A Spiritual Guide

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday May 28, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Chronicles. Please read chapters 21-24 in your Bible or Click Here to read them.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Chronicles%2021-24& ;version=9

Today's Message: Having An Affect
The way we live our lives as Christians has a far reaching affect on those who are around and watching us, hoping to find a Christian life that really works.

During most of Jehoshaphat's reign, he maintained friendly relations with Ahab, the idol worshiping king of the northern kingdom. Although it didn't seem to affect him personally, his evil associations caused his son to become an evil leader, first he married Ahab's evil daughter, then he killed all his brothers and brought idol worship back to the land. "Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD." (II Chronicles 21:4-6). Sadly, there is always a division between living godly and living sinfully when we allow ourselves as well as family and friends to align with non-believers.

The prophet Elijah lived in the northern kingdom, he sent a letter to Jehoram foretelling his death brought on by his wicked ways. "And there came a writing to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah, But hast walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go a whoring, like to the whoredoms of the house of Ahab, and also hast slain thy brethren of thy father's house, which were better than thyself: Behold, with a great plague will the LORD smite thy people, and thy children, and thy wives, and all thy goods: And thou shalt have great sickness by disease of thy bowels, until thy bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day." (21:12-15). One of the worse things that anyone can do is cause others to sin, it's one thing to bring sin upon yourself, which brings it's own suffering, but leading others into it will only cause a much harsher punishment.

Jehoshaphat could not have realized the tragic consequences that resulted from his friendship with Ahab and allowing his son to marry his daughter. Every Christian should recognize the strong warning signs against dating those who do not have the same values. Some Christian parents have broken hearts as a result of allowing a son or daughter to date an unsaved person or even a Christian that does not live right with God. We are accountable for everything that we do and even though we may not suffer we never know what suffering we will bring others if we are not careful. However, always know that regardless of how many mistakes we have made God is with us and get us through the pain as long as we come to Him.

We as Christians have a huge affect on others, we are constantly being watched, not only by loved ones, but by everyone that we come in contact with, especially those who live in the world. They are observing us to see what the value is in living for God. The majority are curious and want to take that step, but many back down when they see so called Christians living more sinful lives than they are. That is why it is so important to get right with God and live according to His Word, we are no longer making an impression on ourselves, we are making an impression on God. If we spoil our own name we will certainly spoil Gods. 

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

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday May 27, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Chronicles. Please read chapters 18-20 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Chronicles%2018-20& ;version=9

Today's Message: True Fellowship
A saved person should be kind to the lost, but we can have no true fellowship with nonbelievers for it will cause us only pain in the end.

Jehoshaphat was one of the most godly kings in the history of Judah. He took away all the groves and high places that were used for Baal worship out of Judah and appointed Levites throughout the country to read and instruct people in the Law of God. "Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people." (II Chronicles 17:5-9). It is important that we always have God's Word with us wherever we go. Even if all we do is memorize a Scripture for the day we are keeping His Word with us and that is the sword that protects us whle we are in battle with the world.

Jehoshaphat made a serious mistake when he became friends with Ahab, the Baal worshiping king of the northern kingdom. Their friendship led to the marriage of Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram to Ahab's daughter Athaliah. Then Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to join him in a battle with Syria to regain his border city of Ramothgilead. "Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead. And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war. And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day." (II Chronicles 18:1-4). Non-believer's are very good at munipulating Christian's into sin. The second we leave the door open for them to come in we can be sure that we will slowly lose sight of God and if we are not careful, fall away from Him all together.

Following Jehoshaphat's request for a word from God, a fearless prophet named Micaiah boldly foretold that Ahab would not return alive from that war. However, in disregard of the prophet's warning, Jehoshaphat still joined Ahab and almost lost his life. "So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead. And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and I will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle. Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel. And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him." (18:28-31). If we are not careful, we too will face much suffering by associating with non-believers. However, God will protect us a long as we cry out to Him as Jehoshaphat did.

Christians are never justified in dating or having close relationships with an unsaved person, regardless of how good they may appear. All of our relationships should be guided by the Scriptures. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." (II Corinthians 6:14-17).

Nothing has changed very much over the centuries, there is just as much manipulation in the world today as it was 3000 years ago. Families separated by divorce, addictions, money, power, and many times even by serving God. It all comes down to who we hang around and what we do with our time. We are Christians and are to love everyone, but that does not mean that we are to associate with them all, even family. I know it can be hard to live in a home filled with non-believers, but we must place God at the center of it all and let Him guide us and bring us out of the battle safely. Just keep praying, He is taking care of you.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
It’s interesting that we often plead for Your attention and certainly expect You to listen to our prayers, You assure us through Your Word that You hear us when we call on You. But for true fellowship to exist we too must listen to Your voice through Scripture, through fellow believers, through Your many works of creation, and through Your still small voice that beckons our attention. You have so much to tell us that will often encourage us, sometimes reprove us, but always spur us on to good works and needed spiritual perspective as we journey here below.  Help us to listen, to heed, and to be steadfast in our daily fellowship with You and with true believers. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday May 25, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Ii Chronicles. Please read chapters 10-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read them.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Chronicles%2010-13& ;version=9

Today's Message: Advice From Others

Rehoboam became king after Solomon died, there is no record that Solomon taught him to walk in the ways of the Lord and follow His commands as David had taught him. Three years after his reign he made the biggest mistake that caused Israel to be divided once again. The leaders of Israel met with Rehoboam with a reasonable request that he ease the excessive taxes his father had imposed upon them for the past thirty years as well as the forced labor. "And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee. And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed." (II Chronicles 10:3-5).

Instead of listening to the elders who advised him to ease their burdens he listened to the young men that he grew up with who told him to increase their burdens. "And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions." (10:13-14). All Christians will edure some type of burden simply because they chose to follow Jesus, but what gives us the strength to overcome these burdens is Jesus. He alone strengthens us. protects us and will not forsake us, no matter what we go through, even if we have made mistakes.

This decision led most of the tribes to secede and form the northern kingdom. Rehoboam was left with only a small part of the original promised land. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained. "And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents. But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them." (10:16-17).

Rehoboam's biggest mistake of all was that he did not prepare his heart for God, it's not enough to follow God's commands, we must want to follow them, that makes all the difference in the world. The next mistake he made was that he sought the counsel of his egotistical friends instead of the wise elders. We must be careful who we align ourselves with and get advice from. We need to make sure we seek godly advisers and, more importantly, make sure that their advice agrees with the Word of God.

Today's Psalm: 4:3
"But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I want to pass on the life transforming truths from Your Word to those around me and those who follow me. I do so through my actions, my thoughts, and my words. May I honor You in these areas of my life so that I influence others for the Kingdom of God. In Jesus' Name........Amen

Have a wonderful and blessing day/night
God Bless,
Christina

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P.S. A special thank you to Jesus, who gave His life so that we could have eternal life and to all the men and women who died for us while serving in the military. God bless you all.

