A Spiritual Guide

God’s Presence 09.04.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

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

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

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

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appears that the Israelites were so involved in their religious activities that they were not aware that God had even withdrawn His presence from them. 

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

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

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

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

Have a great and wonderful day!
God bless,
Christina

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Idolatry 09.03.08

Hello My Guest/Friend,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Understanding God’s Word 09.02.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we will begin our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please read Chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%201-4&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Ezekiel’s vision of God’s control of world affairs; his call; and the warning of judgment. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that we need to let the God that controls all of the universe take control of our situations today.

The book of Ezekiel is the 26th book in the Old Testament and contains 48 chapters. The author of the book is Ezekiel and it was written to the people of Judah. The purpose of the book was to warn them of their coming captivity. What we learn from the book is that the Lord orders historical events so that all nations will know He is God.

As a captive of Nebuchadnezzar, and while far from the promised land, Ezekiel could not offer sacrifices to God according to the Law. Much to his astonishment he receive the Word of God. “The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.” (Ezekiel 1:3). In Ezekiel’s first vision he saw the likeness of four living creatures, “And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man…….As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. ” (1:4-5,10).

These heavenly beings typified Jesus Christ as seen in the four Gospels. The book of Matthew presents Jesus as the lion who is the ruler of the animal kingdom. The lion symbolizes the royality and supreme majesty of Jesus. The book of Mark presents Jesus as the ox who is represented as the most valable domesticated animal. The ox symbolizes Jesus as the strong, patient Servant of God. The book of Mark presents Jesus as fully human and represents Jesus as the perfect man. The book of John presents Jesus as an eagel. The eagle represents the swiftness of Jesus who is quick to bring protection, provision, or judgement in an instant. 

Ezekiel’s opening vision is one of the most remarkable in the Bible and reveals that behind all the events which take place on earth is the administration of the supernatural power of God. Ezekiel beholds the throne of God, who is in control of the affairs of all human government throughout the world. However, all evils, sorrow, and suffering are instigated by Satan.

Our greatest concern in reading the Book of Ezekiel is not to be disturbed over what we cannot understand. God will give us understanding of His Word when we are in need of it. In fact you can not read the same chapter in any book of the Bible twice and get the same meaning. God designed the Bible in a way that piece by piece we learn to understand. If we received all we needed to know all at once than we would never have the need to seek Him.

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the apperance of a man who sat upon the throne. (Ezekiel 1:26-28). This forshadowed God appearing as man. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (I Timothy 2:5).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Jesus, thank you for the absolute truthfulness of your Word. We can rely upon your promises even when the temporal evidence we are experiencing suggests otherwise. Thank you for the promises in Scripture and help us understand what Your Word says and to learn to be as strong and patient as Jesus. In Jesus name…..Amen.

Have a great day and many blesings to you.
God bless,
Christina

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Do Not Despair 09.01.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

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

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

Very few prophets have suffered so much public humiliation, rejection, and hostility as Jeremiah. For more than 40 years, he warned the Israelites to believe what Moses had written and to follow the Law or face the judgment of God for their sins. Eventually, because they did not repent, they faced the inevitable destruction of their glorious Temple and Jerusalem, the City of God.

The old prophet had walked with God through one adversity after another yet through it all he remianed faithful to God. Jeremiah laments over the suffering he faced, “I AM the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light. Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day. My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones.” (Lamentations 3:1-4).

Although he is in deep sorrow he is assured knowing that God is with him even when it does not feel like it. “My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.” (3:20-26).

God does not permit suffering just for the sake of punishment, sometimes He places grief before us in order to strengthen us and bring us closer to Him. Often we get so caught up with day to day activities and stress that we forget that God is with us, it is by suffering that we get back on track with Him. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (I Peter 5:8-10).

Those who live in the world will never understand why a person who follows God is joyful during affliction and continues in their faith no matter how bad things look. Christian’s understand that affliction strengthens their faith and trust in Him and allows them to experience His wonderful mercy and grace. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:1-5).

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the merciful Savior (Lamentations 3:22). Jesus is our merciful Savior who died to save us from our sins.

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

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

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Spiritual Rejection 08.31.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Judgement & Discouragement 08.29.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Jeremiah, please read Chapters 49-50 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2049-50&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the judgements against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, Elam, And Babylon foretold; and the promise of Isreal’s redemption. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that God is constantly working in our lives to persuade us to forsake sin and to bring us into His presence in true worship. As long as we put our faith and trust in Him we can overcome any person or thing that tries to discourage us.

