King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: God's Judgments 
Date: Wednesday May 16,2012
Today's Chapters: 2 chronicles 25-28

Hello My Friend,

All throughout the Old Testament we learn of how blessed people were, whether Jew or stranger, when they followed God with all their heart. We also learn of the judgments placed upon the people for not following God with all their heart. The thing was not that they sinned, everyone sins, it was that they were too proud to admit that they sinned and seek forgiveness. God knows we are going to sin and He will forgive us, but unless we confess it to Him we will suffer, it's not God who brings the suffering, we do when we rebel against His warnings. “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.” - Romans 2:9-11. 

After Joash died, his son, Amaziah reigned, he walked with God, but not with a perfect heart, which means he listened to God most of the time. We learn of a time when he hired men from Israel to help him in a battle with Edom, but a prophet showed up to warn him to send them back, he also gave him a promise. 

“He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver. But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down. And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this. Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger. And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand.” - 2 Chronicles 25:6-11. 

Have you ever given hard earned money to help someone only to learn it was a waste of time? You became angry and frustrated thinking what you could have done with that money? It wasn't a waste, it was a lesson, God gives and He takes away, but when we trust Him, He gives much more than a refund, he gives us an increase as well. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” - 1 Timothy 6:17-19. 

Uzziah was the next king who reigned, he was probably the longest reigning godly king recorded in the history of Judah and he probably would have lived longer had he not rebelled against God. “Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Amaziah did. And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper. And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.” - 2 Chronicles 26:2-5,15,16. 

People who refuse to serve God on His terms might as well be sticking their finger in an electrical socket because they are going to be in for a huge shock when they face His judgment. And I am not just talking about when they face Jesus, that is another story. God rather a person not serve Him at all then serve Him on their own terms. Jesus has a warning for all who are lukewarm, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” - Revelation 3:15-19.

The second Uzziah refused to leave he got struck with leprosy and his son, Ahaz reigned, he did evil in the sight of God, as Israel did and as a result, a civil war between Judah and Israel. “Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: but he did not that which was right in the sight of the LORD, like David his father: But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven. And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: but are there not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God? Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again, which ye have taken captive of your brethren: for the fierce wrath of the LORD is upon you.” - 2 Chronicles 28:1,9-11. 

If people will not be humbled by God’s judgments privately God will find public means to bring them to Him. If that does not work He did what He could and let's them deal with the consequences of their own actions. Even Christians fall and face judgment from God, but it's all a matter of getting us to be the best we can be. “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” - 1 Peter 4:16-19. 

Today's Psalm: 25:9 - “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”

Today's Proverb: 19:29 - “Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.”

Today's Prayer: God, Your judgments are true and just, whether they be the cause of my own actions or Yours. Everything we go through is meant to grow, strengthen, discipline, and guide us to be the best that You know we can be. Just like a parent or teacher pushes us a little bit harder to excel, so do You, Your commands and laws are not meant to keep us from living life they are meant to give us the best life we can live in a wicked and corrupt world. Lead us and guide us, help us to watch and listen for all the warning signs and to keep going through Your power and strength. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: In The Blink Of An Eye
Date: Tuesday May 15, 2012
Today's Chapters: 2 chronicles 21-24

Hello My Friend, 

I never can praise God enough for taking me out of the life I lived before I made the choice to live my life with Christ in it. Once in a while I think, “How did I ever let things get so far out of hand?” and vow to never let myself get to that point again. But I know that no matter how strong my faith in God, in the blink of an eye I could fall, it's not that I do not trust myself, but I know my flesh is weak. Therefore, I am not trusting in my flesh to keep me out of trouble, but the Spirit of God. 

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” - Galatians 5:1,13,16,17,26.

After Jehoshaphat died, his son Jehoram reigned, since he was married to Ahab's daughter he walked in the wicked ways as she did, bringing that wickedness into Judah. He was so wicked that he killed all of his brothers, who, were godly and better qualified to reign. While God was angry with him He did not destroy him because of the covenant he made with David. “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. Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.” - 2 Chronicles 21:4-7. 

Any person who puts their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as the only one who can save them and take them to heaven makes a covenant with God. His covenant, “Believe in My Son, receive eternal life.” While God promises eternal life to all who believe in Christ, that doesn't mean they do not face the consequences of their actions should they continue to live in sin. “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” - Romans 13:4,12-14. 

Jehoram only reigned eight years, when he was struck with an incurable disease and died. His son, Ahaziah was even more wicked than him, and only reigned one year before the people rebelled, killed him and his brothers too. After Ahaziah died his mother made herself queen and killed every male in the house of David, except one, which her grand-daughter hid from her. 

“And it came to pass, that, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them. And he sought Ahaziah: and they caught him, (for he was hid in Samaria,) and brought him to Jehu: and when they had slain him, they buried him: Because, said they, he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the LORD with all his heart. So the house of Ahaziah had no power to keep still the kingdom. But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah. But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the sister of Ahaziah,) hid him from Athaliah, so that she slew him not. And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.” - 2 Chronicles 22:8-12. 

What a mess? It is definitely true that what you reap is what you sow, those who wickedly seek their way to the top always fall the same way they began. It was important that one male of the seed of David be alive as his lineage or seed would be where Jesus would descend from. All it takes is one person to change a life, but if no one is willing to make a move than nothing will change. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:19,26. 

Joash was taught the ways of God through Jehoiada, the priest and Athaliah, and encouraged the kingdom as well. He reigned for forty years, but that quickly came to an end after Jehoiada died. “Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass. Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear. And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.” - 2 Chronicles 24:17-21. 

The problem was that the people wanted to build groves and altars to worship God in their own places rather than take the journey to Jerusalem every time. Zechariah was explaining that it was against the law of God, Joash took his eyes off God for one second and ordered Zechariah to be killed, whom his grew up with, for being the only person to do the right thing. Later on Joash died as a result of his ordering the execution of Zechariah. As Christians, it's very important that we never take our eyes off God for a second, not because we are not forgiven, but because we are forgiven children of the living God. We might get persecuted, mocked, chastened, or even threatened with out lives, but God is always with us and will help us if we come to Him. 

“Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” - Romans 6:8-12. 

Today's Psalm: 86:5 - “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”

Today's Proverb: 24:16 - “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.”

Today's Prayer: God, As much as I believe that I can do all things through Christ, I know my flesh is weak, it always gets me in trouble when I take my eyes off You. Lord, lead me and guide me, keep me focused and give me Your power to overcome the constant forces trying to get me to fall away from living in Your will. I thank You for Your mercy and grace to always forgive me no matter how many times I fall. I love You Lord, and pray in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Compromising Situations
Date: Monday May 14, 2012
Today's Chapters: 2 chronicles 18-20

Hello My Friend,

As Christians, we are told to love one another as brothers, so, where do we draw the line to avoid compromising situations. To do that we have to understand what brotherly love is, it means we are to treat everyone with respect, be kind to all, even if all are not kind to us. However, showing brotherly love toward one another is a lot different than aligning ourselves with people who put us into compromising situations. 

“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, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. 

Jehoshaphat was a godly king, he was the first king since David to serve God wholeheartedly and encouraged the kingdom to do so also. Jehoshaphat had one problem that often put him in compromising situations, he never said no. First, Jehoshaphat put himself in a compromising situation when he aligned himself with wicked Ahab, by allowing his son to marry Ahab's daughter. Then he does it again by joining him in his battle between Israel and Syria. 

“And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and 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. For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him.” - 2 Chronicles 18:29-32. 

We would all go through a lot less suffering if we just learn to say no more often. Let me tell you, that people might mock you, call you a Jesus freak or something like that, but it is better to suffer for doing the right thing than the wrong. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” - 1 Peter 4:12,13. 

Jehoshaphat barely escaping with his life, returned to Jerusalem to find Jehu, a seer, to warn him of a battle that was about to take place in Judah because of his decision to join Ahab. Jehoshaphat admitting he was wrong proclaimed a fast throughout all of Judah in order to get right with God and stop the battle from happening or at least have God's help in it. 

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.” - 2 Chronicles 20:3,4,15-17. 

God will warn us when we are about to do something against His will, but once we make the choice to do it anyway the consequences are all our own. We need to be very careful not to let people charm us into going against God, but God knows our heart and our intentions and although He allows the affliction to continue He will help us endure it as long as we seek His help. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” - Hebrews 12:11.