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday May 24, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Chronicles, please read chapters 7-9 in your Bible or Click Here to read them.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Chronicles%207-9&v ersion=9

Today's Message: Restored Blessings

After King Solomon prayed the longest prayer recorded in Scripture, fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifices and offerings that were at the altar, and God filled His house with His presence. "Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD's house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." (II Chronicles 7:1-3). What a sight that must have been to see fire come down from heaven and in an instant God was there. We are truly blessed today because we no longer have to place an animal on the altar in order to be forgiven of our sins and enjoy the presence of God. The presence of God comes to us by Jesus Christ as we repent of our sins to Him.

After that great dedication, God again appeared to Solomon in a dream, "And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:12-14). God was telling Solomon that there was going to be disastrous times for His people (Christians too), but as long as they humbly confess their sins and turn from their sinful ways He would forgive them and restore their land.

Have you seen the natural disasters of the world (hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires) and often wondered what all that was about? Think about the areas that have been affected the most, through them all, God was there trying to get them to turn from their wicked ways. Now, do not misunderstand me, there are times in our lives when we are faced with disaster and we are doing everything God asks us to do. Those times are tests that God allows Satan to use in order to prove our loyalty to Him. This is proved in the book of Job, " And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD." (Job 1:8-12). God allows Satan to throw tribulation our way, but He will never let Satan harm us nor send us anything that we can not handle or have come to pass. 

When we are faced with tribulation we need to stop and think about what we are doing with our lives, if there is any sign that we are not living them based on God's Word than we will continue to face tribulation until we repent and turn from our wicked ways. God loves us and wants the best for us, but how can we receive the best when we rebel against everything we know is true. It's time to think about the things you want to change in your life, match them up with God's Word, repent of any things that may be hindering you from making that change. It is only then that you will begin to receive the restored blessings that God has waiting for you.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday May 23, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Chronicles. Please read chapters 4-6 in your Bible or Click Here to read them.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Chronicles%204-6&v ersion=9

Today's Message: Covenant With God

King Solomon finally completed the Temple as his father David directed before he died. "Thus all the work that Solomon made for the house of the LORD was finished: and Solomon brought in all the things that David his father had dedicated; and the silver, and the gold, and all the instruments, put he among the treasures of the house of God." (II Chronicles 5:1).

Then, all the Israelites gathered around Solomon as he stood before the altar and prayed the longest prayer recorded in Scripture. "For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven. And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts: Thou which hast kept with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him; and spakest with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is this day. Now therefore, O LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that which thou hast promised him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel; yet so that thy children take heed to their way to walk in my law, as thou hast walked before me." (II Chronicles 6:13-16). Solomon recognized that, without the presence of God, this magnificent Temple would be a worthless structure.

The same is true today, no matter how beautiful a church is without the presence of God, it too is worthless. The presence of God actually dwells in those who truly worship Him, in the form of the Holy Spirit, for we (Christ followers) are the Temple of God. "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. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." (I Corinthians 2:12-15). If a man of God does not have the presence of God in him than nothing he says to his congregation will have merit. It is important when choosing a church that the leader be one that has truly placed God at the center of His life.

Today's Psalm: 40:3
"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We are thankful for Your great compassion and enduring patience; that You do not treat us as our sins deserve but with Your never-ending mercy. From everlasting to everlasting Your love is with those who walk with You, who keep Your covenant and obey Your precepts.
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 Friday May 22, 2009 and we are beginning our studies on the book of II Chronicles. Please read chapters 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Chronicles%201-3&v ersion=9

Today's Message: Self Satisfaction
The desire for material gain always pulls us away from God's will for our lives. Many gifted people forsake the Lord to satisfy their own needs.

The book of II Chronicles is the fourteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains thirty-six chapters. The author of the book is unknown, but it could possibly be the prophet Ezra. The book was written to the Israelites and the purpose of the book was to record of the religious history of Judah. What we are to learn from the book is that the blessings that God give to us comes through our humbling ourselves and seeking Him in all that we do.

King Solomon began his reign in submission to God, the first act of Solomon as king was to gather all the people to the ancient Tabernacle of the congregation of God. "And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers. So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness." (II Chronicles 1:1-3). All who live in submission to God will be magnified. Often, we make the mistake of thinking that what we want is what God wants us to have and when we do not get it we begin to doubt God. However, when we live in submission to Him, we come to understand that God prepares and grows us to receive the things we truly need.

The one thing Solomon asked God (in a dream) was for the wisdom and knowledge he needed to be a good ruler to his people. "And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast shewed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like." (1:8-12). Many people have misunderstood this verse to believe that it was an actual prayer from Solomon, but it was only a dream. God was speaking to him through the dream, attempting to show him that his true desire needed to be his dependence on Him. God often speaks to us in peculiar ways to get us to realize the same thing, it is up to us to study the Scriptures to know if what we desire lines up with God's desires for us.

Sadly, the more powerful Solomon got the less he relied on God, until he eventually turned from Him altogether, breaking every one of His commands. It may appear strange for one to possess such wealth and wisdom and not desire to please God, but possessions always give a false sense of security and self sufficiency which often robs many of the true values of life. The Scriptures teach us that the Word of God is the true source of wisdom for knowing the values of life. As we read the Bible with a desire to do His will, the Spirit of Christ, who is the the Living Word, guides our thoughts and actions. "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:27-31).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
There are many good things that beckon my attention, time, and energy, but You know what I truly need. Lord, give me the strength and endurance to press on zealously, no matter how difficult things seem. As I obey You I find reward and fulfillment in my spiritual walk and learn Your true desires for my life. Keep me firm and immovable always abounding in Your work because I want to make an eternal difference and am confident that my work for You will never be in vain. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday May 20, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read chapters 24-26 in your Bible or 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...%20Chronicles%2024-26& ;version=9

Today's Message: Most Important Job
God blesses us with one and sometimes many talents that enable us do the job needed to serve Him, but the most important job we will ever have is honoring the Great Commission.

Before his death, King David instituted a method of Temple services for the 24,000 Levites to avoid any favoritism. "And David distributed them, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, according to their offices in their service.................These were the orderings of them in their service to come into the house of the LORD, according to their manner, under Aaron their father, as the LORD God of Israel had commanded him. And the rest of the sons of Levi were these: Of the sons of Amram; Shubael: of the sons of Shubael; Jehdeiah." (I Chronicles 24:3,19-20). He made some priests, some musicians, some singers, and even some gatekeepers. Every position that had been commanded was very important and needed to be done with wholeheartedness since they would be in the presence of God. The duties were rotated to ensure that one person did not do any more or less to serve the Lord than the other.

