope that  he would see Absalom in heaven. David may have felt that if Joab had only given Absalom one more chance perhaps he would have turned from his wicked ways. But, had he lived, Absalom surely would have been in fierce competition with Solomon, God's choice to take David's place as king.

All of us at times are responsible for the adversities and sorrows which we experience. It is also natural to condemn ourselves for our faults and failures, or even to blame others for the things that disappoint us. Like David, we can grieve too long over what might have been, but we can not do anything about the past. All we can do is press forward knowing that we are forgiven and all things will come to pass. The Apostle Paul said: "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Philippians 3:13-15).

In our darkest moments, we all need friends to remind us to put their faith in God. In turn, we need to be a friend who will share comforting words to those who are suffering. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5).

Today's Psalm: 71:20-21
"Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We’re thankful for the rope-holders who bear our burdens and encourage us in times of weakness and difficulty. You work through such human vessels to convey Your strength, comfort, protection, and challenge as we walk together in faith. Help us to be faithful in doing our part to encourage, pray, and offer support to those You lay on our hearts that we may be united and strengthened in our Christian journey. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.

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

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P.S. Forgive me for being late with the message, I have been ill for a couple of days. Thank you for your faithfulness..........God Bless

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday April 18, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Samuel. Please read chapters 17-18 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2017-18&ver sion=9

Today's Message: A True Friend
Grief and sorrow come to all of us sooner or later, but a true friend will stick closer than a brother. Christians who put their lives and their trust in Christ have a True Friend.

Absalom thought he had everything going for him, he forced his father out of Jerusalem and took control of the city and David's most trusted advisers Joab and Ahithophel joined him in the conspiracy. "And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." (II Samuel 15:31).

Ahithophel was far from being as godly as David had believed him to be. But it often takes a crisis to reveal who our true friends really are. "Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace. And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel." (II Samuel 17:1-4). When Ahithophel decided to desert David and join with Absalom, he revealed his true character, he was only looking out for, "me", "myself", and "I". The second things looked bleak for David he used that opportunity to deceive him. The words "me" and "I" were used five times in his statement. Our true character is always revealed when tragedy strikes.

At first, Absalom was please, but he and elders probably realized that, at best, they would be in a secondary position to Ahithophel. Remember, also that God did not forget David's prayer to turn Ahithophel counsel into follishness. So, Absalom went to Hushai for counsel. "Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith. And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou. And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time." (17:5-7). Little did Absalom know that David sent Hushai to join him. Undoubtedly, his coming appealed to Absalom's ego, for he now had gained his father's two top advisers.

As Absalom considered the possibility of losing his first battle, he realized that this might produce panic and the loss of his followers' loyalty. Hushai advised that all the forces of Israel be gathered and that Absalom, the commander-in-chief himself, be at the head of his great army. In this way, he would gain the prestige of being a conqueror and the rightful king of all Israel and feed his ego as well. "Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person. So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one. Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there. And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom." (17:11-14). This appealed to Absalom's ego and gave David and his men time to prepare for the battle that would lead to Absalom's defeat. Undoubtedly, Hushai's advice was an answer to David's prayer.

True friends will show mercy and compassion toward us regardless of any circumstances we face and will not try to use them for prosperity. "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24). While we are limited to the amount of friends that we have, there is one friend that we can always rely on and that is Jesus Christ. He walks with us and goes through exactly the same thing that we go through. Jesus said, "He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me." (John 6:56-57). What this means is that Jesus dwells in all who accept Him and feed on Him spiritually. Incidentally, given that Jesus dwells in us we need to think twice about some of the things we do.

Today's Psalm: 22:26
"The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We bow in prayer before You today, and ask that You, in Your great glory give us the power to be strong inwardly through Your Spirit. We pray that Christ will live in our hearts by faith and that our lives will be strong in love and be built on love.  And we pray that we will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love – how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. We pray for our loved ones who are struggling in their faith, that they would be able to experience Your inexhaustible love, that they might be filled with Your fullness, Father. With Your power working in and through us, You can do much, much more than anything we can ever ask or even imagine. So we thank You in advance for hearing our heart’s cry and for answered prayer. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday April 17, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Samuel. Please read chapters 15-16 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: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2015-16&ver sion=9

Today's Message: Deceptive Christian's
There are Christian's deceiving others to get what they want, but those who gained  deceitfully eventually bring shame into their lives and blessings to those being deceived.

After arranging for the murder of his older brother, Absalom could assume that he was one step closer to inheriting the throne of David. However, to avoid prosecution for his crime, he escaped into his mother's country to live with his grandfather. Then, Joab, commander-in-chief of David's army, engineered a deceitful plan to bring about Absalom's return. "And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me. So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom." (II Samuel 14:32-33).

David forgave Absalom, but Absalom only pretended to make things right with his father, in reality he was conspiring against him. Each day he would listen to the complaints of the people at the gate and would deceptively tell them how he would improve the administration if only he were king. "And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!" (II Samuel 15:1-4). Absalom is an example of a conspirator who deceitfully creates opposition within a church, business, or political campaign in order to obtain control. He got the disgruntled people to side with him so he could take control of the kingdom, only to deceive them once they got him there.

The Apostle Paul said, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil." (Romans 16:17-19). We as Christian's need to be constantly on guard by those who create opposition simply for their own agenda. The only person they are trying to help is only themseves and do not care who they deceive to obtain what they want.

The treachery of Absalom was exposed after he asked permission of his father to worship in Hebron, his purpose was to organize a revolution to take control of Jerusalem. "And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron. For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD. And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron. But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron." (15:7-10). Eventually all deception is exposed, but sadly it is always too late before we realize we have been deceived. Jesus said, "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matthew 24:23-24).