We all have a choice to make, God's way or the world's way, ignorance does not keep us from the affliction we face for our actions, regardless of what compromising situations we get ourselves into. We must not let anyone, but God convince us that we are making the right decision. However, even when we do make mistakes God knows our hearts and if we truly seek Him He will actually help us through our affliction. The battle is God's and when we seek Him we cannot be defeated and if we are, we will always come back even stronger. 

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” - Philippians 4:5-9. 

Today's Psalm: 18:24 - “Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.”

Today's Proverb: 13:20 - “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”

Today's Prayer: God, As much as I try to do the right thing, I often find myself stuck in compromising situations because I do not want to offend or make someone feel bad. Thank You for helping me endure every situation I got myself into by not coming to You in the first place. Lord, help me to never make a decision that will compromise my relationship with You or what I believe in You. Help me to not even walk into compromising situations in the first place by keeping my eyes on You and listening for Your warnings. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Seek God First
Date: Sunday May 13, 2012
Today's Chapters: 2 chronicles 15-17

Hello My Friend,

This past year I found out that I have am gluten intolerant, it's been a bit of a struggle, it can be quite bothersome to have to read every label to make sure it does not have something that I cannot eat. However, I am adjusting, but noticing one thing that irritates me so much, the food is at least 3 times the cost of the regular stuff, talk about people making a fortune off others misfortunes. The amazing thing is that God provides me with the food I need and I am much healthier than I have been in years. I was talking with a woman from my church about my situation and she said, “I don't know how you do it, I could never afford to eat that way.” God knows what we are in need of, but if we only rely on ourselves to get the things we need we often settle for what we can get rather than what we really need. However, if we have faith and seek God first, He will give us exactly what we need. 

“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 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. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” - Matthew 6:30-34.

After their victory over the Ethiopians, Asa and his army got a visit from Oded, a prophet, he was not there to compliment them and congratulate them on their success, but to remind them of their duty. Asa and the rest of the people in Judah responded with a covenant. “And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD, that was before the porch of the LORD. And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman.” - 2 Chronicles 15:8,9,12,13. 

It does not matter who we are, rich, poor, male, female, ignorant, dumb, or smart, once we are at an accountable age, the age in which we know right from wrong, we face the same judgment. God is not a respecter of persons, all people born face death unless they seek the Lord, God of Israel, who is God of all. “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:” - Romans 3:21-24,29. 

Asa and the kingdom of Judah enjoyed many years of peace and prosperity, but later when Baasha, king of Syria, became a threat, Asa made a foolish decision to find peace. The result, there was war in Judah the rest of his days as king and he was struck with a disease and died because he stopped seeking God. “And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand. For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.” - 2 Chronicles 16:7-9,12. 

Asa let his pride get the best of him, when he found out that God was angry at the decision he made he was ashamed to stand before him, so, instead of seeking forgiveness he forsook God. Had he just let go of his pride and humbled himself before God he would have been healed. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:8-10.

After Asa died his son Jehoshaphat reigned, now, for the first time in generations a godly king, one such as David reigned. “And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 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 the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.” - 2 Chronicles 17:1-5,10. 

When a person puts God first they will prosper and not only will they prosper, so will everyone that does business with them, even more strange is that they will prosper even if they do not follow God themselves. How and why is that possible? Someone will be converted, God's purpose is always to see someone get saved. Now, should that person never want to be converted, God will take His servant elsewhere, leaving the unbeliever to his own devices. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” - Psalm 1:1-6. 

While the same Jesus was looked upon to save both Old and New Testament Christians, Christians of the New Testament and still today have an advantage over the people of the Old Testament, the indwelling Holy Spirit. God's Spirit would come and go in a person before Jesus died on the cross and resurrected, but today it dwells in every believer of Jesus Christ. I read a quote that says, “If God seems far away, guess who moved.” God is always with us and never leaves us, but when we stop seeking Him first and circumstances arise it will seem as though He is no where to be found. To find Him all we have to do is seek Him, first. “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” - 1 John 6:6-10. 

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

Today's Proverb: 28:5 - “Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.”

Today's Prayer: God, As much faith as I have in You and Your Word I still find myself struggling to find a way to get the things I am in need of. Help me to always seek You first so that I can truly get the things I truly need and not just the things I settle for. Give me faith that not only moves mountains, but crushes them, and help me to let go of any guilt or shame from the past or present that keeps me from moving closer to You and seeking You for what I truly am in need of. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Repentance 
Date: Saturday May 12, 2012
Today's Chapters: 2 chronicles 12-14

Hello My Friend,

There is a quote that I use quite often lately, “Christians are not sinless, they sin less.” I heard someone on the radio define whom she thought was a Christian, her idea of a Christian was far from what God's idea of a Christian is. It was sad to hear how she distorted God, I couldn't hear another word and turned it off, vowing to never listen to her show again. Now, God loves everyone of His people, regardless of whether or not they live in sin, but that does not mean we can live in sin and just go up to heaven with no consequences for our actions while we are still here. Jesus said, “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” - Luke 17:3,4.

When Rehoboam was so strong that he assumed he had nothing to fear from Jeroboam, he cast off his dependence on God and so did Judah, resulting in a war between Judah and Egypt. God quickly brought troubles upon Judah, to awaken the people to repentance, before their hearts were hardened. 

“And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him. And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD, Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.” - 2 Chronicles 12:1,2,6-8. 

People have no idea what the word repent means, they think it just means to seek forgiveness of their sins. To repent means to feel pain, sorrow or regret for something done or spoken and to change ones mind. In some cases God does want us to repent of our sins, in other words, He wants us to feel deep sorrow and pain for living in sin, but He also wants us to stop committing the sin all together, that is repentance of sin not merely forgiveness of sin. Repentance is about changing your perception of things and acting upon them. God repents sometimes, that doesn't mean He sins, it just means that He changed His mind about some things. Every person born is born with a death sentence, but when they repent themselves, knowing that only Jesus can acquit them, God repents of that death sentence and gives them eternal life. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” - 2 Peter 3:9.

After Rehoboam died his son, Abijah, only reigned for three years, but during that time a civil work took place between Israel and Judah, in which Judah prevailed. “And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men. Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers. And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Bethel with the towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain with the towns thereof.” - 2 Chronicles 13:17-19. 

Asa, followed Rehoboam after he died, Asa was like his great-great-grandfather, David. He rejected the heathen gods and idols that were in Judah and removed them all. He encouraged the people to seek and serve God and because he had a perfect heart for God all was quiet in the land for ten years. “So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years. And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.” - 2 Chronicles 14:1-4. 

We face many more battles than we need to when we seek our own means to handle the difficulties we encounter. It's not that God wants us to just sit there, He wants to keep going, by faith, doing what is possible for us to do, then letting Him take care of the impossible. As we seek God when things are quiet and going well, we assure God that we know He is there and that He is the reason why we are at peace and everything is going so well. God assures us that when we seek Him at all times there is nothing that He will not do for us. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” - Psalm 1:1-3. 

As long as Asa sought God he and all of Judah was at peace, but do not be surprised if God does not test our faith when everything is going well. The ten year rest in Judah was about to come to an end when Zerah, the Ethiopian king, declared war on the Southern Kingdom. Asa and the nation of Judah were faced with a million soldiers who had 300 chariots, the largest army recorded in the Old Testament. When Asa saw that army all he could think to do was pray, and God did hear his prayer. “And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil.” - 2 Chronicles 14:11-13. 

As Asa prayed he told God that he acknowledged that without Him they would be defeated, and that He alone is the only one who could give them the victory. Sometimes things go so smoothly that we forget that God is still around so, He will send a battle our way to remind us that without Him no battle is won. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” - 1 John 5:3,4. 

Today's Psalm: 106:45 - “And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.”

Today's Proverb: 10:10 - “He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.”

Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. You never forsake me nor give up on me no matter how many times I mess up. God, open my heart to things in my life that I need to repent of and give me Your power, will, and strength to overcome them. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: God Knows
Date: Friday May 11, 2012
Today's Chapters: 2 chronicles 8-11

Hello My Friend,

Quite often as Christians I image we all have times where we look back at things, scratch our heads and wonder, “How did I get out of that?” or even worse, “How did I get into that?” The truth is, God allows it all, the good, the bad, and even the ugly things in our lives. You think God did not know that we were going to go down that path and not show us how to get out of it? Of course, He does. I was talking with someone who kept crying about all his misfortunes in life. I responded by saying, “Sometimes God takes things away from us to get us to realize when need to depend on Him. As long as you have faith in God He will see you through.” He didn't like that response, guess he wanted me to wallow in his sorrows with him. Wallowing in sorrow does nothing for us, but using it to motivate us to do something about it does. “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.” - James 2:17,18. 