The responsibilities of all the varied workers teach us that every opportunity to serve God is a sacred responsibility. No matter how small the position seems, it is an important one and one that should be done with honor and joy knowing that God will bless you exceedingly for it. This is illustrated by Obededom who was just an ordinary gatekeeper for the Temple. He held the Ark of God for three months while David prepared a way to have it moved to Jerusalem, but he received much more than the task of keeping the Ark. He also received God's Word and His very presence as He dwelt above the mercy seat. During that time Obededom and his family were very blessed. "Moreover the sons of Obededom were, Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethaneel the fifth. Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him." (I Chronicles 26:4-5).

Just as God blessed Obededom and his family He will bless all who allow Christ and His Word to rule their lives. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.................But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-3,12-14). Jesus has been  the core of the Bible since the book Genesis when Adam and Eve committed the first sin. He is the Word made flesh and all who accept Him dwell with Him and enjoy His presence. The more our thoughts are occupied with Christ and His Word, the more we realize His presence.

Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, He declared the Great Commission, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20). The most important job in the world for His disciples (Christ followers) is to teach all nations the true Gospel of Christ. We are to, but sow the seed, everything else is up to God and the person. We may see them accept Christ in person or will never know that they did until we meet them in heaven, but as long as we do out part in fulfilling the Great Commission we are blessed and honored by God.

Today's Psalm: 126:5-6
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

Dear God,
We want to be faithful in sowing Your righteous truths by the manner in which we live and by the message we share with others. You have commanded that we must sow the seeds of truth, no matter what we see with the visible eye. Thank You, Jesus, You made a way for us to be justified through the shedding of Your innocent blood so that we, though guilty, could be saved from an eternal lake of fire. We are no longer enemies of the cross, but reconciled to the Father, through You. We want to sow seeds of salvation wherever we go and trust You for the eventual saving of many lives. In Jesus' Name...........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday May 19, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read chapters 21-23 in your Bible or 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...%20Chronicles%2021-23& ;version=9

Today's Message: Impressing God
Our physical success does not impress God. It is the amount of love we have for Him and our desire to obey Him that impresses Him.

It was now time for King David to prepare Solomon to take over the reign as the next king. It was Solomon who God appointed as the king who would build His Temple. David was not satisfied with just providing Solomon with the materials needed to build the Temple, he also instructed him and warned him to always seek guidance from God in all that he did. "And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel..........Now, my son, the LORD be with thee; and prosper thou, and build the house of the LORD thy God, as he hath said of thee. Only the LORD give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the LORD thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed." (I Chronicles 22:5-6,11-13). David's instruction to Solomon holds true for us also, in all that we do we need to seek God for guidance. As long as we do we will prosper and nothing or no one can take away our success.

Impressing God has nothing to do with how much money we can give the church nor even coming to church. What good is giving all the money in the world or coming to church if you are not living for God? Living in the flesh, then going to church from time to time does not show God that you love Him and want Him in your life. 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). Please understand that the only way to God is first and foremost by accepting Jesus as your Savior. He is the key to developing a loving and trusting relationship with our Heavenly Father. If you do not know Him, you will never know God.

True love is demonstrated by our faith, commitment, and obedience to the Word of God as well as our dependency upon Him to answer prayer while we do all that we can do to bring it to pass. Indecently, it's great to have faith in God, but we must not just sit there and expect things to happen. If you are in need of a job, do you just sit there and wait for the phone to ring or do you look for open positions by faith? If you are ill do you just sit there and expect to be healed or do you take the proper medications by faith? "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works............For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:17-18, 26). We should not assume that we can just leave it up to God and do nothing. The Lord expects our participation in all that we can do, works alone nor faith alone will not get us very far, but together they can help us get through all tribulation. Christ calls every believer to first seek the Kingdom of God, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
we thank You that salvation comes from You alone. We would fall way too short if we relied on our good works, our personality, our status in life or our worldly accumulation to purchase our Salvation. You are the sinless Lamb of God, the only acceptable sacrifice to God, who provides Salvation to every man, woman, boy and girl from every region on the face of this earth who call upon Your name. There is no other name in heaven or on earth whereby we can be saved. We are intensely grateful for Your merciful compassion toward us and the love that You have shown us. Let us return the love by living our lives for You. In Your Name, Jesus.........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday May 18, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read chapters 17-20 in your Bible or 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...%20Chronicles%2017-20& ;version=9

Today's Message: True Values
The closer we draw to God, the more important His Word becomes to us, this enables us to discover the true values of life.

As David compared the beauty of his own palace to the Tabernacle tent where the Ark of God had resided he began to feel ashamed. This was the dwelling place of God and it was only a tent while David himself lived in luxury. So, he inquired of the Lord through Nathan the prophet. "Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the LORD remaineth under curtains. Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee. And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in: For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from one tabernacle to another.............And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever." (I Chronicles 17:1-5,11-12). David believed that the true King's throne room ought to be the best, but God had other plans and was content to remain in the Tabernacle tent until it was time for Him to have a house to dwell in. God does the same thing with us, he will place us in a type of content state until He is ready for us to advance.

We hear more about David seeking God for guidance and praise than any other person in Hebrew history. Praise and prayer were very important to him and the result made him blessed and prosperous in all that he did. Much of his success was due to the fact that he did not place himself above God, he humbly prayed to God as if he were a normal servant. "And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God. What can David speak more to thee for the honour of thy servant? for thou knowest thy servant. O LORD, for thy servant's sake, and according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this greatness, in making known all these great things. O LORD, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears." (17:16-20). David humbly bowed himself to God and praised Him for all the great things that he had been blessed with.

Although Christians are aware of the importance of prayer, very few make it a vital part of their lives as David did. When we humbly seek God in prayer He enables us to make the right decisions and helps us be all that we can be. "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (I Peter 5:6-7). To humble yourself means to not be proud, not to boast of the things that you have accomplished or received. It is better to receive praise and give it to others than to praise ourselves, pride can destroy everything if we are not careful. It also means not to place yourself above others, we are replaceable and God is no respecter of persons. It is one thing to feel good about something that we have accomplished, but we must make sure we do not forget to acknowledge God has helped us get there. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." (Galatians 6:2-6).

Reading God's Word is also very important, it along with prayer enables us to communicate with Him. As we read His Word He is speaking to us and as we pray we are speaking to Him, this is open communication with God. Every answer to every question can be found in God's Word. If you think that what you are experiencing is something out of the ordinary, think again, every experience known to man happened by someone in the Scriptures. We may have advanced in technology, but we have not advanced in life's experiences. We can all learn how to handle every situation simply by searching the Scriptures. The more we read God's Word, the more we understand, the more we understand the more we learn the True Values of life. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16-17).