While it is sad to think that we have to constantly be on guard to even Christian's who try to deceive us, we can rest assure that we will be taken care of. Jesus was deceived by one of His own disciples, Judas. Even though He endured much pain, He prevailed and eventually Judas ended up hanging himself after realizing his deceit. Those who deceive, in the end are the ones who will suffer, no true follower of Christ will suffer for long and will always be victorious.

Today's Psalm: 41:11
"By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
I want to fix my eyes, my thoughts, and my affections on You, my blessed Redeemer.  Though You faced enormous opposition that would provide understandable excuse for altering Your redemption plan, nevertheless You endured Calvary’s cross. When I consider the depth of Your commitment I am determined to be faithful even in the night seasons of my Christian walk. Jesus, help me to endure by keeping my eyes, not on that which is seen, but on the future rewards that You promise to those who are faithful. In Your Name, Jesus..........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday April 16, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Samuel. Please read chapters 13-14 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2013-14&ver sion=9

Today's Message: Be An Example
Even though God forgives us of our sins when we repent and forsake them, there may be consequences in the future not only to ourselves, but to our children as well. If we want our children to be godly we must first be an example for them to follow.

David, in his moment of sin with Bathsheba, never realized the consequences that would follow even though God had forgiven him. It first started with the death of his first son with Bathsheba, he only lived for seven days. Now, we learn of the fallout between his son's Amnon and Absalom over Absalom's sister, Tamar.

Absalom was the half brother of Amnon and he had a sister name Tamar, whom was the also the daughter of King David by Maacah. Now, Amnon who was David's firstborn son and heir to the throne had a crazy love for his half sister and developed a plan to get Tamar alone with him. "And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her............And when she had brought them unto him to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, Come lie with me, my sister. And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly................Howbeit he would not hearken unto her voice: but, being stronger than she, forced her, and lay with her. Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone." (II Samuel 13:1-2,11-12,14-15). After his brief moment of lustful gratification, he forced her out of his home and locked the door. His sudden hate toward his sister was caused by the guilt over what he had done. Anytime a person satisfies themselves by deceiving or hurting others they immediately change their attitude around them and their loved ones.

Dishonored and heartbroken, Tamar hid herself at Absalom's house. "And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying. And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom's house." (13:19-20).

When David learned of Amnon's deception and wicked sin against his daughter he was very angry. Even though the Law of God demanded the death sentence for rape, David took no action. Two years later, determined to see justice, Absalom had Amnon killed. "Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant. And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king's sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled." (13:28-29 ). Absalom then fled for safety to Geshur where he lived with his grandfather for three years.

A parent can experience no greater suffering than to see similar sins they have made repeated by their own children. We cannot avoid the inevitable results, but we can do something before it even happens. No matter how unhappy we are with the way our lives are going we can not change the past nor can we involve ourselves into things that we know will get us into trouble. We must set an example for our children, they see and model everything that we do. If a father/father figure is disrespectful to his wife, a son will be disrespectful to women. If a mother/mother figure wears provocative clothes and is flirtatious, a daughter will be also. We do have the power to change what we do today, that power is Jesus Christ. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9).

Today's Psalm is a Proverb:22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
You love us with an everlasting love. Your enduring love stands as the supreme example for us to follow in our human relationships. Even when we have forsaken You and broken our vows, You continue to forgive us and woo us back to Yourself. You are not a god of retribution but a God of mercy. Even when we listen to the world’s counsel and experience dismal failure You pick up the shattered pieces and still call us Your own. Only a God like You deserves our complete loyalty. As we personally experience Your enduring love when we least deserve it, help us to apply the same kind of enduring love to those who least deserve it from us. Only through Your strength can we do even the impossible. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday April 15, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Samuel. Please read chapters 10-12 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. You can also copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2010-12&ver sion=9

Today's Message: Wages of Sin
The price of sin is never a bargain, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."- Romans 6:23

Sin is like a disease, it may start out small and harmless, but one sin usually leads to another and another and to unforeseen consequences and complications in the future. "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:13-15).

David, king of Israel, had never lost a war and had grown accustomed to getting what he wanted. David rose in power with one God guided victory after another. He is undoubtedly one of the most godly men of the pre-Christian era. However, everything was about to change due to one thing, his flesh. Instead of going to battle like we was suppose to he stayed behind, leaving himself open to fleshy desires. "And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon." (II Samuel 11:1-2). No Christian is exempt from Satan, especially men of God. He knows that if he can get a Pastor, Priest, or any other representative of God to commit sin, especially of the flesh, that it would question the morals of Christianity. Not only would that get fellow Christian's doubting God it will certainly give more fuel to the world's already disbelief.

David's, spiritual defeat began by watching Bathsheba, the temptation itself was not the issue, but him acting on it was. "And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child." (11:4-5). We have all looked at something and had a desire for it, knowing that it really was not something that we should be desiring. What gets us in trouble is that we begin lusting over it and that is what causes us to eventually act on the temptation, committing the sin. Satan always has something or someone to attract us when we are in a position to gratify our fleshly desires. He always presents sin as both attractive and satisfying.

From the moment David first lusted after Bathsheba until their marriage, no one interfered with their pleasure. However, about a year later, Nathan the prophet boldly confronted David. "And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife." (II Samuel 12:7-10). David did repent and was forgiven. However, for the next twenty years, the entire last half of his reign, his sorrows and sufferings never ceased because of that one night of yielding to his lust. Although we may be forgiven and all our sins are forgotten that still does not save us from facing the repercussions of it. We can however, overcome all sin by yielding daily to the Holy Spirit and surrendering our lives over to Jesus. He truly is the only one who can keep us from falling into the desires of our flesh.