Solomon was a man of great wisdom, he did not spend his days just sitting on the throne, although they were in a time of peace it was important for him to be preparing for war. Solomon gathered all the strangers that dwelt on the land and put them to work to build the city, but the men of Israel he prepared them for war. “And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion. As for all the people that were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which were not of Israel, But of their children, who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel consumed not, them did Solomon make to pay tribute until this day. But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no servants for his work; but they were men of war, and chief of his captains, and captains of his chariots and horsemen. And these were the chief of king Solomon's officers, even two hundred and fifty, that bare rule over the people.” - 2 Chronicles 8:6-10. 

It's important that while things are going well in life that we never stop preparing for battle, it's coming, and if we are not ready it is going to hit us like a train. When Jesus returns, He is not going to be subtle about it, and those who are not prepared will lose that battle. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” - 2 Peter 3:9,10,13. 

Solomon's success as king soon spread abroad, kings and queens came from all over the world came to Israel to meet this king to see if he was all they claimed him to be and if this living God of his really existed. We learn more about this when Solomon got a visit from the queen of Sheba. “And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: Howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard. Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.” - 2 Chronicles 9:3,5,6,8. 

The queen of Sheba put herself to a great deal of trouble and expense to find out if Solomon was as successful as she heard. She discovered that his success was greater than she heard not by anything that he had done, but what God did in his life. Faith in God comes by others as we who live for God become a testimony and example of the wonderful life that can be lived with God in it. If not for our living for God many people would not know God themselves. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” - 2 Timothy 2:25-26. 

After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became king, not long after his being ordained he made a decision that would cause the division of the nation. The leaders of Israel met with Rehoboam asking that he ease up on the hard labor and punishments that his father had imposed upon them. Rehoboam sought advice from Solomon's advisers and his friends, he chose the advice of his friends, which was a harsher punishment. This caused ten of the twelve tribes to rebel against him. Now, Rehoboam is fuming, he wants to show Israel who is in charge, he gathers up an army to fight against them, just as the battle began God orders them to stop the fight.

“And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam. But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam.” - 2 Chronicles 11:1-4. 

God wanted the rebellion to take place, it was intended to be a punishment of the house of David for Solomon forsaking God (Explained further in I Kings 12). This event marks a great importance in the history of the nation as it is today. It is known as, a kingdom divided against itself, and one day the two kingdoms will be reunited along with every nation to form Christ's Kingdom. “And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” - Revelation 7:2-4,9,10. 

Sometimes God allows a division of our families. Why? God knew where the Northern Kingdom was headed and did not want His faithful to head in the same direction. We all have to admit that we have family members that are not good for us, while we all want to see them saved, God just does not want us being corrupted by them nor fighting with them so, He will separate us from them to protect us. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - 2 Corinthians 6:17,18. 

God has a reason for everything He allows in our lives, whether it is something of His will or our own, it's not to punish us or condemn us, it's to get us to be dependent only on Him. God knows what you are going through, He just wants you to trust Him and have some faith that while you do everything in your power God is doing everything in His. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” - Romans 15:4,13. 

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 Proverb: 3:6 - “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Today's Prayer: God, Your gift of free will allows me to choose whether to follow Your path or my own, both paths will have their challenges, but I know that regardless of which one I take You allow it for my own good. Thank You, God, for always being there for me, even when I chose to follow my own will sometimes, while I may be out of Your will at times I am never out of Your grace. God, I want to follow Your path as it not only saves me some tears it helps others find You as well. Lead me and guide me, let me be a testimony of just how wonderful and merciful You are, let me not forget that You will always see me through. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: God's Temple
Date: Wednesday May 09, 2012
Today's Chapters: 2 chronicles 1-4

Hello My Friend,

The book of 2 Chronicles is the fourteenth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains thirty-six chapters. The time line for these events took place approximately 1015 BC – 610 BC. The author of the book is the prophet Ezra and the book was written to the Jews who were in captivity in Babylon for seventy years. The purpose of the book was to record 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. “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.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14. 

After David died Solomon was given the task to not only reign over the kingdom, but to build the first temple for people to worship God. I imagine Solomon was a bit uneasy about such a huge task, but God was with him and knew what he was feeling. Through a dream Solomon had a very inspiring conversation with God. “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:” - 2 Chronicles 1:8-11. 

God spoke to Solomon in a dream because it was His intention to get Solomon to see what that more important than riches and fame was to be obedient to the Word of God. When we live in submission to God we become more obedient to the Word of God as we learn it. The key is learning it, we cannot know the best things that God has in store for us unless we learn what He has to say. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:15. 

Now with a new outlook, Solomon was determined to build the temple as his father David instructed, he began to gather only the best people along with those David appointed. Solomon sent message to Huram, one of David's trusted friends, that he needed some of his people. “Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel. And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him? Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.” - 2 Chronicles 2:4-7. 

Solomon expresses that building a house for God would not be a place to contain Him as He cannot be contained, but it would be a place to worship Him and where He would be graciously present. Today, we still cannot contain God in one building, in fact, God does not dwell in a building, He dwells within every believer who accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” - 2 Corinthians 3:16,17.

Solomon not only used Jews to help build the Temple he used Gentiles as well (people other than Jews). “And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred. And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.“ - 2 Chronicles 2:17,18.

While God chose the Jews as the people that would represent Him as His people, He did not stop any of the people from other nations from wanting to be His people. They were merely the foundation set to prove that there is only one living God to live by. Being a Jew or Gentile does not save a person, believing in Jesus Christ is what saves a person. “And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:” - Romans 9:26,27. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” - Galatians 3:26-29. 

It took about seven and a half years for the temple to be completed, but every detail was precise and everything that went into the Temple was pure and only of the best quality. The furniture and amount of items in the temple, compared with that of the Tabernacle, showed that God's church would be enlarged, as His worshipers multiplied. “Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof. He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left. He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold.” - 2 Chronicles 4:1,6-8.

It was important that everything that went into the temple be pure and perfect, a foreseen quality that would be of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, those who are saved are the temple of God, He dwells within the soul of every believer. Since we are His temple it is just as important that everything we put into it be pure. We are not perfect, but we can be pure, keeping our body and mind undefiled, in other words living by some standards and morals. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - Romans 12:1,2.

Today's Psalm: 119:1 - “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.”

Today's Proverb: 28:9 - “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”

Today's Prayer: God, I understand that the second I called on Your Son Jesus Christ to save me Your Spirit entered my body and now You dwell in me just like You dwelt in the temple in Jerusalem so many years ago. God, I want to feel Your presence upon my live, help me to remove the impurities that keep me from seeing You bless me as You did Solomon, not with riches beyond my need, but wisdom and a wiling heart to be a faithful servant and a holy temple for You to dwell in. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: You Are Chosen
Date: Tuesday May 08, 2012
Today's Chapters: 1 chronicles 27-29

Hello My Friend,

Are you struggling right now? Are you weary and tired? We all get that way from time to time, much too often we just do not know how to get out of it. There is a way out of every situation, Jesus Christ. If you have called on the Lord Jesus Christ to save you and are trusting in Him alone for your salvation than you are God's kid . Rejoice! He doesn't want to see you suffer. God chose you to go through what you are going through and if you have faith and trust Him He will not only give you rest He will use you to save others and that is His main purpose for allowing us to suffer. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” - 2 Timothy 2:19,24-26. 

After David appointed the Levites their duties in the temple he sets order in his kingdom, the groundskeepers to the captains of the guards, every person was chosen by David himself. “Now the children of Israel after their number, to wit, the chief fathers and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king in any matter of the courses, which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year, of every course were twenty and four thousand. And over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah: Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a wise man, and a scribe: and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons:” - 1 Chronicles 27:1,25,32. 

Jesus chooses every one of the people He ordains in His Kingdom, from working in the church to the work outside of the church. “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 15:15,16.

David reminds Solomon and all the people that God chose Solomon Himself to be king as well as the house in which He would establish through his kingdom. “And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel. And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Moreover I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day. Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.” - 1 Chronicles 28:5-8. 