Today's Psalm: 119:160
"Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I want my heart to be tuned to Your Truth and righteousness, for You are the Way, the Truth 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 will recognize truth from error. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday May 17, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles.
Please read chapters 14-16 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...%20Chronicles%2014-16& ;version=9

Today's Message: Praising God

David's first attempt to bring the Ark to Jerusalem failed because he violated the Law of God (see II Samuel 6:1-8). However, on the second attempt he carefully learned and obeyed God's Word, telling the priests to sanctify themselves and bear the Ark of God upon their shoulders. "And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever. And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the LORD unto his place, which he had prepared for it." (I Chronicles 14:1-3).

David led the United Kingdom in a glorious time of praising the Lord as they brought the Ark from the house of Obededom to Jerusalem. To show his respect for God, David humbly took off his royal garments and dressed in a plain linen ephod, a garment used by priests when ministering before God. "So David, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the house of Obededom with joy. And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, that they offered seven bullocks and seven rams. And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also had upon him an ephod of linen. Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps." (15:25-28). David was publicly acknowledging his submission to the one True King of Israel and expressing honor and praise to the Almighty God. Godly people will publicly acknowledge their submission to the authority of the Supreme King and express honor and praise to their Lord as the Almighty Creator of all things.

When they arrived at Jerusalem, David provided an inspiring psalm for his choir to sing. "Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren. Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.............Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength." (16:7-11,23-28). To fear God does not mean that we are to be afraid of Him. It means that we are to have respect for and be in awe of Him. When we fear God we are telling Him that there are no other false gods taking place of Him and that life would be fearful without Him in it.

Godly people are not concerned about being praised, but have a desire to praise the Lord. Silent praise is good, but if we remain silent than the world would never know of His wondrous works. The world needs to hear us praise Him, nothing can honor Him more than open, vocal praise that comes from the heart of the one who is truly devoted to Him. "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:14-16).

Today's Psalm: 16:8-9
"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
When we gave you our heart, we made the willful choice to no longer conform to the trends of this world. Instead we ask You to daily renew our minds so that we see this world through the eyes of Christ. We are put to the test daily in deciding what is truth and what is error. May Your Holy Word be our reference point and Your Spirit be our Guide as we are exposed to countless principles of this world rather than Your eternal truths. Sharpen our discernment and grant us courage so that we readily know truth from error and are fearless in saying so.  I pray in Jesus' name...........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday May 15, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read chapters 8-10 in your Bible or 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...%20Chronicles%208-10& version=9

Today's Message: Abilities From God
We are blessed with abilities from God that allow us to serve Him, but we must be careful to guard ourselves against worldly surroundings that can make us forget what they are initially  intended for.

The Israelites were carried away into captivity by Babylon for their disobedience and neglecting to keep the Word of God. Captive, downtrodden, and degraded, they were forced into the strange land. "So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression. Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims." (I Chronicles 9:1-2). The Nethinims were Temple servants, a job that seems rather insignificant, but they were so important to God that He recorded them in the Bible. Their loyalty to God made them willing to work and to serve Him wherever they were need. They set an example for all of us who serve God in the smallest ways, from cleaning bathrooms to taking care of children in the nursery, that every little thing we do to serve God shows Him our loyalty to Him and how important we are to Him.

After the Israelites 70-year captivity, which had been foretold by Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 25:11-12), King Cyrus offered them freedom to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. Only a small minority of Israelites responded to the proclamation by Cyrus and left the comforts and safety of the new Persian kingdom to return to the rubble of Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. However, all who did respond to the call became capable of the work God called them to do. "And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God." (9:12-13).

Every child of God has a place in God's plan and is needed. Regardless of the seeming importance or insignificance of our abilities, they are a sacred trust from God. God does not expect the person who is given one skill to fulfill the responsibility of the person who has more skills, but though our skills may seem to be minimal, each one can do something as we make ourselves available to Him. "Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues (understand other languages): But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." (I Corinthians 12:3-12).

Sadly, some have chosen to use their God given abilities for secular opportunities to become famous and wealthy rather than use them to serve. However, we must not let the lusts of the world control how we use them. We may have fun for a while and think we have everything we want, but if we are not using our abilities for God's glory all we are doing is setting ourselves up for failure. God will give us all our desires, there is no need to worry or fret over the things of the world. God will provide us with everything we need as long as we serve Him the best we can. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons." (Colossians 3:23-25). We are so blessed with the privilege to be able to influence others to become followers of Christ and when we choose to use our abilities for His glory we will never need to fear our future.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We pray for a spirit of cooperation and eagerness to contribute to the needs of the whole body, so that Your Church is built not just with sweat, bricks, and mortar, but with love, care, and teamwork. Therefore, we go forth in unity and purpose as we do our part in building each other up in the various natural abilities and learned skills that You have given us as we strive for unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday May 14, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Chronicles. Please read chapters 6-7 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...%20Chronicles%206-7&v ersion=9

Today's Message: Family of God
We no longer have to be born in a certain earthy family in order to be used by God, but we do have to be born into the family of God in order to be used by Him.

The long and seemingly uninteresting genealogy in these chapters reveals that the name of every individual priest and Levite, along with the family and tribe he belonged to, was carefully registered. "The sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. And the sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. And the children of Amram; Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar." (I Chronicles 6:1-3). In gratitude for the Levite's spiritual leadership, the other tribes were given the responsibility of providing for those who lived within their communities through their tithes and offerings. God does not look on mankind as just a crowd of human beings who populate the earth, each person has a personal responsibility. We are all made for a purpose, but that does not mean that all of us will accept those responsibilities.

Not all of the Levites were devoted to their God given responsibilities. Some, at first, seemed to be blessed with remarkable spiritual beginnings, but when tested, they forfeited their heaven born opportunities. Aaron was devoted to his God given responsibilities, but two of his sons, Nadab and Abihu, who had every opportunity to be equally used by the Lord, did not follow God's commands. "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD." (Leviticus 10:1-2). Eli was a faithful prophet, but his sons were unworthy immoral reprobates. Samuel was a godly judge, priest and prophet, but his sons were unscrupulous and took bribes. For years, Zadok shared the High Priest position with Abiathar (see I Kings 2:26-35), but by participating in Adonijah's plot to seize the throne from David became a traitor.

The sons of Levi represented a sacred office, not a political appointment or popular vote of the people so there was to be complete, submissive obedience to their God given call. Today, we are no longer born into a special earthly family to be used of God, but we are born into the family of God through the Lord, Jesus Christ.  It's a wonderful blessing to know that by faith we are saved by the blood of Christ. However, if we want to receive the full blessings in store for us, it's not enough to have faith we must also be a faithful servant. Every child of God has the privilege and responsibility of representing the Lord and of being a faithful servant of Christ. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:19-24).