Today's Psalm: 51:10
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

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 wonderful and blessed night/day.
God bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday April 14, 2009 (I am playing catch up as l am two days behind in writing these messages, please forgive me for the delay) and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Samuel. Please read chapters 6-9 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. You can also copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%206-9&versi on=9

Today's Message: God's Instruction
Although we may be active in church and have a great instructor explaining God's Word it is important that we read it for ourselves so we know exactly what God's instructions are.

David now ruled over the United Kingdom. He had a grave desire to honor God by bringing the Ark of the Covenant (the dwelling place for God on earth) to Jerusalem. By doing so Jerusalem would become the religious and political capital of Israel. For about 75 years, during most of Samuel's leadership and during Saul's 40-year reign, the Ark had remained with Abinadab at Kirjath-jearim. "Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims. And they set the ark of God upon a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah: and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drave the new cart." (II Samuel 6:1-3).

David was sincerely seeking to honor God, but David overlooked two very important instructions involving the transport of the Ark. The Ark had to be carried by poles on the shoulders of the priests, and the penalty for touching the Ark was death (see Numbers 3:30-31). Sadly, this mistake caused Uzzah to lose his life, attempting to keep the Ark from toppling off the cart he touched it and died instantly. "And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God." (6:6-7). Had David learned of God's instructions he would have known that the Ark could not have been touched. This serves as a warning to Christian's who fail to read God's Word. Of course we may not understand every word in the Bible, but if all we do is hear what God is saying from others we never know His True Word.

David was humiliated, disheartened, displeased, and afraid of God that day. He then prayed to God and asked Him what they needed to do to get the Ark to Jerusalem. "And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and said, How shall the ark of the LORD come to me? So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite. And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household. And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness." (6:9-12).

All true greatness is dependent upon being humble. " But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:6-7). The blessing of God will rest upon all who humble themselves and serve Him in whatever capacity He chooses for them to serve regardless of how lowly the position may seem.

Today's Psalm: 10:17-18
"LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Without it we would walk in darkness and be led astray. We want to give attention to Your Word and follow its instruction so that we will not drift from the truth. Lord, help us daily to learn Your Words so we are able to understand and apply them to our hearts. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday April 14, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Samuel. 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 link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%203-5&versi on=9

Today's Message: Strongholds
There are strongholds in our lives that keep us from living our lives for Christ, but they can be overcome through the Word of God.

A stronghold is a group, person, or thing that is the center of all that we do. Personal strongholds suggests secret thoughts that keep Christ from becoming Lord of our lives. Following the death of Saul, Abner, the powerful commander of Saul's armies, proclaimed Saul's son Ishbosheth king of Israel. "But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; And made him king over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel." (II Samuel 2:8-9). The crown was rightfully meant for David, but David knew that he would be king of Israel when it was his appointed time to do so.

Shortly after, a civil war began between the house of David and the house of Saul. "Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker............And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner made himself strong for the house of Saul." (II Samuel 3:1,6). One of the biggest mistakes Christian's make is aligning themselves with non-Christian's, especially when it is for self gain, nothing good ever comes out of it in the end. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14).

About seven years later, there was a fierce quarrel between Abner and Ishbosheth, this resulted in Abner going to David to form a league with him instead. "And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make thy league with me, and, behold, my hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel unto thee." (II Samuel 3:12). David agreed and Abner then contacted the elders of Israel, reminding them that David was anointed to be king over Israel to begin with. "And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you: Now then do it: for the LORD hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies." (3:17-18). A short time after Abner met with David, he was murdered by Joab, the commander of David's army, and then Ishbosheth was assassinated by two of his own guards. Abner's stronghold was his ego, he wanted to be powerful and in control, using whatever charm he could to receive his desires.

After seven and a half years, David was anointed King of Judah. "Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh. Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah." (II Samuel 5:1-5). David endured 20 trying years since being anointed by Samuel to become king. However, through all the discipline of daily difficulties, God was preparing David to be His faithful servant.

David's first anointing was by Samuel, he then was anointed King of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Then his anointing for the third time by the Northern Tribe united the two kingdoms. This marked one of the greatest days of Israel's history. However, before David united the 12 tribes, his first act after his anointing by the assembled tribes was to become head of his army and lead the war against the stronghold of the Jebusites. This battle was for Jerusalem, where God chose to place the only Temple in history where He would dwell on earth. "And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David." (5:6-7).

Abner's stronghold as well as the stronghold of Zion represents the strongholds that lie deep within ourselves that keep us from making Jesus the center of our lives. There may be a place hidden from human view that is the center of our hearts, this can be physical improvement, a career, a forbidden love, or a habit that we have never surrendered over to God. We are now His Temples and no matter how good we are at hiding things from the human eye we can not hide them from God. Of course He wants us to be healthy and take care of ourselves, but we can not let the strongholds of the world be the center of our lives. Such strongholds are overcome as we daily read and obey God's Word and are filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (I John 2:15-17).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
There is no limit to all that You have provided for us such as material blessings, physical health, the love of family and unending promises that You have already fulfilled or that are yet to be fulfilled. But You have also set visible and well-defined boundaries that are for our own good. Strongholds to either toe the boundary line or cross over into enemy territory will always be there, but You give us the power to resist and discernment to recognize the alluring deceit of the evil one. Help our eyes and hearts to remain focused on Your innumerable blessings and provisions as we stand against Satan, who seeks to destroy us. In Jesus' Name...........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day.
God Bless,

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday April 13, 2009 and we are beginning our studies on the book of II Samuel. Please read chapters 1-2 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: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%201-2&versi on=9

Today's Message: Others Failures
When we rejoice in others for their failures, we are placing ourselves in the dangerous position of failing ourselves.