God has already predestined you for the work He calls you to do well before you were even born. Even if it takes you years to accomplish what He calls for you to do, He never stops working in you until you accomplish that task. “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” - Ephesians 1:4,5,9-11.

God knows our hearts and intentions, if we are serving Him wholeheartedly He will always be with us, helping us, and giving us the power and strength to accomplish our work. After David's instructions, he offered one of the most inspiring prayers recorded in Scripture, a prayer of thanksgiving, praise, adoration, and God's great love. “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.” - 1 Chronicles 29:11-15.

David's heartfelt prayer is a reminder to all of us that prayer should be a time of praising and worshiping God with thanksgiving for who He is, as well as for what He has given us. As we recognize our total dependence upon God for everything, we will praise Him for His provisions. When we neglect to praise God daily, our worship often becomes a mere ritual. Every day, under every circumstance, in every thing, we need to give thanks to the Lord. It is often through praise and worship, especially through our trying days, that God will lift us up and give us the strength to keep going. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:8-10. 

Today's Psalm: 105:43 - “And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:”

Today's Proverb: 22:1 - “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”

Today's Prayer: God, It is so easy to get caught up in every day life that I become weary and tired not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. I just do not know how to find the strength to keep going sometimes. I understand that it is when I am weak that You give me strength to keep going. I am asking You for that strength. Strengthen my mind, spirit, and body to be used of You wherever You need me. I know that as I serve You with all my heart that my faith, trust, and dependence on You will not only give me peace, but also victory as You break the chains that Satan has bound me to. In Jesus name. Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Pure Religion
Date: Monday May 07, 2012
Today's Chapters: 1 chronicles 25-26

Hello My Friend,

Perhaps one of the biggest replies I get from people that do not want to go to church is, I don't believe in religion. When I respond with, Neither does God, I get a weird look and response. The truth is God is not religion He is God, the Bible says, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” - James 1:26,27. 

Religious people hold on to what they have been taught in their church, more often then none they are only taught half truths about God and have to follow rules way more strict and controlling than God gives us. Think about it, religion does not even use a Bible as it's authority, they use a book written by someone who says they read and studied the Bible. While one would like to think that all religions lead to One God, but only a select few follow pure religion straight from God's Word. People trusting in their religion to take them to heaven will have the shock of their lives. Jesus said, “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. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: ” - Matthew 7:22-24,26.

There is only one religion that is pure and that is one that hears and does what Jesus says, not what a group of men or women have decided they want you to follow. Since there are many false religions and only one pure religion God leaves the task of getting the truth out to those who know the truth. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” - Ephesians 4:4-7,11,12.

The last things that David did before he died was set up the order of the temple that was to be built under his son, Solomon's reign. He instructed the Levites on the duties they would have according to their families. Now, we come to music. David appointed certain men and women even for the task of providing music not only for the people, but for God as well. “All these were the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. So the number of them, with their brethren that were instructed in the songs of the LORD, even all that were cunning, was two hundred fourscore and eight.” - 1 Chronicles 25:5-7. 

Perhaps one of the most influential things to the body is music, music gets our attention, now, some types of music get the attention of the flesh, while others get the attention of the soul, which is the music we need to be listening to. We should not only sing those songs in church, but throughout the day, God loves to hear us sing out to Him, the more we sing the more He is lifted, which lifts us up and increases our faith as well. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” - Ephesians 5:18-20. 

Every task that God calls us to do is very important to Him, David now appointed who would be the gate keepers and treasurers of the Temple. “Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph...The sons of Jehieli; Zetham, and Joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the LORD...Which Shelomith and his brethren were over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which David the king, and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the host, had dedicated. Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD. And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.” - 1 Chronicles 26:1,22,26-28. 

Men and women alike were appointed positions in the house of the Lord. Every position was equally important to maintain worship in the temple as required by God. This same is true today, whether we are sweeping floors, greeting people at the door, teaching God's Word, singing in the choir, or a preacher, we all have the same purpose to worship and serve the Almighty God in the way that He teaches us, not what some religion teaches. “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” - Hebrews 9:14,15. 

The most important task in the world for every Christian is to teach others the truth about Jesus Christ. Jesus Said to all who accept Him as their Savior, “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. 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 will be blessed and honored by God. 
One more thing about false religion, it teaches people that they have to work to keep their salvation or keep repenting to God. You will find none of that by pure religion, of course, God would love for you to live the way He wants you to live, but it is not our works that save us nor keep us saved. It is Jesus Christ that saves us and if we are depending on anything else to save us than we are not saved. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” - Titus 3:5,6. 

Today's Psalm: 19:8 - “The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

Today's Proverb: 30:12 - “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.”

Today's Prayer: God, I remember a time in my life where I never understood what it meant to be saved, I never even heard that term. All I heard was what I could and could not do or I would end up in hell. It wasn't until I was brought to a church that followed Your Word that I learned the truth. Thank You for your patience and willingness to wait for me to learn the truth. I am not saved from hell by anything I do or don't do, I am saved by my faith and trust in what Your Son, Jesus Christ, did on the cross for me and by Him alone. Now, I want to serve You wherever You send me, not because I have to, but because of what You did for me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Stuck In A Rut
Date: Saturday May 05, 2012
Today's Chapters: 1 chronicles 20-22

Hello My Friend,

Ever wonder why you seem to be stuck in a rut, it's as if no matter how much you climb you keep sliding back down to the bottom. The culprit, Satan, of all the people Satan messes with most it is God's faithful people. There is not one of God's children that Satan does not put in a rut from time to time. His purpose, too get us so frustrated that we forsake God and fall into sin trying to get out of the rut. If he put Jesus in a rut he will put you in a rut, the key to getting out of it is staying faithful to God, trusting Him, and reminding Satan that you are not giving up on God. “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. 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.” - 1 Peter 5:6-9. 

David was probably one of the most godliest kings of all nations, even today, but as strong as his faith in God David was just as human as the rest of us, we are all born with a sin nature. Sooner or later Satan will get the best of us and this time he got to David. “And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it. And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be: but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord's servants? why then doth my lord require this thing? why will he be a cause of trespass to Israel? Nevertheless the king's word prevailed against Joab. Wherefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.” - 1 Chronicles 21:1-4. 

Even with Joab's warning David still numbered the people, this was a sin based on Mose's Law which did stated that every person counted was to be compensated for, which David did not do (See Exodus 30). Often God will allow Satan to tempt us, the temptation is not a sin, acting up the temptation is sin. I have seen so many people, including myself, ignore the warnings of temptation, and fall right into sin, but once that thought turns to action the consequences are our own, we cannot escape the chastisement, non matter how light the sin seemed to be. However, God will use every chastening to teach us something, well most of us anyway. “For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” - Hebrews 12:10,11. 

After the sin was committed the quilt of it set in, David immediately knew he sinned, but the damage was done, what was worse, he had to choose which form of punishment that Israel would have to endure for his sin. “And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel. And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly. And the LORD spake unto Gad, David's seer, saying, Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things: choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.” - 1 Chronicles 21:7-10. 

The amazing thing about God is His mercy, as God was about to bring judgment upon Israel for David's sin, David begged God not to take it out on them, but him instead, admitting he was the sinner, not them. “And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that havesinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O LORD my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued. Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.” - 1 Chronicles 21:16-18.

While seventy thousand people did die as a result of a plague, the rest of Israel was saved because David asked God for his forgiveness and God Himself withdrew His judgment. The command for David to build an altar was a blessed token of reconciliation with God. God testified His acceptance of David's offerings on this altar. This is an example of Christ offering Himself to God for us in order for us to be reconciled with Him for our sins. “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled” - Colossians 1:19-21. 

Now, after the terrible judgment inflicted on Israel for the sin of David, God pointed out the place where he would have the temple built, upon which, David was excited to make preparations for the great work. He gathered people and supplies that would be needed to build the temple, which Solomon would be well known for instituting. 

“Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel. And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God. 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. 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.” - 1 Chronicles 22:1,2,5,11-13. 

Every rut that Satan gets us into God will get us out of and while we may have to suffer some chastening or affliction while in it, we will find rest. To get out of a rut, we must be strong and of good courage, dread not or be dismayed by the situation, but trust God to help us climb out of it. God truly does love us and He does not want to see us suffer, but it is usually what is needed to help us get out of that rut. We tend to remain in there longer when we try to get out of it ourselves. Remember, our only power to defeat Satan is God's power, as long as we have the will to keep going, God will get us out of the rut. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” - Ephesians 6:11-13. 