It should be of little consequence to us whether or not we are used of God in a spectacular work. The deception of our twenty-first century is that we are prone to measure God's approval in the light of sensational success. However, the person who satisfies God is one who is loyal to the indwelling Christ. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Thessalonians 5:18-23).

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 Great Name, Jesus............Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday May 11, 2009 and we are beginning our studies on the book I Chronicles. Please read chapters 1-2 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online.
 ;http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Chronicles%201-2&v ersion=9

Today's Message: What's In A Name?
You may not realize it, but you are a part of the genealogy of Christ, a special person chosen by God himself to serve Him. All who accept God's Son as their Savior are written in the Book of Life.

The book of I Chronicles is the thirteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-nine chapters. The author of the book is unknown, but it could have possibly been Ezra, the prophet. The purpose of the book was to record the religious history of Judah. What we are to learn from the book is that God blesses those who exalt Him.

The first nine chapters of I Chronicles may first appear to be an unimportant list of names. They were not all great men of faith like Abraham and David, but they all were needed. This ancient genealogy reveals the exact plan of our Creator in selecting the people whom He qualified to serve Him, beginning with Adam. "Adam, Sheth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalaleel, Jered, Henoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth............Abram; the same is Abraham. The sons of Abraham; Isaac, and Ishmael.................And Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac; Esau and Israel." (I Chronicles 1:1-4, 27-28,34). Israel is God's given name for Jacob. This genealogy was exceedingly important after the Israelites' captivity. The long list of genealogies was to encourage the Israelites, to realize how God foretold their return to Jerusalem. It showed how God continued to protect the family line of the coming Messiah, whose descent can be traced from Adam through Abraham and David.

Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is traced through the very names recorded in the Chronicles. The book of Matthew also records the genealogy up to Jesus' birth, "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;...........And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations." (Matthew 1:1-6,16-17). It was important that Jesus be born a Levite. Unless a man's name had been included in the genealogy of Levi, he could not minister in the Temple.

The Chronicles cover the same history as II Samuel, I and II Kings. However, the Chronicles focus on Judah and Temple Worship and the prophetic promises of the Messiah centered on them. Their primary purpose is to emphasize the importance of worship and having a right relationship  with the three persons of God that make One Great God, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, emphasis is made of the importance of the Law and Temple restorations which are associated with them.

Today, Christian's who accept Jesus Christ become part of the genealogy of Christ. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." (I Peter 2:9-10). God decided who would be included in the genealogy of Christ. He is personally involved in every Christian's life, desiring to guide us through every detail. But He gave everyone a free will either to do His will or to follow the deception of the human mind. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Christ is Lord of our lives and oversees every detail. You can be sure that things that happen to believers are never "accidents"; they are allowed by our Lord, the Master Engineer. He is preparing us to be the person He can use to accomplish the purpose for which He created us. As we prayerfully read all His Word, He continually reveals His will to us. Although we cannot understand many of the things that He brings into our lives, by faith we can be sure that all things work together for our own good and for His glory. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:26-28).

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
You make Your truths known to us through the ancient words of Scripture. With the Holy Scriptures as our guidebook we align human philosophy with Your truths rather than adjust Scripture to affirm the viewpoint of man. When Scripture brings conviction we call upon You for strength and courage to make the necessary changes so that we live holy lives set apart for Your intended purpose. Then we can more clearly distinguish light from darkness and will keep the forces of evil from overtaking our heart’s affections. We pray for our loved ones who are in bondage to sin. They’ve sought the world’s approval and forsaken Your commands. Satan has corrupted their minds, but I pray that You would sensitize their hearts to godly teaching. Bring them to repentance and righteous living. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

Have a blessed day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday May 10, 2009 and we are completing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 22-25 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%2022-25&vers ion=9

Today's Message: Lead The Way
Because we are Christians, there is no guarantee that our loved ones will be also. We must train them in the Word of God for them to know the way.

Josiah was the last godly king of Judah before the destruction of Jerusalem, "Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left." (II Kings 22:1-2).

Josiah was thorough in his efforts to restore true worship to the One True God. He found the book of the covenant and read it word for word to the faithful people of Judah and made a covenant with God. "And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant." (II Kings 23:1-3). Josiah is an example to all Christian's to read and teach the Word of God. We all benefit from knowing God's Word personally and getting around those who can help us understand it.

Josiah destroyed all the idolatrous practices, the groves, buildings, in Jerusalem and Judah. "And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven. And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people. And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove. And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beersheba, and brake down the high places of the gates that were in the entering in of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man's left hand at the gate of the city." (23:5-8). Josiah even went beyond Judah, into Bethel, and destroyed the groves and images.

Josiah was one of the best kings in the more than 450 year history of the monarchy. The death of Josiah ended the prosperity of Judah. Just three months after his death, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was defeated by the Egyptians. The last four kings who followed Josiah were all puppet-rulers, controlled first by Egypt and then Babylon.

 

The destruction of the once glorious kingdom of Judah and Solomon's Temple is a grim reminder that reformation alone will not bring lasting change in people; there must be repentance and renewal within the heart of a people, as well as a nation. Even the greatest present day nation on earth, with all its wealth, military might, and nuclear defense, cannot survive, regardless of how much the people may pray, if its people continue to ignore the Word of God.

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,
We are thankful that there is no one who comes to You through Jesus who goes away unable to find reconciliation with You, for You save completely and to the uttermost.  Because Your Son lives and intercedes for us we have renewed hope daily for the circumstances of our lives and for the people that are dear to our hearts.  Fill our hearts anew with hope, encouragement and endurance as we stand upon Your Word and fully trust You to guide our lives this day. In Jesus' Name.......Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday May 9, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 18-21in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%2018-21&vers ion=9

Today's Message: Honor God's Word

When Hezekiah became king, he did not follow the ways of his evil father Ahaz; instead, he believed the prophets of God, including the unpopular Micah. "Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him." (II Kings 18:1-5). Hezekiah was unique in his trust in God, he was the most godliest king since David. He sets an example for all of us to follow, no matter how much corruption we are faced with we can serve God and put our trust in Him to keep us from becoming corrupted ourselves.

Hezekiah knew that obedience without faith in God would not be adequate in following the will of God. He prayed to God with faith, honoring Him. "And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only." (19:15-19). Hezekiah sets another example for us to follow, when we pray with faith,  honoring God and His Word. People are blessed beyond measure when He and His Word are honored.

Hezekiah not only benefited from the ministry of Micah, he also gained spiritual encouragement from the prophet Isaiah. When Hezekiah was dying Isaiah was by his side. "In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." (II Kings 20:1-6). There's not a cry, sickness, or death to which the compassionate heart of God is not touched. He has the power to heal all who are seriously ill.

Every situation of life is depicted for us in the Bible in order to give us an understanding of our relationship with God, our responsibilities to Him, as well as to others. Consequently, we have illustrations on the results of various ways to react to each situation. As we read through the Bible we gain guidance on how to understand our circumstances.