The book of II Samuel is the tenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-four chapters. The author of the book is Samuel and it was written to the Israelites. The purpose of the book was to record the history of how God dealt with His people. What we are to learn from the book is that God carries out His plan through those who are obedient to Him in spite of their human faults.

Most of Saul's reign, he had jealousy and hatred toward David, forcing David to live in exile from his family, wife (Michal, Saul's daughter), and his friends. However, no matter what Saul did David still had respect for him and never harmed him, even when he had the opportunity to do so. He had no reason to get even with his offender because he knew that by doing so he would alter his relationship with God as well as risk losing his God appointed rights. After the death of Saul, David was approached by an Amalekite carrying Saul's crown. "Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had abode two days in Ziklag; It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and so it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance. And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped. And David said unto him, How went the matter? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, That the people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also." (II Samuel 1:1-4).

The Amalekite continued, boasting that he killed Saul, "So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord. Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him: And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword." (1:10-12). The Amalekite thought that David would be pleased that he had executed him, instead David mourned. Often when we see others hurting we are tempted to seek justice for them ourselves. While it is painful to see our loved ones hurting we can not allow ourselves to become vengeful and bitter as well.

We as Christians will face many adversaries in our lives due to the fact that we believe in Jesus and live our lives for Him. While we may want to get even with our offender or rejoice at the suffering of those who have fallen we must not stoop to their level. God knows what is going on and at the appointed time He will handle the situation. Jesus said, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:43-45).

Today's Psalm: 119:165
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
In our attempt to get even with our offender, we can do irreparable harm not only to our wrongdoer, but most especially to ourselves. Instead of having a spirit of forgiveness we harbor a vengeful heart. Our hearts harden and take on the character of the enemy instead of the Savior who loved us even while we were dead in our transgressions and sins. Our debt of sin He paid, and our death He died freeing us to break the chains of sin that had long held us bound. Father, You heal the brokenhearted and console the wounded as they seek You in the midst of their affliction, whether it is a fresh wound or an old injury. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day and enjoy your week.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday April 11, 2009 and we are completing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 28-31 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2028-31&ver sion=9

Today's Message: True Success
True success will result from seeking God's Will through reading His Word while at the same time praying to the Lord for guidance.

We all long to be successful in what we set out to do, but if we are not careful any efforts that we have made will turn from success to failure quicker than you can blink your eyes.

After Samuel became judge, the Philistines were so badly defeated that they no longer went into their territory, but during Saul's reign they were constantly there, creating warfare. "And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel." (I Samuel 28:1). Even the wars that we are faced with today are a result of loss of spiritual guidance from God.

Now that Samuel had died and he ruined his relationship with David, Saul had no way of getting guidance from God. Saul's worst enemy was himself. He had lived a self-serving life. He never thought about the consequences of his disobedience, choosing his own way rather then seek God for guidance. God had given him the privilege of reigning over the kingdom of Israel, but his persistent disobedience, hatred of David, and having all the priests executed disqualified him from continuing his rule over the people of God and seeking anymore guidance from Him.

Fearing for his life he tried to reach God himself to no prevail and when God did not answer he foolishly sought guidance from a fortune-teller. "And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor. And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee." (28:5-8).

The fortune-teller was no help, instead of peace his fears increased even more, especially after the appearance of Samuel and was scorned for summoning his spirit. "And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?" (28:15-16). The next day Saul, along with his sons, including Jonathan, was killed in the battle.

The biggest hindrances in the Christian life are power, wealth, popularity, and the talents that we are blessed with. God blesses us with these things to be used for His purpose, but if we are going to make those things our gods He will slowly take things away until we have absolutely nothing. Still, instead of seeking God some seek guidance from psychics, fortune-tellers, palm readers, and other demon-controlled people, rather than crying out to God in times of great distress and relying upon Him alone to help them through it.

Success is not about how much money you make or how many people know your name, it's about being the best you can be, acknowledging that God got you there. True success will result from seeking the Lord's will through reading His Word while at the same time praying to the Lord for guidance.

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,
You know the longings of my heart. When I seek thrills and quick fixes to satisfy these needs I am eventually disappointed.  Your supply of Living Water never runs dry and satisfies the inner desires of my heart because You are the only One who can meet my spiritual needs.  Lord, as I come today dry and thirsty I look to You, for You satisfy the thirsty and fill the hungry with good things. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed Easter (Resurrection Day)
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday April 10, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 25-27 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2025-27&ver sion=9

Today's Message: Understanding Death
There is much confusion and fear when it comes to understanding death, although it's not an easy thing to talk about God has a plan for us even during these difficult times.

One of the most toughest subjects to talk about is death, emotions full of confusion, fear, anger, hatred can all come together at once, some let it control their lives, becoming withdrawn not only from God, but all who love them as well. However, God has a plan for everyone and even though we may not understand it, there is a purpose and meaning through it.

Samuel was one of the greatest prophets in Israel's history and is listed as one of the great heroes of faith, but only one sentence records of his death. "And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran." (I Samuel 25:1).

When we are faced with the sudden death of loved ones we are quick to wonder why and think that it has come to the wrong person at the wrong time. This comes especially true when we see children, parents, or a spouse taken away at an early age. However, God does not do anything suddenly, He decides when our time on earth is done. Job during his time of mourning and grief said, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." (Job 1:21).

As familiar as we are about death, God's ways often seem strange to us, but He knows what He is doing. Death often brings peace and ends suffering, brings us closer to Him, brings the lost to Him, brings a type of understanding, or brings an estranged family together. Without a doubt, God never abandons His children. He leads us to look beyond our grief and to trust in His wisdom and in His tender love to comfort our broken spirits. Jesus Said, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also..........These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:1-3, 25-27). Death for the Christian is a promotion from this world's suffering to a welcomed home by our wonderful Lord, Jesus Christ.

