Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Recognize False Gods

Reconize False Gods 05.11.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Sunday May 11, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read Chapters 23-25 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Today we will read and learn about Passover being restored; the destruction of Jerusalem and Temple being foretold; the death of Josiah; the fall of Jerusalem; and the captivity of Judah. Today's message focuses on the importance of reconizing false gods and putting our trust and faith on our One True God. Josiah was the last godly king of Judah before the destruction of Jerusalem, "And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant." (II Kings 23:1-3) Josiah went beyond Judah, into the Assyrian-controlled former northern kingdom to Bethel, where Jeroboam had built one of the golden calves, this was propheized almost 300 years ago. ( I Kings 13:1-3). "And he brake in pieces the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men. Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he brake down, and burned the high place, and stamped it small to powder, and burned the grove. And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned them upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words." (23:14-16). Just twenty-three years after the death of Josiah, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was defeated and Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed. Under the reigns of its last four kings, who were mere puppets of Egypt and then Babylon, it was trodden down by successive conquests and the pitiful deportations into heathen lands. Jerusalem was invincible while its people were obedient to the Word of God. But eventually it became powerless because of sin. As a result of unfaithfulness and continued disobedience to the Word of God by its national immorality and violence, they were reduced to suffering and loss of everything. Nebuchadnezzar, with an immense army, swept down upon the northern parts of the country and marched directly against Jerusalem to beseige it. At length, the city was reduced to starvation. King Zedekiah, with his wives, children, and guards, fled through an opening that was made in the wall, but they were captured in the plains of Jericho. "And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about. And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land. And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain." (25:1-4). Zedekiah was forced to witness the horrifying death of his family; then his own eyes were gouged out and he was forced to walk more than 800 miles in chains to Babylon (II Kings 25:7). The agonizing ordeal fulfilled two prophecies that had appeared contradictory: Zedekiah would be taken to Babylon, but would not see it. How gruesome pathetic was the fall of the once-wonderful Kingdom of Judah. At that time in history, only Judah was known as the worshipers of Jehovah God and the prophets that God used to provide the Old Testament dwelt there. We need to see the handwriting on the wall. The United States is recognized as worshipers of the One True God. But our sins betray our trust. This great nation known throughout the world as a Christian nation cannot survive the rejection of God and His righteousness. America, like the Kingdom of Judah, is experiencing similar sins before its destruction. We are reminded, "Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee." (Isaiah 47:13-15). For a nation to forsake the One True God is utter madness and chaos. May every nation see the example of Israel and turn to the Lord. In today's messgae Jesus Christ is revealed through the Passover (II Kings 23:21-23), which was a type foreshadowing how Jesus Christ, our Redeemer will keep us from spiritual death by His having overcome it. "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:18). Today's Psalm: 80:3 "Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved." Have a wonderful day and Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers. God Bless, Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 5/11/2008 3:28:41 PM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Recognize False Gods

Reconize False Gods 05.11.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Sunday May 11, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read Chapters 23-25 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Today we will read and learn about Passover being restored; the destruction of Jerusalem and Temple being foretold; the death of Josiah; the fall of Jerusalem; and the captivity of Judah. Today's message focuses on the importance of reconizing false gods and putting our trust and faith on our One True God. Josiah was the last godly king of Judah before the destruction of Jerusalem, "And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant." (II Kings 23:1-3) Josiah went beyond Judah, into the Assyrian-controlled former northern kingdom to Bethel, where Jeroboam had built one of the golden calves, this was propheized almost 300 years ago. ( I Kings 13:1-3). "And he brake in pieces the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men. Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he brake down, and burned the high place, and stamped it small to powder, and burned the grove. And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that were there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned them upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words." (23:14-16). Just twenty-three years after the death of Josiah, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was defeated and Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed. Under the reigns of its last four kings, who were mere puppets of Egypt and then Babylon, it was trodden down by successive conquests and the pitiful deportations into heathen lands. Jerusalem was invincible while its people were obedient to the Word of God. But eventually it became powerless because of sin. As a result of unfaithfulness and continued disobedience to the Word of God by its national immorality and violence, they were reduced to suffering and loss of everything. Nebuchadnezzar, with an immense army, swept down upon the northern parts of the country and marched directly against Jerusalem to beseige it. At length, the city was reduced to starvation. King Zedekiah, with his wives, children, and guards, fled through an opening that was made in the wall, but they were captured in the plains of Jericho. "And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about. And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land. And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain." (25:1-4). Zedekiah was forced to witness the horrifying death of his family; then his own eyes were gouged out and he was forced to walk more than 800 miles in chains to Babylon (II Kings 25:7). The agonizing ordeal fulfilled two prophecies that had appeared contradictory: Zedekiah would be taken to Babylon, but would not see it. How gruesome pathetic was the fall of the once-wonderful Kingdom of Judah. At that time in history, only Judah was known as the worshipers of Jehovah God and the prophets that God used to provide the Old Testament dwelt there. We need to see the handwriting on the wall. The United States is recognized as worshipers of the One True God. But our sins betray our trust. This great nation known throughout the world as a Christian nation cannot survive the rejection of God and His righteousness. America, like the Kingdom of Judah, is experiencing similar sins before its destruction. We are reminded, "Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. Thus shall they be unto thee with whom thou hast laboured, even thy merchants, from thy youth: they shall wander every one to his quarter; none shall save thee." (Isaiah 47:13-15). For a nation to forsake the One True God is utter madness and chaos. May every nation see the example of Israel and turn to the Lord. In today's messgae Jesus Christ is revealed through the Passover (II Kings 23:21-23), which was a type foreshadowing how Jesus Christ, our Redeemer will keep us from spiritual death by His having overcome it. "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." (Revelation 1:18). Today's Psalm: 80:3 "Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved." Have a wonderful day and Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers. God Bless, Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 5/11/2008 3:28:26 PM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: God's Spirit In All