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 gave You our heart, we made the willful choice to no longer conform to the trends and philosophies of this world. Instead we ask You to daily renew our minds so that we see this world through the eyes of Christ. We are put to the test daily in deciding what is truth and what is error. May Your Holy Word be our reference point and Your Spirit be our Guide as we are exposed to countless philosophies based on human understanding and the basic principles of this world rather than Your eternal foundational truths. Sharpen our discernment and grant us courage so that we readily know truth from error and are fearless in saying so.  In Jesus' Name........Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday May 8, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 16-17 in your Bible or you can  Click Here to read them online.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%2016-17&vers ion=9

Today's Message: Nation Under God
Evil nations rush to try to remove God and His Word from their thoughts, but to the faithful His promises are still true.

Pekah is now king of Israel, fearing the growing power of Assyria, he made an alliance with Rezin, king of Syria. Together, they attempted to force Ahaz, king of Judah, to join them. When Ahaz refused, King Rezin and King Pekah came up to wage war against Jerusalem. In retaliation, Ahaz made an alliance with Tiglath-pileser, the king of Assyria, to attack Syria and Israel. "In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign...........Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him. At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day. So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me. And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria." (II Kings 16:1,5-8). Tiglath-pileser conquered the smaller kingdom of Syria, killed Rezin and later defeated the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the eastern side of the Jordan. He then took control of the northern part of the Jordan Valley, making Galilee and Gilead into Assyrian provinces. All that was left of the ten-tribe northern kingdom of Israel was the capital city of Samaria and the surrounding hill country of Ephraim, it too, eventually fell to Assyria. A little over 30 years after Jeroboam's death, the words of the prophets were fulfilled as the Northern Kingdom of Israel was destroyed, See II Kings 17:4-8.

The captivity and separation of the northern kingdom throughout Assyria took place because the Israelites ignored the One True God and followed other gods. "Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel; With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them: But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice. And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods." (17:34-37). Many nations under God are slowly becoming heathen nations and following other gods. That is why it is so important for us faithful Christian's to stand by God's Word. We may not be able to control the heathens, but we can take a stand for God and one by one show the lost who the One and Only True God is.

Sadly, the Lord's chosen people lived and continue to live as God does not exist. They trust their own judgment instead of God's Word. Therefore, they became incapable of carrying out His purpose. We see this same disloyalty in some who call themselves Christian's. They claim to be members of a church, only attend briefly on Sunday, and yet the rest of the week they live as if God does not exist. They seem to have no genuine heart's desire to please the Lord. They disregard the Word of God making a self god and whoever or whatever gets their attention and loyalty becomes their idol, whether it is a person, place, thing, or activity. That is when they too will face defeat. Jesus warned us about worldly Christian's, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." (Matthew 15:8-11). We will constantly face worldly Christian's and hear lots of things that can corrupt us, again, we must stand by God's Word. It's the only thing that will keep us from falling into a sinful, unfulfilling life.

Incidently, you may want to call yourself blessed because God has chosen you, regardless of what age you are, He has chosen you for a special purpose. He gave you the knowledge and understanding that you need to serve Him faithfully and tell others about Him in your own special way. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15:13-16).

Today's Psalm: 33:12
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We lift our eyes toward Your Throne, where You reign in righteousness. Your Word assures us that when Your people cry out in sincerity and humility, You will never turn a deaf ear to us. We call upon You now, seeking Your forgiveness and favor. Unite these Nations again in devotion to You, and blur every dividing line. Do not give us over to our sins. Give us, instead, over to passionate prayer that moves Your heart. May Your unfailing love rest upon us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday May 7, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 14-15 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%2014-15&vers ion=9

Today's Message: Fully Surrender

Following the death of his father Jehoash, Jeroboam II ruled the northern kingdom of Israel in Samaria for 41 years, one of the longest reigns of any of Israel's kings. However, Immorality and idolatry flourished during the reign of Jeroboam II. "In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty and one years. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher." (II Kings 14:23-25). For about 30 years the nation enjoyed peace, prosperity, and political prestige unparalleled since the days of David and Solomon. Unfortunately, his military abilities were not matched by any desire for doing the will of God, which eventually caused destruction in the land. God is interested in obedience to His Word more than in political accomplishments.

God showed His love for His people through prophets, such as Jonah, but the people rejected the Word of God. They attributed their prosperity to their idols and worshiped them more than ever, while immorality and violence continued to thrive. Scripture gives little credit to Jeroboam for his success, but the Lord foretold it through His servant Jonah. "For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash............And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead." (14:26-27,29). After Jeroboam's death, anarchy prevailed and Israel rapidly degenerated even more. Jeroboam was succeeded by his son Zechariah, who reigned only six months. This was the fourth and last generation of the house of Jehu.

About 30 years after Jeroboam's death, the words of the prophets were fulfilled. The northern kingdom was destroyed and its people taken captive by the Assyrians. If they had only repented of their sins, been obedient to the Word of God, and worshiped the Lord, their wonderful peace and prosperity surely would have continued. "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans 14-16). We are not to submit ourselves to commiting evil because we know we are saved by the blood of Christ. We are to fully surrender ourselves over to Him, it is only then that we continue to enjoy prosperity.

Material success is often very deceptive, as it was for King Jeroboam II. We must not measure men's character by the length of their lives, nor by their material prosperity, for only God knows the secrets of the heart. Surely the goodness and mercy of God should lead us, in gratitude, to do the will of Jesus Christ our Lord. "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:" (Colossians 1:9-13).

Today's Psalm: 44:20-21
"If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I want my heart to be tuned to Your Truth and righteousness, for You are the Way, the Truth 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 and blessed day/night.
God Bless you,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday May 6, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 11-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%2011-13&vers ion=9

Today's Message: Never Too Late

When Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, received word that her son, King Ahaziah, was dead, she seized the throne of Judah and proclaimed herself queen. To make sure she had no competition, she ruthlessly murdered her own grandsons. She thought she had killed all of David's descendants, but God intervened and saved one-year-old Joash. "And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land." (II Kings 11:1-3). Joash was the sole link that preserved the empire of David and the lineage through which Jesus Christ would come.

Joash remained in the protective care and influence of Jehoiada the high priest for six years. Then Jehoiada and the other rulers anointed Joash as king. "And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son............And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple.And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king." (11:4,11-12). The excited shouts caught the attention of Athaliah, who ran into the Temple court just in time to hear Jehoiada the high priest command the captains of the guard to execute her.

Then Jehoiada made a covenant between God, the king, and the people, which resulted in the destruction of the Baal temple and execution of its chief priest Mattan.
"And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD's people; between the king also and the people. And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD." (11:17-18). There will always be someone trying to corrupt Christian's, but thank God that He intervenes and protects us. God knows that we can all be deceived by false prophets and regardless of how much corruption we get ourselves into, He will pull us out and get us back on the right path.