Many people fear death for themselves, some are unsure of their salvation, others want certain things to happen first. However, God knows exactly what we need and what purpose we are to fulfill while we are on earth. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes  3:1-8). Everything that we go through has a meaning and purpose.

You can rest assure that if you have accepted Jesus Christ into your life you have salvation. Even if the only time you even talked to Him was when you accepted Him, you are saved, if you truly meant it with all your heart. "For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:12-13). This means, whether you live your life for Jesus or not, if you call on Him you are saved and that can never be taken away. You may not receive all the rewards that you had coming to you in heaven, but at least you are saved from living eternally in a lake of fire.

The honest truth is that when we truly have accepted Christ into our lives we will become a different person, it's as if we literally step out of the sin covered body that we had into a new body that becomes more like Christ every day. There is no need to fear losing the life that we use to live because a better one is awaiting us.

Today's Psalm: 48:14
"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
When we consider how many struggles, hardships and temptations we face in our lifetime the weight of these difficulties could overwhelm us. Today, some are grieving the death of a loved one. God of all Comfort, may you comfort them and give them peace based upon Your promises. Jesus, remind them that it is in Your resurrection that we stand victorious in the end when we face our last enemy on this side. What is considered physical defeat here on earth is in reality a spiritual promotion to heaven. May we overcome grief with this essential knowledge that comes from Your Holy Scriptures as we commit our thoughts and our ways to You.
In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed night/day and weekend.
God Bless You,
Christie

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday April 9, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 22-24 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2022-24&ver sion=9

Today's Message: God's Timing

Although Samuel had anointed David to be the next king of Israel, David must have wondered if he would live long enough to assume his God appointed place of leadership as Saul was determined to kill him. Fearing for his life he was forced to take refuge in a cave in Adullam. "David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men." (I Samuel 22:1-2). Often when we are suffering we find ourselves being drawn to others who are suffering as well.

When we put our focus on others suffering we actually take our minds off our own, in turn it helps us not only to help them, but ourselves as well. "And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation." (II Corinthians I:5-6). When God is seeking to strengthen our faith in Him, He lovingly permits difficulties to come upon us in order to bring us closer to Him as well as bring others to Him.

Still seeking to kill David, Saul cried to his servants," When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;) Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds;That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?" (I Samuel 22:6-8). Many people prey on Christian's, including other Christian's, always expressing their sob stories, looking for pity in order to get the things that they want, but never wanting to make an effort to change the circumstances.

David went to Nob, which was located just northeast of Jerusalem, Ahimelech, the priest held the sacred vessels and the sword that belonged to Goliath. He fed David and allowed him to take the sword. This was reported to Saul in Gibeah by Doeg, an Edomite servant. Saul then accused Ahimelech of conspiracy with David, blinded by jealousy and hatred, he ordered the execution of all the priests and their families. "Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine...........And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?...........And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house." (I Samuel 22:9-10,13,16).

David, who faced so many challenges and heartaches while waiting on God to allow him to take over as king, must have felt hopeless and a bit discouraged by all that was going on in his life, but instead of getting depressed or angry himself he looked to his godly friends/family for spiritual direction and comfort. We all experience times when we need some encouragement about ourselves, our gifts and talents, our work, our children, or even our relationship with God. We can take comfort in knowing that God is with us and sends others to put things back into perspective.
 
David had an opportunity to assassinate Saul while he slept. His soldiers were convinced that God had delivered Saul into David's hands to be executed and David would be justified in killing him. "And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD. So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way." (24:1-7). David would not violate the Word of God that Saul had been set apart for service as the earthly representative of God on the throne of Israel. God had appointed Saul as king and until He removed him from the throne, David was willing to wait patiently.

When our heart's desire is to please the Lord, we are often tested, but we are not to retaliate against those who have wronged us. Instead, we are to bless them and pray for them, just as our Savior and Lord, Jesus would do. Jesus said, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:43-45).

Today's Psalm: 37:7-8
"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
In our attempt to get even with our offender, we can do irreparable harm not only to our wrongdoer, but most especially to ourselves. Instead of having a spirit of forgiveness we harbor a vengeful heart. Our hearts harden and take on the character of the enemy instead of the Savior who loved us even while we were dead in our transgressions and sins. Our debt of sin He paid, and our death He died freeing us to break the chains of sin that had long held us bound. Father, You heal the brokenhearted and console the wounded as they seek You in the midst of their affliction, whether it is a fresh wound or an old injury. Our affliction from others is earth bound, but our affection for You is heaven bound where there will be no more heartaches or pain. Keep us steadfast and faithful till that appointed time. In Jesus' Name..........Amen. 

Have a wonderful night/day.
God Bless You,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday April 8, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 19-21 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2019-21&ver sion=9

Today's Message: Jealousy
Jealousy is like a disease, it slowly spreads until it consumes and controls the person that it captures and stops at nothing to destroy what gets in its way.

Jealousy is described as a feeling of resentment or hostility against someone because of that person's success or advantages. Saul was so consumed with jealousy over David's popularity that he wanted to kill him. "And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan Saul's son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself: And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee." (I Samuel 19:1-3). Often, when people are so wrapped up in
themselves they do anything to become the center of attention. When the spotlight is taken off of them it causes jealousy and rage over anyone or thing that gets in the way.