God's Spirit In All 05.10.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Saturday May 10, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read Chaoters 21-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read. www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%2021-22&version=9 Today we will read and learn about the evil reigns of Manasseh and Amon; Josiah's good reign; the Book of the Law being discovered; true worship being restored; and idolatry being destroyed. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God's Spirit is in all who have trusted Jesus as their saviour. Hezekiah was one of the best kings in the history of Judah; but his son Manasseh was even more wicked than Hezekiah's father Ahaz. "Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah. 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." (II Kings 21:1-6). Manasseh's wickedness resulted in Judah being defeated and captured by the fierce Assyrians. (See II Chronicles 33). However, after pleading with God the Lord permitted him to return to Jerusalem and be reinstated as king. This was an answer to Manasseh's prayers for mercy and forgiveness, as well as to the prayers of his godly father Hezekiah many years before. God forgives even the most evil of sinners when they truly repent and pray for forgiveness. Upon being restored as king, Manasseh immediately destroyed the false gods and altars he had previously built and rebuilt the Temple's altar and returned to true worship of the Lord. But Manasseh could not relive the wasted years of his wicked rule nor even convince his own son to reject idols and worship the Lord. After Manasseh's death, his son Amon reinstated all the wicked, idolatrous practices of his father's earlier reign. "Amon was twenty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did. And he walked in all the way that his father walked in, and served the idols that his father served, and worshipped them: And he forsook the LORD God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the LORD." (21:19-22). The third King mentioned in these chapters, Hezekiah's great-grandson, was noted as one of the most godly of all the kings. Josiah, walked not in the ways of evil as his father did, but walked with God. "Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left." (22:1-2). Though little is known of Huldah, the prophetess, she had great influence in Jerusalem. Hilkiah, the high priest and king Josiah recognized her prophetic gift and sought spiritual guidance from her. "And she said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched." (22:15-17) God is no respecter of persons or sex in the distribution of His precious gifts. Unlike religions which disregard the equality of women, the Bible reveals a respect and regard for them as evidenced by Huldah, the prophetess during the days when the Word of God was discovered in the Temple, as well as the four daughters of Philip, the evangelist in the New Testament who also prophecied (Acts 21:8-9). Earlier God had said, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit." (Joel 2:28-29). Today, God's Spirit indwells in each and every person who believes that Jesus died for us. "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 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." (Romans 5:5-9) In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the prophets (II Kings 21:10). "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" (Hebrews 1:1-2). Today's Psalm: 55:11 "Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me." Today's Prayer: Dear Lord, Lord Jesus, I am full of gratitude today as I consider Your abiding presence in my life. You planned my existence in my mother's womb before I even drew my first breath. When so many people have come into my life and exited it throughout the years You have taken up residence and You forever rule my heart. When the path before me was unclear You have always gone before me sustaining me in my wilderness journey. Though all forsake me You remain faithful, and remarkable as it seems, even if we are faithless, You will remain faithful, for You cannot deny Yourself. Thank You for being my Supreme Savior and the Sustainer of my soul. In Jesus' Name.....Amen. Have a great day and enjoy the rest of your weekend. God Bless, Christina P.S. I apologize for not getting this out Saturday. Visit A Spiritual Guide aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 5/11/2008 6:04:08 AM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Miracles of God