Joash (Jehoash) did right by God, but he never took down the high places that were used for Baal worship. The faithless priests let the Temple fall into disrepair and allowed the people to offer sacrifices there. Soon after, Joash's own servants had him killed. "In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places...............And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla." (II KIngs 12:1-3,20).

The account of Joash illustrates that God's covenant people have the responsibility to live according to the demands of their relationship with God, to forsake the Word of God results in untold miseries. "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:22-25).

It's never too late to get right with God and receive the blessings that He has in store for us, but we must do it wholeheartedly. "For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart." (Jeremiah 24:6-7).

Today's Psalm: 119:2
"Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart."

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 day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday April 5, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 9-10 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%209-10&versi on=9

Today's Message: No Substitute

After Ahab's death, his son Ahaziah reigned over Israel for two years (see I Kings 22:51), followed by the 12-year reign of another son, Jehoram (also known as Joram) (see II Kings 3:1). These two kings zealously promoted Baal worship, which had been initiated by their wicked mother Jezebel. Baal worship had also become popular in the southern kingdom of Judah due to its king, who also was named Jehoram, who married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.

During this time of spiritual decline, the Lord was preparing Jehu, the military commander of the armies of the northern kingdom, as His instrument of judgment. God had earlier revealed to His prophet Elijah that Jehu would become king of Israel (see I Kings 19:16). "And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead: And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber; Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not." (II Kings 9:1-3). Perhaps 20 years passed before the Lord directed Elisha to send a young prophet east of the Jordan River to Ramoth-gilead, where Jehu was stationed with his army.

The prophet anointed Jehu as king of Israel and the God-appointed executioner of Israel's evil King Jehoram and all the descendants of Ahab. "And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain. And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel." (9:5-6).

Jehu drove his chariots furiously to the city of Jezreel where he executed Jehoram and then Ahaziah, king of Judah. Then Jehu had Jezebel thrown out of a window and he trampled her with his horse. And, as foretold earlier by Elijah, the dogs ate her body. He killed all of Ahab's family and all the Baal worshipers were then executed. However, he did not kill Athaliah, the daughter of Jezebel, continued to promote Baal worship as queen in Judah. "Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel. Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Bethel, and that were in Dan. And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin." (10:28-31). There was some good about Jehu and his 28-year reign over Israel, But, there was also much that was wrong with him. His zeal for the Lord and his reformation were, but a partial turning to the Lord, just enough to achieve his own needs.

Jehu demonstrated that it is possible for one to be used by God and yet never be in submission to Christ as Lord of one's life. Hypocrites serve the Lord for their own self interests, but will eventually fall. We can not use God for our own agenda, it is one thing to pray, read, or fast to see God answer our call, but we are not never do it for our own selfish reasons.

Our decisions should never be based on the protection of our own self interests, but on our commitment to the Lord's interests. "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (I Thessalonians 4:3-7).

God will bless us with all our needs and more than we ever imagine, but the key to receiving them is to be in total submission to God, not because we want something from Him, because we know it's the right thing to do.

Today's Psalm: 77:12-14
"I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I want to pass on life transforming truths from Your Holy Word to those around me and those who follow me.  I do so through my actions, my thoughts, and my words.  May I honor You in these areas of my life so that I influence others for the Kingdom of God. In Jesus' Name............Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday May 4, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 4-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%204-8&versio n=9

Today's Message: Promises of God
Christians need not fear tomorrow, instead, we can rejoice in the promises of God, but be careful not to let greed control your actions.

God reminds us of a widow woman whose two sons would have been sold as slaves. "Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen." (II Kings 4:1). This helpless widow poured out her heart to Elisha, the only possession she had in her house seemed worthless because it was only a small vessel of oil, but that small worthless thing saved her sons. Elisha, directed her to borrow as many empty pots as she could. "And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few." ( 4:2-3). One would wonder why God directed Elish to tell her to borrow empty pots. The empty pots represent debt, if she borrowed pots full of oil she would have been in further debt, but the empty pots had no value to them so when she paid the debt owed by her husband she was completely debt free. God can take the little we have and make it into something priceless and precious to the Almighty Creator as we give ourselves to Him.

Naaman, was a great military, but had one severe problem, he was leprous. Desperate to be healed he appeared before King Jehoram in Israel. "Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper...........And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy." (5:1,5-6). When Naaman obeyed the words of the prophet, he was miraculously healed. God can do the same thing for us, all we have to do is trust in Him, live for Him, and acknowledge Him.

Greatful of Elisha's help, Naaman offered him a huge reward, he refused, but Gehazi and inspiring new prophet over heard Elish refuse the reward. This greedy servant persuaded himself into believing that God had blessed him with an oppportunity to receive the reward. Sadly, because of his greed and deceit, he became leprous. "But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow." (II Kings 5:25-27). Gehazi probably did not think it was a sin to gain wealth that he didn't deserve from someone who was a Gentile and didn't need it. He forfeited any opportunity he may have had to be the next honored prophet of God. Instead, he became a leper! When Gehazi was tested, he exposed his true character as a covetous hypocrite.

Now, Benhadad, the king of Syria, became ill, he requested that Hazeal go to Elisha and inquire if he would recover from his sickness. Elisha told Hazael to tell the king yes, but then he began to weep. "And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child." (8:8-12). Hazael appeared shocked, that he would be so wicked, but with deceptive concern, he waited for the right opportunity and eventually fulfilled the prophesy. Hazael was willing to stoop to any depth of evil in order to gain a favored position immediately.

Obedient Christians need not fear for tomorrow! Instead, we can rejoice in the promises of God, who supplies all our needs and gives us all that we desire according to the His riches in glory. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me...........But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:13,19).

Today's Psalm: 22:24-26
"For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. 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,
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 day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday May 3, 2009 and we are beginning our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 1-3 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II" target="_blank"http://www.biblegateway.com/p...%20Kings%201-3&versio n=9

Today's Message: Follow Him
We will be faced with many obstacles in our lives to try and keep us from serving God. We must not let anything stop us from following Him.

The book of II Kings is the twelfth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-five 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 how God dealt with the Israelites before the coming of Christ, what we are to learn from the book is that the Kingdoms of this world are only temporal, they rise and fall under God's control.