Saul became increasingly violent with an uncontrolled temper, he considered any opposition as treason. When his own son Jonathan defended David he denounced him and even attempted to kill him at one time. "Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die. And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done? And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David." (20:30-33). Jonathan became a victim when he defended David. He could have avoided any risk to himself if he had decided not to get involved. However, he knew that he was defending an innocent man, whatever the cost to him, and that displayed biblical principles by doing what he knew was morally right.

 

We too may find ourselves in situations where people are being threatened, accused, maligned, intimidated, or taken advantage of. We are then faced with the decision of whether or not to get involved. We should not be an accomplice to evil by remaining silent, but we should respond as Jonathan did. "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:43-45).

Whether we are letting our own jealousy take control or are a victim from someone else's, as Christian's, it is very important to walk with God daily, He is the only one who will keep us upright and things under control. Jesus said, "For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish." (Luke 21:15-18).

Today's Psalm: 9:13-14
"Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death: That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We need the prompting of Your Holy Spirit to keep us in check regarding our conduct toward others. May we not dismiss our improper behavior by blaming it on our upbringing or make up other excuses. Instead we take responsibility for our behavior as we want to glorify you and be a blessing to others. Would You help us to love people as we want to be loved. Help us to give the benefit of the doubt as we want others to give us. Help us to be quick to forgive and slow to anger. May we treat others in the same way that we ourselves want to be treated. In Jesus' Name......Amen.

Have a wonderful night/day.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday April 7, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 17-18 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy & paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2017-18&ver sion=9

Today's Message: Facing Challenges
We are faced with challenges in order to develop our godly character and teach us to put our complete faith in God to see us through them.

When Saul was a young man, his character seemed to reveal that he was truly humble. After he won his first battle, he humbly professed that salvation came from the Lord, but that humbleness quickly changed to pride as he gained more power. Often many Christians fall into that same pattern, they begin their walk with Christ humbled and eager to please God only to exalt themselves the more successful they become.

Saul became a jealous and proud man, wanting all the glory for himself, he was challenged once again when David was anointed to eventually take his place as king. During Saul's reign, the giant warrior Goliath had challenged the Israelite army to send a man to fight him and let the outcome of that fight decide who will serve the other. "And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them. And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span...........And he stood and cried unto the armies of Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out to set your battle in array? am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul? choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us." (I Samuel 17:3-4,8-9). Not one of these men stood up to the challenge, fearing for their lives. Often, we too stand at the sidelines looking at the challenges we face with fear instead of trusting in God to help us through them.

Then David came into the Israelite camp, we he saw that they were afraid he offered to fight Goliath. "And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine..............And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.............Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel." (17:32,40,45-46). David put his complete trust in God, knowing that as long as He was with him that he would be able to defeat this giant.

David defeated Goliath with a little stone, "And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled." (17:49-51). Following this spectacular victory over Goliath and the Philistines, David was welcomed into the palace of King Saul and was made his trusted captain of the guard.

David's rising popularity was too much for Saul. When Saul heard women singing praises about him, he became exceedingly jealous and attempted to kill David by throwing a javelin at him as he was playing his harp. "And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward. And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul." (18:8-12). Saul's pride and jealousy controlled him and eventually he became determined to either murder David or cause him to be killed.

Like David, we are put through these challenges to see if we will remain faithful and prove worthy of our high calling. The difficulties, handicaps, and suffering in life we face are permitted by God to develop our godly character and allow us to accomplish His will in our lives. We are each accountable for our disposition when handling the challenges that come our way. We can choose to become bitter and resentful, blaming God and others for our troubles or we can choose to put our complete trust in God to lead us to victory. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5).

Today's Psalm: 40:10
"I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We earnestly seek You for wisdom regarding the daily circumstances of our lives.  Help us to incline our hearts toward You for understanding all that You have to teach us in the lessons of life. During the quiet sessions when Your voice seems silent help us to trust You knowing that You work all things out for our good,  for Your glory, and in Your time reference. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday April 6, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 15-16 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2015-16&ver sion=9

Today's Message: Remain Victorious
We can not follow only part of a command from God, we must be willing to do all that He asks of us if we want to remain victorious

There were few kings in biblical history that were blessed with so many advantages as Saul, within just a few short years he forgot that the source of his success was God. Saul proved his true character when he would not obey God's command to destroy all the Amalekites, including livestock. "And Saul smote the Amalekites from Havilah until thou comest to Shur, that is over against Egypt. And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly." (I Samuel 15:7-9). Our true character is also revealed when we pick and choose what we want to obey from God's commands.

Saul thought that he had the victory and deserved recognition for destroying only what he thought was corrupt. He created a memorial to himself at Carmel to commemorate this victory. Upon hearing this, Samuel went to talk to him. "And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal.........And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of the LORD, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the LORD?" (15:12,17-19).

Saul seemed blind of his disobedience, completely ignorant of the fact that he did not do all that God commanded of him. He even shifted the blame onto others. "And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal." (15:20-21). Saul failed to realize that by capturing the king and keeping the livestock he did not utterly destroy them. To utterly destroy them all  would have been the true sacrifice to God, but when the people kept the best, they proved that they probably wanted to keep it for themselves to eat as a peace offering.

Samuel warned him of his disobedience, "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king..............And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel." (15:22-23,26).

Although Saul did confess his sin it still did not save him from losing his reign. Saul was more concerned about his public image before the elders of Israel than with his right relationship with God. Victory may be sweet for a time, but the truth is that without God nothing remains victorious. One of the biggest mistakes made is becoming too proud over our victories and taking way too much credit for ourselves. Yes, it does take an effort on our part to reach our goals, but they are rarely reached all on our own. Only with God are we able to reach our goals and remain victorious. "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:57).