Today's Psalm: 119:31 - “I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.”

Today's Proverb: 3:11 - “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:”

Today's Prayer: God, I have felt like I have been stuck in a rut for years, no matter which way I climb to reach the top I keep sliding back down. I know you have a plan for me and that while I am in this rut You are working and preparing me for a great victory over Satan. I admit that I have created some obstacles from time to time that made me fall, and I thank You for your mercy and forgiveness to put all that behind me. I am ready to trust only You to help me out of this rut, lead me and guide me, show me which way to climb, help me to not let go of the rope, and to not stop climbing until I have reached the top. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: The Curse Is Broken
Date: Friday May 4, 2012
Today's Chapters: 1 chronicles 17-19

Hello My Friend,

Before God even created the heavens and earth He knew that Adam and Eve would sin and cast the curse of a dead spirit down to all mankind. However, Adam and Eve knew that God would provide as way for that curse to be broken. The only one who can end the curse is Jesus Christ. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” - 1 Corinthians 15:19-22. 

As David was setting up his home and kingdom he wanted to make sure God had a home too, he asked Nathan the prophet what he should do about building a more suitable place to put the Ark of God. God did not want David to build temple for Him, instead he reveals an amazing prophecy. “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. Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in: 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 will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.” - 1 Chronicles 17:1,4,11-14. 

God promised David that He would establish His Kingdom through his seed, this is a foretelling of Jesus who would be God's seed established through David's seed. This is in contrast to what God told Eve. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” - Genesis 3:15. What this means is that her seed would bring a division between hers and Adam's seed, hence her seed (Jesus) verses his seed (man). A sacrifice would be made through her seed that would bring an end to the division. Jesus would come here in the flesh through Mary, a virgin, conceived by the Holy Ghost, to die by the hands of man, in order to bring reconciliation to God and man. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” - Romans 5:12,14,17. 

David was one of the most prosperous and blessed kings of all time, his success was due to the fact that he sought God in every step of his life, with the exception of Bathsheba. His love for God and his prayer life were the key to his greatness, in every battle he sought God and saw victory through it too. “Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines. So David reigned over all Israel, and executed judgment and justice among all his people. And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder. And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Shavsha was scribe; And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David were chief about the king.” - 1 Chronicles 18:1,14-17. 

The key to victory over every battle we face is constant communication with God, we are to never cease from communicating with Him. Whether it is by prayer, reading His Word, or simply acknowledging and praising Him throughout the day, communicating with God is essential in the Christian's life if we want to see our battles won. ”Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:7-10. 

Those whom believe in the Gospel of Christ, have accepted Him, and received Him as the only one who can save them from death and hell are no longer bound by the curse passed down to them from Adam. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” - Galatians 2:16,17,20,21. 

While our works and faithfulness to God are not required to keep us saved, it is what we do to change our lives after we are saved that makes the difference between just getting in the door to heaven and being a testimony for God so that others can get saved as well. “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” - James 5:19,20. 

Today's Psalm: 109:31 - “For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.”

Today's Proverb: 14:25 - “A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.”

Today's Prayer: God, I cannot thank You enough for sending Your Son Jesus to break the curse that I inherited. Jesus, thank You for dying for me to break that curse, but You didn't just die, You arose from the dead to not only give victory over Your own death, but for mine as well. I am no longer in bondage to Satan, death, or hell because of the sacrifice that You made for me. I am trusting only in what You did to keep me safe no matter what battles I face, I know that You are always with me. God, teach me to be an example and a testimony of the wonderful and amazing life that can be lived with You in it. Most of all to show me how to reach those who need You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Seek God's Advice
Date: Thursday May 03, 2012
Today's Chapters: 1 chronicles 13-16

Hello My Friend,

I have this big orange sign that says, “Ask God!!!!” over my desk, I put it there to remind myself that I need to ask God what I should do, whether it is what I should be praying for, what I am reading from the Bible, or what I need to do today, and even what I am going wear today, it's important to ask God's advice in the matter. I admit, sometimes I follow it, but often I find myself making decisions without asking God what I should do. It really is important that we seek God's advice is every matter, it will make us more productive and we wouldn't have to work so hard either. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” - James 1:5-8. 

David found out first hand the importance of asking God's advice before attempting to do anything. He gathered all the congregation together to bring the Ark of God into the city. “And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it. And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.” - 1 Chronicles 13:6-11. 

Sometimes it takes a death for us to realize we need to find out what God wants us to do. This is an illustration of salvation, no matter how good our intentions are to live for God, unless a person is saved they will not got to heaven. “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.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:9,10. 

David was well known all over the world as the king who was undefeated because his God was with them. Several nations tried to go up against Israel, but as long as David asked God what he needed to do to defeat them they never lost a war. “And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them. And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And David enquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto him, Go up; for I will deliver them into thine hand. And the Philistines yet again spread themselves abroad in the valley. Therefore David enquired again of God; and God said unto him, Go not up after them; turn away from them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.” - 1 Chronicles 14:8-10,13,14. 

You can be sure that people who know your faith in God will attempt to go to war with you, even family, but as long as you keep asking God how to handle the situation He will give you the victory. I have had family and even the man I was to marry go against me, but God got me through it, and even thy got saved in the process. As long as we have God guiding us we always get the victory, it may not seem like it at times, but never give up because God never does. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” - 1 Corinthians 15:57,58.

Now that David knew what he had to do in order to get the Ark moved he took the steps needed, reminding the people that the breach came upon them because they did not ask God how to move it first. “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. And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it. For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order. So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel.” - 1 Chronicles 15:1-3,12-14. 

A breach is the act of breaking; or state of being broken, a separation between friends by means of enmity or hatred. Sin separates or places a breach between a person and God, Jesus removes that separation when we call on Him to save us from our sin. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10. 

After the Ark gets properly brought and set in it's tent, David gave his first Psalm to the people, this Psalm is also written in the Book of Psalms, chapter 96. “So they brought the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it: and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God. And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. 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.” - 1 Chronicles 16:1-3,7-9. 

From simple decisions, to provisions, to impossible situations, it is important to ask God's advice in every matter, this does more that get God's attention, it gets results. Why? Because God wants to be a part of every area of your life, He knows what is going on anyway, so, talk to Him about it, let in on it and you will see so many changes in your life. In every situation we need to let go and give it to God, otherwise we only make ourselves work harder and get less results. “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” - 1 John 5:14,15. 

Today's Psalm: 105:40 - “The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.”

Today's Proverb: 19:21 - “There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

Today's Prayer: God, I know that whatever I ask of You believing I will receive it, I know that if I ask You which direction to go You will tell me, but often I do not stop the noise to hear You speaking to me and I end up getting side tracked because of it. However, Your loving mercy and grace always gets me back on track when I just talk to You. God, help me to learn to ask You for everything and to listen for Your still small voice telling me what I need to do. In Jesus' name. Amen

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Members of The Body
Date: Wednesday May 02, 2012
Today's Chapters: 1 chronicles 11-12

Hello My Friend,

The body is made up of several members, each member is made for a specific purpose and is useful, for example, hands are used primarily to pick things up. If you had no hands, I am sure you would make a way to pick things up, but it would be a little more challenging to you. That is why God gives us specific members used for specific reasons. “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” - 1 Corinthians 12:14-18. 

We are taken back to the account of David finally becoming king of Israel after Saul's death. After years of struggles, patience, and praying, David is finally receiving the promise that God made to him when he was anointed to be king by Samuel. The first thing he does as king is set up his army, David chose men of all tribes who were skilled in specific weaponry instead of choosing just one tribe. “So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him. These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time... And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had a name among the three.” - 1 Chronicles 11:9-11,20. 

The body of Christ is made up of several members, or rather people, people from all over the world, every race, color, and language make up the body of Christ. Each member is used for specific reasons. What is the body of Christ? It is every saved, born again believer of Jesus Christ. If you have trusted only in the death, burial, and resurrection of our sinless Savior to save you then you are a member of the body of Christ. Because you are a member of the body of Christ, God has a specific purpose for you. You say that you are not a model Christian? You just got saved? You do not even go to church? None of that matters, you are still a member of the body of Christ and one day He will use you for purpose He made you for. Never let anyone tell you that you are not useful or they are a better Christian than you. We all grow in Christ at different levels, yet we are just as important as everyone else. 