God issues judgement on all who deliberately war against Him and His people, Chapter 49 goes into detail of the judgements placed before these nations. Jeremiah prophesied that the Ammonites, descendants of Lot who were historically hostile to the Israelites, would be destroyed. “Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabbah of the Ammonites; and it shall be a desolate heap, and her daughters shall be burned with fire: then shall Israel be heir unto them that were his heirs, saith the LORD……Behold, I will bring a fear upon thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts, from all those that be about thee; and ye shall be driven out every man right forth; and none shall gather up him that wandereth.” (Jeremiah 49:2,5).

He then prophesied that Edom, a nation that descended from Jacob’s twin brother Esau. Edom has always been a jealous enemy of Jacob’s descendents and jumped at the oppurtunity to join forces with Babylon. “For thus saith the LORD; Behold, they whose judgment was not to drink of the cup have assuredly drunken; and art thou he that shall altogether go unpunished? thou shalt not go unpunished, but thou shalt surely drink of it.” (49:12). Judgment was then pronounced against Babylon, “Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.” (50:2).

We can expect the forces of evil to discourage us in an effort to destroy our faith in God. However, God is not glorified by our fears, doubts, or frustrations. In fact, despondency is a sin. We must keep our eyes on the promises of God that have never failed.

Jeremiah sent a written prophecy to the exiles in Babylon concerning its overthrow, ”Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria. And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead. In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.” (50:18-20). He was reassuring them that God had not forgotten His Covenant promises to them and that they would return to Isreal safe and unharmed.

Judah’s faith in the prophetic message of God was a precious type of the repentant backslider who believes that God has freed him from sin, who leaves the world of slavery and returns to worship the Lord. God works out every purpose that He has for us one way or another, even if we vere off course He will draw us back by using trials and chastisement. All who repent and return to the Lord are freed from the bondange of sin.

In today’s message Jesus Christ is revealed through the Redeemer who pleads our cause (Jeremiah 50:34). Jesus is our Redeemer, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:13-14).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As heirs of Your salvation, we have been purchased with the sacrificial blood of Your precious Son, Jesus. He gave His all that we might be saved from the eternal consequences of sin. We have the blessed assurance that we are redeemed from sin and saved for eternity in heaven. In Jesus’ name……Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God bless,
Christina

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Serving God 08.28.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Jeremiah, please read Chapters 45-48 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2045-48&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Jeremiah’s message to Baruch; and the judgment against Egypt, Philistia, and Moab. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that it is a real privilege to strive for excellence in the ministry God has given to us. The smallest effort we make to serve God means more to God than not doing anything at all.

Baruch was a scribe often employed by Jeremiah, Although Baruch was recording the Word of God spoken through Jeremiah, he did not have the spiritual concern or insight of the prophet, who was deeply concerned for the people to repent of their sins and avoid destruction. Baruch was discouraged and despondent, over his losses. God sent him a personal letter of rebuke. “Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto thee, O Baruch: Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest. Thus shalt thou say unto him, The LORD saith thus; Behold, that which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land. And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.” (Jeremiah 45:2-5). Baruch expressed no heartfelt grief regarding the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple of God or the pitiful slavery of the people, as Jeremiah had foretold. Instead, he only expressed sorrow over his own lack of personal fulfillment.

Baruch should have considered it a great privilege to be a coworker in Jeremiah’s ministry. Our time and talents are precious treasures invested in us by the God of all creation to accomplish His will through us. True fulfillment comes only when we recognize that God has arranged the circumstances in our lives. 

The condemnation of God was upon all the heathen nations that had fought against the people of God. However, God also had a message for some of His own people. “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.” (48:10). Such situations still exist and we need to realize there are consequences when we choose to serve God while still living wordly. Jesus said, “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Luke 16:13).

Those who recognize their indebtedness to God for His redeeming grace see the eternal tragedy of postponing opportunities to minister to a needy world. Our lives belong to our Redeemer and we are to serve Him fervently, in full obedience and always for His honor and His glory.

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As we live by faith and not by sight we see much of what the world does not see because we see it through eyes of faith. By faith we see a risen Savior who died for us and who is now interceding on our behalf. By faith we believe that life’s trials will be worth it all when we are ushered into the pearly gates and gather with saints of all the ages to praise our glorious Savior around the throne. It is by faith that we come to Jesus and it is by faith that we will stay the course. For it is not the one who runs the swiftest nor the one who runs for a day, but the one who endures to the end that will be saved.  The struggles of this life diminish when we walk by faith and not by sight. In Jesus’ name……Amen.