Today's Psalm: 98:1
"O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
When our earthly fathers discipline us, it is intended for immediate correction and future application. At the time it is painful and we may not understand, but it was for our own good. The same is true with You, Lord, Your discipline is not pleasant at the time and can be painful, but in the end it was the best thing for us. We stand upon Your promise that  it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those of us who are trained by it.  It transforms our thinking, shapes our values, and corrects our behavior so that we become more and more like Christ. In Jesus' Name.......Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday April 5, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 12-14 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: http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%2012-14&ver sion=9

Today's Message: God's Test

Saul, became the first king of Israel, he was a man with great ability, but he had one fatal flaw. He chose to trust his own judgment rather than God's. His first failure occurred a few years after he became king. Samuel had told Saul to go to Gilgal and wait for him there for seven days, but Samuel was late. Instead of waiting for him
Saul had disobediently offered a burnt offering sacrifice earlier that day. "And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering." (I Samuel 13:7-12). Saul's decision to assume the role of a priest violated the Word of God, then he made things worse by trying to come up with an excuse as to why he violated God's Word.

The burned offering symbolized surrender to God, but, when Saul assumed the God ordained position of a priest, the sacrifice became an abomination to the Lord. What seemed to Saul to be a tardiness in Samuel's arrival was, in reality, a test by God of Saul's obedience to Him. Saul failed by taking it upon himself to do what he knew was an abomination to God. "And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee." (13:13-14).

Though some may consider Saul's disobedience of little consequence, no matter how small the sin it is still sin and there will be consequences for it. "Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;" (Romans 2:9-12). There is no such thing as a little white lie or stretching the truth just a little bit because one little lie always becomes out of control.

We may be tempted at times to disregard what the Bible states is sin and assume that certain circumstances justify our actions, but God does not bless any sacrifice or gift of time, money, or talents unless we are truly living to please Him. 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). God cannot honor partial obedience, no matter how sincere a person may be it's still being disobedient because he/she is telling God that he/she will only obey Him when he/she feels like it.

The faith that God honors comes as a result of full obedience. Surrendering our lives to do His will above all else should be the unconditional response of every Christian. Jesus Himself, creator of all things, obeyed God by surrendering His life over to Him. "Then saith he (Jesus) unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matthew 26:38-39).

Today's Psalm: 27:14
"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Jesus. When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead prove my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy. Because I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed night/day and hope you have a good Lord's day.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday April 4, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 8-11 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: http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%208-11&vers ion=9

Today's Message: Know The Truth
There are many deceptions in this world that look like the will of God. Only by reading through our Creator's only Guide to life will we know what is the truth

During the history of the judges, Samuel accomplished more as a spiritual leader than any other judge. Sadly his two sons never followed his direction, " And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment." (I Samuel 8:1-3).

Eventually, the elders of Israel confronted Samuel about his two sons, demanding a king to rule over them. "Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." (8:4-7). Samuel wanted only the best for Israel, but the nation continued to blindly insist on a king like all the other nations. Their decision was a failure of faith and rebellion against God.

Then Samuel anointed Saul king in Ramah as the Lord had directed him. "And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.........Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?....... And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee." (9:17,10:1,6-7). Saul began with a humble spirit, but soon pride and self-will became his way of life and resulted in a succession of failures.

Desiring to be like the majority has caused some Christians to ignore the Bible and seek counsel elsewhere. There is an assumption that we have the ability to make decisions as to what is best for our lives without seeking God for guidance. God leaves the choice for us to accept or reject His leadership and each day that goes by we are faced the decision of choosing or refusing to live for Christ. However, Jesus reminds us that we can not doa anything without Him. "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:1-5).

Today's Psalm: 1:3
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Even as the water, sun, and nutrients from the soil make the plants flourish in the summer we are reminded that as we are faithful in reading Your Word and applying its Truths to our lives we, too, will produce fruit. Our roots will go deep into the fertile soil of faith and our tendrils of spiritual life will reach heavenward as we keep our hearts and eyes focused upon Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, that You are the One who establishes our faith through Your redemptive work on the cross of Calvary. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday April 3, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 4-7 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%204-7&versi on=9

Today's Message: Spiritual Defeat
The hostile Philistines often warred against the Israelites. Instead of seeking God for direction the Israelites declared war against them and in the process lost four thousand men. "And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek. And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies." (I Samuel 4:1-3). Although they asked God why they were defeated they still did not seek Him for direction on how to defeat them. Instead, they came up with this ridiculous plan to take the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord with them (this was the ark that held God's presence above the mercy seat), thinking that it would bring them victory.

Confident of victory, the Israelites marched into battle against the Philistines led by the two evil sons of Eli carrying the Ark. However, instead of victory there was a great defeat, causing them to lose thirty thousand men and the Ark as well. "And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain." (4:10-11). Had the Israelites repented of their sins and sought God for guidance they would have been able to defeat the Philistines.

Eli anxiously awaiting the outcome of the battle got news from a messenger who escaped that his sons were slain and the Ark was taken and died instantly. After his death Samuel spoke to the Israelites, "And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only. And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. " (7:3-5).

When the Philistines learned that the Israelites were worshiping God, they assumed it was an opportune time to attack, but this time the Israelites were prepared. "And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel." (7:8-10).

Some Christians suffer defeat because they are more concerned with outward things appearing right than they are with desiring the Lord to control their lives. Just as the Ark in itself could not save Israel, neither could sacrifice or mere formality in worship take the place of returning to God with all their hearts. The satisfying truth is that God works through men and women of faith who display their trust in Him by their obedience to His Word. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:22-25).