The ministry of the great prophet Elijah was finished and a new successor was about to take his place. Ten years before Elijah's departure in a chariot of fire, God told him that he would anoint a new king and a new prophet named Elisha. "And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room." (I Kings 19:15-16). At the time Elijah called Elisha to join him, Elisha was a prosperous young farmer. To accept Elijah's calling to be his servant would mean that Elisha would have to forsake his family and friends as well as financial securities. His friends probably thought that being the servant of a prophet would be a lonely, degrading occupation, but Elisha knew that obeying God's Word provided the true values of life and would lead him to spiritual trust, commitment to God, and his true desires. He immediately followed Elijah, "So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him." (19:19-21). Elisha demonstrates the key to one's usefulness in the Kingdom of God, we are to immediately respond to every opportunity to serve the Lord, regardless of how great or insignificant the task may seem. A similar story is seen in the lives of most men and women whom God uses today. The key to our usefulness in the Kingdom of God is a sincere desire to forsake all to follow Christ.

When Elijah announced his earthly departure, he tested Elisha's dedication and spiritual discernment, "And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel." (II Kings 2:1-2). Elijah was testing Elisha's faithfulness to follow God regardless of any obstacles that got in the way. Many will try to stop us from doing what God calls us to do, but we must not let anyone keep us from following God's Will.

Elisha pledged his faithfulness with a vow and was determined to continue with Elijah on his journey from Gilgal to Bethel, on to Jericho, and then across the Jordan River. "And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." (2:6-9). God chooses what it is that He wants us to do for Him and as long as we follow through He will bless us with everything we need. "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 16:16).

God has used circumstances in our lives to place each of us where we are today in order to determine the sincerity of our commitment to Him. Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?" (Luke 9:23-25).

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

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We 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 wonderful day/night and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday May 1, 2009 and we are completing our studies on the book of I Kings. Please read chapters 21-22 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%2021-22&vers ion=9

Today's Message: Destroyed By Friends
We need to be careful who we associate with, the wrong person can completely corrupt us and destroy us.

Ahab ruled the northern kingdom of Israel from his capital city of Samaria. His evil, wasted life was summed up in one verse. "But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel." (I Kings 21:25-26). Ahab's biggest mistake was that he married Jezebel. She corrupted him, controlled him and turned him away from God. We all have to be careful of who we choose for a mate or friend. It's sad, but we even have to be careful of which family members we are to get close to.

God gave Ahab a miraculous victory over the Syrian king Benhadad at Aphek (I Kings 20:28-30). Although he made no covenant with God, he did make a covenant with Benhadad, his enemy, after defeating him, calling him my brother (20:32). He then released him with the assurance that he would return Ramothgilead, a strategic fortress near the border. But three years passed and it was still under Syrian control. "And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel. And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?" (I Kings 22:1-3).

Four hundred of Ahab's false prophets unanimously assured the two kings of a great victory, but Jehoshaphat was a godly man and had an uneasy feeling about joining Ahab. He asked for counsel from a prophet of God. "And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah." (22:7-9). You can be sure that anytime you get around someone who lives a wicked, sinful life that they will have a hatered toward godly men and women. The main reason it that they are feeling convicted all on their own and are reminded of how sinful the live their lives.

Micaiah, was sent to prison earlier because of his faithfulness to God, all men and women of God were persecuted as long as Jezebel was queen. The messenger that went to get Micaiah attempted to persuade Micaiah to agree with the false prophets and assured him that by doing so he would win the king's favor and be released from prison."And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak." (22:13-14). Micaiah's one vote of opposition was rejected by Ahab who fulfilled the very prophecy proclaimed by Micaiah. Neither fears nor favors tempted Micaiah to betray his calling, he refused to be intimidated into leing even by the presence of two kings and his 400 experts.

Though he was slapped, dragged back to prison, and threatened with cruel treatment, the faithful Micaiah persisted in maintaining the truthfulness of his message and called upon the people to bear witness to it. "And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you." (22:26-28). God proved the obedient prophet correct when Ahab was killed on the first day of battle.

The tragic consequences of Ahab's disregard for the Word of God should be a warning to all who are making the same fatal mistake. We must be careful with whom we align our lives with. When we allow corrupted people to influence us we become corrupted too. It is only by living with God, reading His Word, and getting around other godly people that can we keep from making wrong decisions that can corrupt and destroy us.

Today's Psalm: 16:8
"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Help us to be ever watchful and always prayerful as we see the foundations of our Christian faith attacked. Through the power of Your Spirit we want to take a firm position against the enemy and be strong in our faith. We stand with our Christian brothers and sisters all over the world who are going through the same kind of struggles, or worse, and especially pray for those who are paying a great price for their uncompromising stand. You assure us that after we suffer for a little while, You will restore, support, strengthen and sustain us as we remain firm on Your foundation. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

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

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday April 30, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Kings. Please read chapters 19-20 in your Bible or you can 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%2019-20&vers ion=9

Today's Message: Still Small Voice
God's will for us is not usually revealed in the flurry of our busy lives, but in still small voice of His Word.

Because of Ahab's wickedness, God withheld rain from all of Israel for three years. Then He told Elijah to go to Ahab and he challenged the king to assemble all the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel, it was there that he proved the God of Israel is the One True God. Elijah probably expected the miracle on Mt. Carmel to turn the nation from idols and bring national repentance. However, it didn't.

Our hero may have expected that his victory would have put the fear of God in the idolatrous queen, prepare her to listen with respect to his message, and encourage the king to bring about true worship of the One True God, but the opposite happened. The Satanic nature of Jezebel the ungodly idol enthusiast was aroused, and she swore revenge for the slaughter of her priests and demanded that the prophet be put to death. "And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there." (I Kings 19:1-3). We can be sure that right after we see victory we will see opposition from the enemy. They will stop at nothing to try and bring us down to their level.

In fear of Jezebel's threat to kill him, Elijah, in his hour of deep disappointment, fled south beyond the border of his country into the desert and cried out to God, he felt as though he failed and needed to be punished for it. "But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." (19:4). God did not answer his prayer for death, but gave him rest and food. He did not rebuke, punish, or condemn him for his disappointment, but instead gave him strength to continue forward in his mission.

The prophet discovered the true greatness of his God given success on Mt. Carmel.
"And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice." (19:11-12). The most demonstrative symbols of God's power, storm, earthquake, and fire, passed before him, but what was more powerful was the still small voice that he heard. Nothing is more powerful then that still small voice of God telling you that everything is going to be alright, especially in the midst of a storm.

All Christians have lonely hours, days of disappointment, and moments of hopelessness, times when their highest feelings have been misunderstood and purest motives met with doubt and ridicule. God permits days when heavy burdens press hard upon our hearts and we feel as though we are failures. It is during these times that He will speak to us in that still small voice and give us peace, comfort, and the strength to move forward.

Today's Psalm: 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
The day to day circumstances in our lives are so uncertain. The solutions to our problems can be very perplexing and seem beyond our grasp. You don't expect us to have all the right answers or to fully understand all that concerns us, but You do want us to trust You, as we hold on to Your unchanging hand. We have trusted You over and over throughout the circumstances of our lives, and today we pray for grace to trust You even more. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

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