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” - Romans 12:3-5.

David continued to set up Israel in the way God directed him, even if that meant he had to deal with some people who he thought was his friends, but were against him in every way. At first, the majority of Israel was against David being king. In fact, they chose Saul's son to reign over them, while David reigned in Hebron. It was not until all of the House of Saul had been killed before they accepted David as their king. “And there came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the hold unto David. And David went out to meet them, and answered and said unto them, If ye be come peaceably unto me to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you: but if ye be come to betray me to mine enemies, seeing there is no wrong in mine hands, the God of our fathers look thereon, and rebuke it. Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.” - 1 Chronicles 12:16-18. 

Because you are a member of the body of Christ you are going to get a lot of criticism, even from other Christians. People will try to test your faith, see if you are a real Christian, and see if they can get you to go against your beliefs. However, once you get past all that you will find some members that will truly help you in your walk with Christ. In the meantime just do what God wants you to do and everything else will fall into place. “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” -Ephesians 4:26-30. 

We all have to remember one important thing, God is with us. Satan knows this, in fact, the stronger our faith in God, the more Satan is trying to weaken us. Our strength comes from Christ and as long as we remain in His power, no one can knock us down, not even Satan. Therefore, as a member of the body of Christ we must arm ourselves with the armor that God has given us. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” - Ephesians 6:11-17. 

Today's Psalm: 139:16 - “Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”

Today's Proverb: 11:17 - “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.”

Today's Prayer: (taken from Psalm 143) God, Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Book of Your Life
Date: Tuesday May 01, 2012
Today's Chapters: 1 chronicles 9-10

Hello My Friend,

One day Jesus will return and when He does He will sit upon His throne and every person will stand before Him to be judged. There will be no jury, no lawyer, and no prosecutor. The book of your life will be opened, an overview of all the good, the bad, and the ugly things will be instantly replayed. However, there is another book that will determine whether we are acquitted or punished for eternity, that book is the Book of Life. No matter what we have done, good or bad, it is the Book of Life that will determine if we are saved from judgment. What is in the Book of Life? The names of every person who not only believes that Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected, but that He and He alone is the only one who saved them from judgment, by asking Him to save them. Anyone's name not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, to burn for eternity. 

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” - Revelation 20:11-15. Oh, and those bad and ugly things that were once written in your book will be edited out because Christ's blood has washed all those away. “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” - James 5:19,20. 

After Nebuchadnezzar took the remaining Jews to Babylon for seventy years they lived amongst the Babylonians and really had no idea where they came from. The Chronicle books were written to give an account of the history of the Israelites so they could find out what tribe they actually came from and see how they were actually taken into captivity. “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. And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh;” - 1 Chronicles 9:1-3. 

Names are very important to God, He wants to make sure everyone knows where they come from and how special they are to Him,especially those who will be a part of His Kingdom. “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.” - 1 Peter 2:9,10. 

Chapter ten begins with the end of the reign of King Saul, God reminds us of the reasons why he was stripped of the crown and died such a painful death. “And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, and after his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded of the archers. Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.” - 1 Chronicles 10:2-4,13,14. 

If you read the Book of 2 Samuel it explains this in more detail, Saul, after Samuel died went to a fortune teller to bring up Samuel's spirit. While the woman really did not have the ability to summon a spirit, God allowed it for the purpose of showing Saul his fate, Samuel's response, “Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me:” - 2 Samuel 28:19a. While Saul's wickedness cost him the throne and some suffering for his sin it still did not cost him his life. 

This is a reminder to all who are saved, once saved always saved, even if you turn your back on God in the latter part of your earthly life it does not forfeit your name in the Book of Life. It is your faith and trust in Jesus Christ that saved you, not your works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10. 

While our works do not get us to heaven, they do determine the rewards we will receive in heaven. I always say, if I am scrubbing floors in heaven at least it's better than burning in hell, but imagine the gifts we receive simply by living the morally, godly lives that God would rather see us living. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” - Matthew 16:26,27. 

What about the people of the Old Testament? They also lived by the same faith, only their hope was in His coming. The people of the Old Testament knew just much about Jesus as we do, even His coming back to judge the world (found in Daniel), they too will be judged. “Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” - Romans 2:9-13. 

Today's Psalm: 1:5 - “Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.”

Today's Proverb: 8:20 - “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:”

Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for giving us a way to escape the dreaded judgment placed on every person who is born. We do not have to be good to be saved, we just have to believe that only Your Son can save us. It is so amazing and simple that all we need to do is receive Christ to be saved, yet so many people are still trying to work their way to be saved. Of course, you love the good that we do and will even bless us for it here on earth and even more in heaven, but you love more than anything that we solely believe in and are trusting only Your Son to save us. Thank You Jesus! I praise You in Jesus' name. Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Brave Warrior
Date: Monday April 30, 2013
Today's Chapters: 1 chronicles 7-8

Hello My Friend,

A soldier is also known as a brave warrior, a soldier gives up the only life they know for their country, a soldier lays down their life to save people they will never know. A soldier leaves at a moments notice to go where they are called to be. While there are many, many people blessed to be able to walk in the Kingdom of God through their faith in Jesus Christ, only a select few will be soldiers of Christ. A soldier for Christ becomes a living sacrifice, for their country, which is the Kingdom of God, going wherever God will take them to save people they will never know. There will be lots of sacrifices and suffering, but all who endure will receive far more than any medal of honor, they will receive the crown of life. “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.“ - Revelation 2:10.

While God enlists some soldiers just for the service of His ministry, the majority He enlists are outside of the church. Amazingly, all the wars throughout the years and even those today are organized by God, the world is just too blinded to see that God's hand is in all of this. Chapter 7 lists the tribes of Issachar who were listed specifically as mighty men of valor, men trained and ready for war. “And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Ishiah, five: all of them chief men. And with them, by their generations, after the house of their fathers, were bands of soldiers for war, six and thirty thousand men: for they had many wives and sons...The sons of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three. And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of the house of their fathers, mighty men of valour; and were reckoned by their genealogies twenty and two thousand and thirty and four.” - 1 Chronicles 7:3,4,6,7. 

As soldiers of Christ we are to faithfully fulfill the duty God enlists for us to do, whether a teacher, cook, janitor, salesman, mother, or father. Whatever job you are doing, God has enlisted you to do it wholeheartedly for Christ. “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” - 1 Corinthians 7:20-23. 

Chapter 8 lists the tribes of Benjamin, also enlisted as soldiers, “Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third, Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. And the sons of Bela were, Addar, and Gera, and Abihud, And Azel had six sons, whose names are these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. And the sons of Eshek his brother were, Ulam his firstborn, Jehush the second, and Eliphelet the third. And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valour, archers, and had many sons, and sons' sons, an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin.” -1 Chronicles 8:1-3,38-40. 

Great strength as well as skill was required in ancient archery, as the bow, which was of steel, was bent by treading with the feet and pulling the string with both hands. As soldiers for Christ, we are required to have strength in the skill of reaching the lost to Christ, that strength comes from Jesus Christ alone, and cannot be obtained by any other means. Do you know how strong you have to be to stand before a complete stranger and even worse, your own family and friends and talk to them about Jesus? Through the strength of Christ we can talk to anyone about the Gospel, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” - Ephesians 3:16-19.

The first and far most skill of all is that they be saved themselves, which is believing and accepting that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is all that is needed to be saved from death and hell and personally asking Jesus to save them upon that belief. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:9,10,13. 

Being a brave warrior of any kind is not easy, but it is rewarding and honoring not only to our country, but to our God. We are going to face many difficulties, but none of our efforts will go unnoticed, God knows and sees all. Remember, people's lives are in your hands, they may reject you, but the important thing is that you tried. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” - 2 Timothy 2:3,4,10-12.

Today's Psalm: 18:39 - “For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.”

Today's Proverb: 10:29 - “The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.”

Today's Prayer: God, Since I am saved and only trusting in the Gospel of Your Son to keep me saved I understand that You have enlisted me in Your army to seek and find lost souls. I want to be a brave warrior, but I know I am weak, scared, or may even be a little intimated to talk to people because I do not want have conflicts with family, friends, or people I do not even know. Give me Your strength, wisdom and guidance to go out and be a good soldier, with Your Son walking with me I know I can do it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: God's Kids
Date: Saturday April 28, 2012
Today's Chapters: 1 chronicles 3-4

Hello My Friend,

While we are all capable of doing some wicked things, there are just some people who are plain wicked and no matter how much you try to find the good in them it will never happen. Why? God is the Creator of both the righteous and wicked, now, God Himself does not create the person to be wicked, He just allows their heart to be hardened and corrupted by Satan. It's kind of scary to think that a wicked person is brought into the world just to bring havoc on the righteous, but it's all done for one purpose and one purpose only. To bring God's children to Him.

“Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.” - Romans 9:21-26. 

Since God created the world, He has been guiding His people, faithful men and women, to lead blessed, prosperous lives. Of all the families of Israel, none were so illustrious as David's mainly due to the fact that from this family, as concerning the flesh, Christ would descend from. Further account is given of the descendants of Judah, the most numerous and famous of all the tribes. “Now these were the sons of David, which were born unto him in Hebron; the firstborn Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess: The third, Absalom the son of Maachah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur: the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith: The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife. These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years.” - 1 Chronicles 3:1-4. 

If you have learned anything about David's life he was the father of both righteous and wicked children, which all stemmed back to the to the women he married. Believe it or not, women play a big part in the influence of men, if a woman is wicked in her ways the child is more likely to be wicked as well. It is very important as Christian's that we marry a person who is not only a Christian, but a like minded Christian. It will save a lot of heartache for everyone. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?..Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” - 2 Corinthians 6:14,17,18. 

The most remarkable person in this chapter is Jabez, we are not told much about him, but what we are told is that he was more honorable than his brothers and that his mother had him under difficult circumstances, instead of letting the circumstances control his fate he let God. “And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” - 1 Chronicles 4:9,10. 

Jabez put all his faith and trust in God, pretty much saying, “Not my will, but thy will be done.” Without much wording here you can see that if God granted Jabez's request that Jabez probably had a good relationship with God, praying daily, following His commands. If we set ourselves to acknowledge God in all our ways we put ourselves under His divine blessing and protection and will prosper accordingly. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. “ - Psalm 1:1-3.

According to law the first born son would be rightful heir to the blessings passed down from their father, but due to circumstances Reuben, the first born son of Israel (Jacob) forfeited his birthright and the blessing was actually passed all the way down to his second to last son, Joseph. While Judah became ruler of the tribes, Joseph or rather his son Manasseh received the birthright. However, while the Reubenites did forfeit their birthright to receive his fathers blessings God chose His righteous from that tribe also to be a part of His family. 

“Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:)...And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.” - 1 Chronicles 5:1,2,25,26. 

The tribe of Reuben preferred to live in the rich, fertile lands across the Jordan, outside the promised land. They chose what seemingly would bring them success. However, with the river separating them from their kindred, the Reubenites were among the first tribes to be conquered and taken to Assyria. Today, the only way to be one of God's people is knowing Jesus Christ as their Savior. And while some never do more than receive Him, they are all still God's people. “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” - Titus 3:3-5. 

All who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ are one of God's people, many, many people will wait until they are on their death bed before accepting Him, but as long as they, with the bottom of their heart, asked Jesus to save them they do not forfeit their birthright into the Kingdom of God. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” - Romans 5:8-10. 

While we cannot avoid exposure to wicked people we can be at peace and know how to handle them through our relationship with Christ. Just in case you were wondering about those who are saved doing wicked things, they too are God's people. Those who receive Christ as their Savior are solely saved by the grace of God through Christ's death on the cross, not by any righteousness they have done. Just like biological a mother or father cannot technically deny their children for wrongs they have done, God does not deny His, they might have to face some chastening, but they will remain God's for eternity. “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:36-39. 

Today's Psalm: 107:8 - “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

Today's Proverb: 20:11 - “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.”

Today's Prayer: God, Thank You for Your mercy and grace, without it I would never amount to very much. It is amazing that with all the people in the world You chose me, not only to be one of Your kids, but to represent You as well. It's not easy, I mess up all the time, yet, You still use me, You love me, and You never deny me as one of Yours. Lord, lead me and guide me, help me to overcome hindrances that keep me from the many blessings You have waiting for me as I grow closer to Your Son, and learning how to live my life through Him. I love you and ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: From Creation To Child 
Date: Friday April 27, 2012
Today's Chapters: 1 chronicles 1-2

Hello My Friend,

It is amazing to see all of God's creation, all one really has to do is stop and look at what is around them to see what a great and mighty living God we have. While all people are a creation of God they are not all children of God, creation is the formation of something made from nothing, children are descendents, offspring of the father. The only way a person can go from being a creation of God to a child of God is through Jesus Christ. “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” - Galatians 4:3-7. 

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 Ezra, the prophet. The purpose of the book was to record the religious history of Judah. Except for the genealogies, the time line for these events took place approximately 1056 BC to 1015 BC. What we are to learn from the book is that God blesses those who exalt Him. The Chronicles focus on Judah, temple worship and the prophetic promises of the Messiah centered on them. “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.” - 1 Chronicles 17:11. 

1 Chronicles opens with the longest genealogical record in the Bible, it lists the genealogy from Adam to the Jews captivity into Babylon. It may first appear to be an unimportant list of names, but every name was important as it not only shows how the Israelites came about, it also explains the division of tribes all the way back to Noah, including their enemies the Canaanites and Philistines. This ancient genealogy reveals the exact plan of our Creator in selecting the people whom He had chosen to be His people and where Jesus would ascend. “Adam, Sheth, Enosh,.. Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. And the sons of Gomer; Ashchenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. The sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.” - 1 Chronicles 1:1,4-8. 

We are all descendents of Noah, Jews are descendents of Shem, Gentiles (Europeans and Asians) are descendents of Japheth, and the Egyptians, Philistines, and Babylonians, are decedents of Ham. Interestingly, Africans and other severely poverty stricken nations in that area are also descendents of Ham, whom Noah cursed. “These are the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread... And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant. God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.” - Genesis 9:19,25-27. 

The second chapter is devoted to the descendants of Judah, this is because the promised Messiah would descend from this tribe. First, we learn of all twelve tribes that would descend from Jacob also known as Israel, which is how God's people came to be know as the Israelite's. “These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. The sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah: which three were born unto him of the daughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the LORD; and he slew him. And Tamar his daughter in law bare him Pharez and Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five.” - 1 Chronicles 2:1-4.

Jesus Christ is known to many as the seed of David, this does not mean that Jesus was actually an heir to David, it means that Jesus would descend from this tribe through the seed of David. David himself acknowledged that the Messiah was not his own seed, but God's. “The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” - Psalm 110:1-4. 

This was confirmed when the Pharisees tried to say that Jesus was the son of David. “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.” - Matthew 22:41-46. 

God decides who will be one of His children, His decision is based on each individuals faith and acceptance of His Son, Jesus Christ. God is involved in everyone's life, but He is personally involved in His children's lives, desiring to guide them through every detail. God has a purpose for every one of us, whether we are His child or a creation, but He is very particular about His own. No matter how long it takes He gets us to see that we are His and we have a job to do for Him. How does He do it? He sends His Shepherd to find His lost sheep. “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. “ - John 10:14-16.

Today's Psalm: 34:11 - “Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”

Today's Proverb: 14:26 - “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.”

Today's Prayer: God, While I do not completely understand and probably mispronounce the names of the people You have mentioned in Your Word I do understand that I am apart of one of these families and most of all I am apart of Your family. I am one of Yours not because You created me, but because I accepted Your Son, who is my Shepherd and the only one who could have brought me to You. Thank You for accepting me and making me one of Yours. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: A Safety Net
Date: Thursday April 26, 2012
Today's Chapters: 2 kings 24-25

Hello My Friend,

The older a person gets the more they see just how much the world has changed over the years, things that we thought were unacceptable are considered normal these days. Those normal things are what is bringing God's judgment upon our nations, not just one nation, but every nation is struggling right now and we have to face it, things are going to get worse, a lot worse. While God does place judgment upon our nations, He also provides a safety net to those who have put their faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ. 

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 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. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” - 2 Corinthians 5:8,10,17,18,20,21. 

After King Josiah died, Jerusalem went right back to their wicked ways, just as God warned them of the destruction that would take place at the result of Manasseh's sins it is now coming to pass. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took control of Israel making king Jehoikim serve him. “In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years: then he turned and rebelled against him. And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by his servants the prophets. Surely at the commandment of the LORD came this upon Judah, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did; And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.” - 2 Kings 24:1-4. 