Today's Psalm: 4:4-5
"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I am full of gratitude today as I consider Your abiding presence in my life.  You planned my existence in my mother's womb before I even drew my first breath.  When so many people have come into my life and exited it throughout the years You have taken up residence and You forever rule my heart.  When the path before me was unclear You have always gone before me sustaining me in my wilderness journey. Though all forsake me You remain faithful, and remarkable as it seems, even if we are faithless, You will remain faithful, for You cannot deny Yourself. Thank You for being my Supreme Savior and the Sustainer of my soul. In Jesus' Name......Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday April 2, 2009 and we are beginning our studies on the book of I Samuel. Please read chapters 1-3 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Samuel%201-3&versi on=9

Today's Message: First Desire
When our first desire is to allow God to use our lives to fulfill His will, all the necessities of life shall be provided.

The book of I Samuel is the ninth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains thirty-one chapters. The author of the book is Samuel and it was written to the Israelites. The purpose of the book was to continue to record God's dealing with His people. What we are to learn from the book is that obedience to God is more important than sacrifice.

Toward the end of the period of the Judges, we are introduced to Hannah, a godly woman who had lived many years in deep sorrow and humiliation because she could not have children. "Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children." (I Samuel 1:1-2).

Since the Hebrew culture considered this a disgrace each year she went up to the house of the Lord weeping and being provoked by her adversary, Peninnah. "And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons? So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head." (1:6-11).

Although she was wrongfully accused, Hannah did not become angry, but graciously answered Eli. "And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him." (1:15-17). It was Eli's responsibility to rebuke those who did evil. In this case, Eli's misjudgment was truly a test of the genuineness of Hannah's humility. Had she reacted in indignation and anger toward Eli for being so judgmental she would have returned home with a bitter attitude.

God answered Hannah's prayer and her son Samuel became the greatest spiritual leader during the 400-year period of the judges and united the tribes of Israel into one nation. "Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD." (1:20).

Hannah lived centuries before the New Testament experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit; and yet we see her maintaining a godly attitude while being rebuked. The acceptance of such an undeserved rebuke in a right spirit often brings an answer to our prayers, for it shows our heart is in a right relationship with God. Because of her godliness she was blessed with five more children. "And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home. And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD." (2:20-21).

Just remember that when our first desire is to allow God to use our lives to fulfill His will, all the necessities of life shall be provided. The one who is intent on living for physical satisfaction is never satisfied. For we were created to let Christ be Lord of our lives. "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35).

Today's Psalm: 63:1
"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;"

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We thank You for Your marvelous grace that was poured out in the sacrificial death of Your Son and is made available to all for salvation from sin.  You want all men and women, boys and girls to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth.  We're grateful for those You raise up to be arms of compassion and instruments of blessing to others in the body of Christ and to those still clinging to the world.  Whether we were protected from the ravages of sin or we are experiencing Your restoring grace we thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has given us strength; that He considered us faithful, appointing us to be His servants for the furtherance of the Gospel. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday March 31, 2009 and we are completing our studies on the book of Judges. Please read chapters 20-21 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%2020-21&version=9

Today's Message: Repentance & Forgiveness
Sin always becomes progressively worse, lust eventually becomes action and its wages lead to death. The only cure is repentance and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

The Book of Judges closes with illustrations of the moral and spiritual corruption that existed at that time. The loyalty to the Lord that prevailed in Joshua's day was followed by lawlessness, immorality, and finally apostasy. Perverted spiritual and moral standards always exist when the Word of God is ignored and everyone does what they think is right rather than what is right in the eyes of God.

When the Word of God is ignored, people follow their own self will and soon turn to the immoral conduct of their sin nature. Conscience is only a true guide when it is guided by His Word. The tribe of Benjamin refused to allow justice to be done to the homosexual mob that gang raped a defenseless Israelite woman causing her death. So the rest of the tribes sought revenge. "Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh. And the chief of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword. (Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell us, how was this wickedness? And the Levite, the husband of the woman that was slain, answered and said, I came into Gibeah that belongeth to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge. And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, and thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they forced, that she is dead." (Judges 20:1-5).

After two defeats, in deep humility, the Israelites committed themselves to the Lord, "Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD." (20:26). It was only after they had built an altar and offered the required sacrifices for their own sins that God said He would be with them and the tribe of Benjamin was almost destroyed before the consequences of this wicked sin had been meted out. "And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour." (20:44).

There is growing indifference to immorality in our society that is similar to what existed in the tribe of Benjamin. We have redefined sin, adultery has be referred to as having an affair, homosexuality is referred to as an alternative lifestyle, and fornication is known as living together. The purpose of these word changes is to remove the sense of guilt for violating God's moral Law and to make the sinner feel more comfortable with themselves as they did when the Israelites did the same thing. "And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance. In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (21:24-25).

The truth is that these acts are in fact sin and all sin is abominable to our holy God. However, all sin that is truly repented of and forsaken is forgiven through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:9-11).

In the midst of anarchy and unbelief, God always has a faithful remnant who withstand the pressures and pleasures of sin and live to please Him. Everyone lives to please someone whether it be ourselves, other people, or the Lord, but it's the choices that we make that will determine our relationship with God. Therefore it is of great importance that we as Christians stop and think about what we are about to do before we do it. I for one have tasted all the world had to offer, but I was never satisfied, always longing for something to fill the emptiness. It was not until I devoted myself to Jesus that I realized it was Him that I needed and everything else was superficial. Eventually, we all come to that conclusion if we stop doing what we think is right and doing what we know is right, and that is only found in God's Word.

Today's Psalm: 86:4-5
"Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We’re grateful for the Scriptures that make us wise unto salvation; for the godly wisdom that plants us in the fertile soil of Christian fruitfulness. When tempted to look to the wisdom of man or expertise based on godless counsel prompt us instead to look to You, our Wonderful Counselor. In Jesus' Name.......Amen.

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

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