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

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Choose Life 08.27.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Jeremiah, please read Chapters 41-44 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2041-44&version=9

Today, we will read and learn about Gedaliah’s assassination; Jeremiah being taken to Egypt; and the unhappiness of Judah from idoltary. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that whether or not we choose to sin against God is a choice that we consciously make, but by choosing to believe His Word and not sin, we choose life. Many people, including Christian’s are lead to believe that if they choose God they can not enjoy life, but they are further from the truth. God blesses and rewards all who follow Him.

Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Israelite kingdom of Judah, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah by destroying Jerusalem. He made Gedaliah governor over the poor people left in the land. Earlier, Gedalaih was warned of an assassination plot, ”Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, And said unto him, Dost thou certainly know that Baalis the king of the Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nethaniah to slay thee? But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam believed them not.” (Jeremiah 40:13-14). He foolishly refused to believe that the threat was real and two months later was murdered. “Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land.” (41:2).

The Israelites who remained in the land feared for Nebuchadnezzar and expected him to strike. The captians spoke to Jeremiah, “And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:) That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do. Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the LORD your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you.” (42:2-4).

Jeremiah prayed to God and ten days later He answered, “And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him; If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you. Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand.” (42:9-11).

However instead of listening to God they later escaped to Egypt forcing Jeremiah to go with them. ”So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, obeyed not the voice of the LORD, to dwell in the land of Judah. But Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, took all the remnant of Judah, that were returned from all nations, whither they had been driven, to dwell in the land of Judah; Even men, and women, and children, and the king’s daughters, and every person that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Jeremiah the prophet, and Baruch the son of Neriah. So they came into the land of Egypt: for they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: thus came they even to Tahpanhes.” (43:4-7).

Nothing could have been more distressing to Jeremiah than being forced into Egypt as a prisoner of his own people, but that did not stop him from staying faithful to God and telling the Isrealites what they were about to face. Jeremiah watched the Israelites sink further into sin as they worshiped the Egyptian goddess Ashtoreth. Between seventy and eighty years old he delivered his last prophecy concerning the soon-coming defeat of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar. “For I will punish them that dwell in the land of Egypt, as I have punished Jerusalem, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence: So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return but such as shall escape.” (44:13-14). Because of their sins and rejection of the Word of God, faith in the living God did not exist. Like so many today, they distorted the truth and made their own decisions on what they think the true word of God is, making up their own gods.

Instead of finding ways to prove that God is who we want Him to be or that Jesus was not God we need to stick to the truth and learn to understand the true Word of God and the only way to understand God’s Word is by receiving the Holy Spirit (Ghost) through Jesus Christ as we accept Him into our lives. “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.” (I Corinthians 12:3). We will never know what a wonderful life that is in store for us nor will we be truly alive until we are filled with the spirit of the living God.

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

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Ignoring God 08.26.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday August 26, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Jeremiah. Please read Chapters 37-40 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2037-40&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Jeremiah imprisioned in a dungeon; the rejection of his counsel; the destruction of Jerusalem; Jeremiah’s freedom; and Ishmael’s plan to assassiniate Gedliah. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that as servants of God, we are required to be faithful even in the face of adversity and that there is only one way to reach salvation.

During the tenth and eleventh year of the evil king Zedekiah’s reign the armys of Egypt and Babylon were warring against Judah. Fearful of the consquences, Zedekiah appealed to Jeremiah. “And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah. But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did hearken unto the words of the LORD, which he spake by the prophet Jeremiah. And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.” (Jeremiah 37:1-3).

King Zedekiah requested his counsel once before when the king os Babylon’s army first approached (Jeremiah 21), but he showed no desire to repent of his evil ways and serve God. His reason for asking the help of God was purely to save himself with no intention of changing his ways or helping his people. God gave Jeremiah this answer for Zedekiah, “Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land. And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire. Thus saith the LORD; Deceive not yourselves, saying, The Chaldeans shall surely depart from us: for they shall not depart.” (37:7-9).

When the Chaldean army retreated from Jerusalem, the Israelites believed their alliance with Egypt had been successful without the prayers of the prophet. Yet Zedekiah was uneasy and set Jeremiah free from the dungeon. “When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days; Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon…….Then Zedekiah the king commanded that they should commit Jeremiah into the court of the prison, and that they should give him daily a piece of bread out of the bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city were spent. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.” (37:16-17,21).