You think all the wars between nations, religions, and races are just a coincidence? They are all commanded by God. Why? He has had it with false gods, religion, and innocent blood shed. God did not cause all this to happen, wicked, selfish, immoral, religious people, cause this to happen, but God is finishing it. “And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” - Mark 13:7,8,12,20,27.

While the Babylonians were taking control of Jerusalem all the Jews were taken captive and were sent to Babylon, all that were left in Jerusalem was a few remnants too poor to be of value to them. Along with the people, Nebuchadnezzar's servants took all the possessions remaining in the Temple. “And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his officers: and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign. And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said. And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.” - 2 Kings 24:12-14. 

Now, I do not know which people were more scared, the one's being taken to Babylon or the one's left behind, but I imagine both parties were actually praying to God for their lives during all of this. It's usually when placed in the scariest situations that we truly repent and seek help from God. Of course, these are the times we learn that there really is a God, we really need Him, and how much He does love us. Why? It is not until we have lost all of the strength to handle it on our own that God proves Himself to be the power to carry us through. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” - James 4:8-10. 

The temple, the palace, and all the wealthy homes were burned and completely destroyed. All of the glory in Jerusalem, the city of David, the Temple, and everything David and Solomon built to please the Lord was nothing, but ashes and broken down walls. “And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem: And he burnt the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire. And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about. Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away. But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.” -2 Kings 25:8-12. 

The destruction of the once glorious kingdom of Judah is a grim reminder that all the revivals and reformation in the world will not bring lasting change to a nation, every individual needs repentance and a revival within themselves. While we cannot stop God's judgment upon our nations we can stop His judgment upon ourselves simply by calling on and receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior. Jesus will return to judge the world and claim His own, the elect, the only ones who have received Him as their Savior will be saved from His judgment. 

“To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” - Jude 1:15,16,20,21. 

Today's Psalm: 4:8 - “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”

Today's Proverb: 1:33 - “But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.”

Today's Prayer: (taken from Psalm 119) God, Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Perception of God
Date: Wednesday April 25, 2012
Today's Chapters: 2 kings 22-23

Hello My Friend,

Most people when asked about their faith in God will tell you they believe in Him and try to do good, some will down right tell you they do not want God in their lives because they like the life they are living. Every person that lives in the world, whether they are saved or not, has their own perception of God, what they see as acceptable and not acceptable to Him. They base that perception of God by what they were taught by others, not by personally knowing God themselves. It is upon that perception that they live their lives with or without God in it. The sad thing is, those who truly want God in their lives are living according to that perception rather than finding out whether or not it is acceptable. 

“For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” - Acts 17:23,24,30,31.

After two wicked kings ruled over Judah, we learn of one godly man, named Josiah who walked in the ways of David and did not give into other kings trying to threaten him. He began to reign at the age of eight, when he was eighteen he had all all the idols and groves removed out of the Temple and began restoring it. Upon cleaning the temple, the priest discovered something he had never seen before, the Bible. 

“And Shaphan the scribe shewed the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying, Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.” - 2 Kings 22:10-13. 

For two generations the Bible had completely disappeared as it had been forbidden to be read even by the priests.This was the first time that Josiah heard the Word of God from the actual book, upon hearing it, Josiah repented of all the sins he was not aware of then eagerly seeks help from prophets concerning the judgments that were written in His Word. An amazing thing happens to a person who accepts Christ and begins reading His Word, it convicts them, which just means it makes them aware of sin that they were unaware of. This happens as the Holy Spirit grows inside them, which is why many run when they hear truth. Jesus describes the Word of God as a seed. 

“When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” - Matthew 13:19,22,23.

As Josiah learned the truth he gathered everyone together and the Word of God was read to the congregation. After reading it a huge spiritual revival took place, everyone in the congregation began helping remove all the abominations to the Lord out of Judah and they did not stop there, they went throughout all of Israel to remove everything that caused the people to live in sin. 

“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. Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.” - 2 Kings 23:1-3,24. 

Even though a great revival took place and God was very pleased with Josiah and all that followed him, God did not withdraw His judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem. God would spare Josiah the pain of seeing his kingdom destroyed, but judgment was coming. The same holds true for us today, Jesus is coming and He will judge everyone, people who have already died will be resurrected into either eternal life or eternal death, those who have received Christ as their Savior before that first death will be saved from that second death and live in His Kingdom. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.” - John 5:28-30,34.

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

Today's Proverb: 30:5 - “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”

Today's Prayer: God, I know that the Holy Bible is not some ordinary book, it is Your Word, it contains life and gives life to all who want You in their lives. Reading Your Word, studying it, and following it will never return void as we allow the Holy Spirit in us to guide us to what truly is and is not acceptable to You. Help me to follow Your commands with all might heart and soul, lead me to others who need You so they too can learn the truth and be saved before Jesus comes to claim us. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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King James Daily Bible Study Devotional
Message Title: Good And Bad Fruit
Date: Tuesday April 24, 2012
Today's Chapters: 2 kings 20-21

Hello My Friend,

The last few days or so I keep playing over what Jesus said about corrupt fruit being born corrupt and good fruit being born good (see Luke 6) and there is no changing them. While those who have truthfully accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and allow Him to be Lord of their lives are capable of doing bad things, they can only go so far and it's usually because they were exposed to someone who was corrupt in the first place. While those who are corrupt are capable to doing good, it is usually because they are up to no go in the first place. While we may not always be able to distinguish good fruit from bad Jesus can and they will pay for causing His people to sin. 

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” - Matthew 25:31-34,41.

Everyone of us will be a leader or a follower, when we are leaders we have the task of setting the example for our followers. If the leader is corrupt the follower will fall into corruption and pass it onto others, likewise, if the leader is good the follower will do good and pass it onto others. Shortly after their victory over Assyria, Hezekiah became very ill and was on the verge of death, the prophet Isaiah came to meet with him and told him to be prepared to die. Hezekiah was not ready to die, so he turned to God in prayer. 

“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. 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.” - 2 Kings 20:1-3,5,6. 

Hezekiah does not speak to God as if He needed to be reminded of the things that he had done, but he asks Him to remember that he was a faithful servant and lead the people away from sin. Hezekiah humbly, cried before God and because of that prayer God decided to add fifteen more years to his life. Those who receive Jesus Christ as their Savior get more than 15 years, they get eternity, not because of any good that they have done, but for God's sake. He defends and delivers all who believe in His Son out of the hands of Satan. “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” - Galatians 1:4. 

After Hezekiah died, his son Manasseh reigned and he did more evil than any other king in the four hundred and fifty years that Israel had kings, he even did worse than the heathen nations that were cast out of Canaan, in which he built groves and worshiped heathen gods inside the House of the Lord. 

“And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel. For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name. And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.” - 2 Kings 21:2-6. 

While God creates every person He does not force Himself upon anyone, we are all free to worship whoever we choose to worship. However, mess with His people or get others to fall into the same corruption and there will be a price to pay. “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. “ - Revelation 21:6-8.

There was a price to pay, God gathered up all the faithful prophets He could find left in Jerusalem and told them the fate of Jerusalem and all Judah. “Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle. And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down. And I will forsake the remnant of mine inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies;” - 2 Kings 21:12-14.

While God in all His wrath allowed the enemy to bring evil upon Israel He did not forsake all of them, He knew there would be a few that would remain faithful wherever they went. God knows the heart of every person He created and whether or not they were born corrupt or good. Those who are born good may be surrounded by those who are corrupt and get lead into a situation they have a hard time getting out of, but God will deliver them out of it as long as they go to Him. WE do not have to suffer, God will heal the wounds, He will mend the cuts and bruises, and He will give us peace and a new meaning to life. Just go to Jesus and He will take care of it. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30.

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

Today's Proverb: 27:18 - “Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof: so he that waiteth on his master shall be honoured.”

Today's Prayer: God, While I do not know the heart of every person I can learn to avoid those who are corrupt as I draw near to You and keep You close by my side. I still struggle with the past and the things I have done and allowed because I did not want to hurt or offend people, but the only person who got truly hurt was me. God, forgive me for holding onto the past, I know You have already forgiven me and even forgot the things I cannot seem to forget. Thank You for that, but I need Your help to move forward, help me find peace, forgiveness, and an end to this battle in my mind and heart. I give it all over to You, give me rest to my soul, mind, and spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Enjoy the rest of your day/night. 
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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