The fortified city of Jerusalem held out for nearly a year and a half and during this time the people suffered the horrors of famine, pestilence, and cannibalism. When Zedekiah finally attempted to escape the city at night, he was captured near Jericho, witnessed his sons being killed, and even had his own eyes ripped out. “And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up……But the Chaldeans’ army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment upon him. Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah in Riblah before his eyes: also the king of Babylon slew all the nobles of Judah. Moreover he put out Zedekiah’s eyes, and bound him with chains, to carry him to Babylon.” (38:2,5-7). Blinded and suffering, he was taken in chains to Babylon with many regrets, thus fulfilling the prophecies that foretold the details of this horrifying experience.

Zedekiah is an example of the consequences of those who refuse to seek the Lord’s forgiveness for their sins. Delusions come upon all who turn from God. Zedekiah trusted in and the requested help of the Egyptians instead of accepting God’s messages and repenting. 

God’s plan of salvation will not be altered for no man’s demands nor will any other means of securing His mercy be accepted. There is only one way to salvation and that is by repenting and accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died for your sins. “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.” (I Thessalonians 5:8-10).

In today’s reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Jeremiah, who stood as a faithful witness to the revealed will of God (Jeremiah 38:2-9).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Nothing brings peace more than knowing that we are saved from the penalty of sin. It makes us feel safe in a struggling world that continues to search for knowledge from all the wrong sources. We are sound in our outlook when we align our understanding and convictions with Jesus Christ. Thank You, Jesus for being our Saviour and removing our sin for good. In Your mighty name, Jesus….Amen.

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

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Ignoring God’s Word 08.25.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Moday August 25, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Jeremiah. Please read Chapters 34-36 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2034-36&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Jeremiah warning Zedekiah; the obedience of the Rechabites; and the scroll read by Jehundi that was destroyed. Today’s message focuses on the importance of realizing that although the majority of people don’t want to hear or read the Word of God, it is still God’s only Guide for life.

God lead Jeremiah to warn Zedekiah of the fate of Judah, “The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the kingdoms of the earth of his dominion, and all the people, fought against Jerusalem, and against all the cities thereof, saying, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Go and speak to Zedekiah king of Judah, and tell him, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire: And thou shalt not escape out of his hand, but shalt surely be taken, and delivered into his hand; and thine eyes shall behold the eyes of the king of Babylon, and he shall speak with thee mouth to mouth, and thou shalt go to Babylon.” (Jeremiah 34:1-3). The Lord, who never changes, clearly outlines His judgment on those nations who will not repent of their wicked ways, but He also rewards those who do and when people among the nation chose to follow Him He will protect them and lead them to safety. We need to view all tragic circumastances as opportunites to prevail. Although Jesus suffered and died for our sins, He rose again even more powerful.

Four years later, Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians, invaded Jerusalem and appointed Jehoiakim as his servant king, however Jehoiakim was a ruthless leader. God spoke to Jeremiah and instructed him to write everything that He said to him on a scroll. Jeremiah recorded the judgement of God against the sins of Judah. “And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that this word came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day. It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin. Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah: and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the LORD, which he had spoken unto him, upon a roll of a book.” (36:1-4). God’s purpose for this was to lead the people to repent and return to Him.

The scroll was read to three groups of people, first to the people in the Temple on a day of fast, then to the people of Judah, “Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD’s house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities.” (36:6). Then the scroll was read to the princes of the government, “Then he went down into the king’s house, into the scribe’s chamber: and, lo, all the princes sat there, even Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Gemariah the son of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes. Then Michaiah declared unto them all the words that he had heard, when Baruch read the book in the ears of the people.” (36:12-13). They were dismayed and terrified by the prophet’s message and reported the matter to the king who then took to scroll and burned it.

Some today seal their fate by refusing to read the truth that God considers necessary to fulfill His will. Fire can consume books, but it cannot consume the inspired Word of God. The Bible has withstood similar fierce attacks for centuries, even today, but no matter how many Bibles are destroyed no one can take away the true Word of God. He truly is the truth, the life, and the way and no one can make that disappear. Jesus declared, “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” (Luke 21:32-33).

We too are warned, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews (10:23-25).

In today’s message Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who desires liberty for those in bondage (Jeremiah 34:13-16). Jesus is the Spirit of the Lord and brings deliverance to those who are captive. (Luke 4:18-19).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Your grace and tender mercies are present in the midst of perplexing situations that develop in our lives and the lives of those whom we love. Your sovereign power working within us takes the bad things that Satan hurls at us and turns them into testimonies of praise and thanksgiving when we seek to glorify You in the midst of suffering. Only a God like You can help us not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good. As we share in Your sufferings, we also share in Your glory.  Be glorifed in our lives; in the good, in the bad, and in the mysterious circumstances of our lives. In Jesus’ name…..Amen.

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

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