Miracles of God 05.09.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Friday May 9, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Kings. Please read Chapters 18-20 in your Bible or Click Here to read. biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%2018-20&version=9 Today we will read and learn about Hezekiah's reign; Assyria invading Judah; Hezekiah and Isaiah praying; and Hezekiah's miraculous healing. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we are blessed when we obey God's commands and that God still produces miracles even today. Now, Hezekiah becan to reign in Judah, "Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did." (II Kings 18:1-3). When Hezekiah became king, he did not follow the ways of his evil father Ahaz; instead, he believed the prophets of God, including the unpopular Micah. "He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses." (18:5-6). Hezekiah not only benefited from the ministry of Micah, but he also gained spiritual encouragement from the prophet Isaiah. Hezekiah led the nation to keep the Passover and to renew its covenant with the Lord. Hezekiah's spiritual reformation was followed by a radical reorganization of the entire administration of both the secular and religious affairs of the kingdom. We learn from Hezekiah that people will be blessed, and prayers will be answered, when the Word of God is obeyed. The greatest opposition to Isaiah, Micah, and Hezekiah's reformation did not come from the pagan nations around Judah. It came from the false prophets within their own country, as well as those who worshiped the idols which had been introduced earlier by King Solomon. Some popular religious leaders today seem to do nothing to encourage people to forsake their sins, live godly lives, and read the Bible. Instead, they preach what appeals to man's physical desires. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." (Philippians 2:13-16) The prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah who was dying, "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." (II Kings 20:1). Hezekiah had reigned about 15 years and had no son to continue his posterity. There's not a cry nor a tear, a sickness, or death to which the compassionate heart of God is not touched. Did God arrange his death for his blessing as well as the nation? However, mariculiously Hezekiah was healed, "And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered." (20:4-7). Every situation of life is depicted for us in the Bible in order to give us an understanding of our relationship with God, our responsibilities to Him, as well as to others. Consequently, we have illustrations on the results of various ways to react to each situation. As we read through the Bible we gain guidance on how to understand each circumstance. When we know that a person will not recover from their illness, is it the truest kindness to give false hopes of a quick recovery when we know there is no hope of recovery? Or do we put our complete trust and faith in the Lord that He can still produce miracles. "And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour." (Matthew 9:20-22). I do not normally list testimonies in my messages, but I just recently watched a termanally ill baby with a rare blood disease mariculiously recover. If they knew the facts, would the termanally ill person be led to turn their face to the wall and earnestly pray for God to cleanse them of their sins, and to receive Christ as Savior and Lord? We can only hope and pray that all of our loved ones come to know the Lord before it is too late. "Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not." (Luke 12:37-40). In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through Hezekiah, who sought to lead the kingdom of Judah back to God (II Kings 19). Here we are reminded that Jesus came to lead sinners to repentance. "When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Mark 2:17). Today's Psalm: 90:12-14 "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." Today's Prayer: Dear Lord We are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not deceived by man’s words, no matter how convincing they are, how charming their personality, or how cunning their craft. Help us not to fall for Satan’s deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline. We search the Scriptures for discernment and the true revelation of who Jesus is; the Son of the Living God. In Jesus' name.....Amen. Have a wonderful Friday and weekend. God Bless, Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 5/9/2008 9:12:08 AM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Compromising God For Wealth

Compromising God For Wealth 05.08.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Thursday May 8, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Kings. Please read Chapters 16-17 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings16-17&version=9 Today we will read and learn about Ahaz's reign in Judah and his defiling the Temple; Hoshea's reign in Israel; the fall of Samaria; and the captivity and deportations of Israel. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we can not compromise God for material gain. Material gain without putting God first will only become disastrous. The reign of King Ahaz in Judah is a disaster, nations were warring, making alliances, plotting, invading, and being carried into captivity. Fearing the growing power of Assyria, Pekah, king of Israel, made an alliance with Rezin, king of Syria (Aram) (II Kings 15:37). Together, they attempted to force Ahaz, to join them. When Ahaz refused, Syria's King Rezin and Israel's King Pekah came up to wage war against Jerusalem. "Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him." (II Kings 16:5). In retaliation, Ahaz made an alliance with Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, to attack Syria and Israel. This cost Ahaz to lose everything in the House of the Lord. "At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day. So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me. And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria." (16:6-8). The king of the Assyrian Empire conquered the small kingdom of Syria and killed Rezin, its king (16:9). Tiglath-pileser also defeated the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the eastern side of the Jordan. All that was left of the ten-tribe northern kingdom of Israel was the capital city of Samaria and the surrounding hill country of Ephraim. The captivity and dispersion of the northern kingdom throughout Assyria took place because the Israelites served idols. They lived as if God did not exist. We must remember, whoever or whatever receives our loyalty becomes our idol, be it a person, purpose, or possession. The two and one-half tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manassah chose to live just outside the promised land. However, they did join the other tribes and entered Canaan under Joshua to help fight for the promised. They then returned to their "profitable" territory on the east side of the River Jordan. As the years passed, compromising sins eventually left them powerless before their enemies. "In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.....Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God." (17:6,13-14). The people of the ten-tribe Northern Kingdom were defeated and deported into a heathen land which forever ended their existence as a separate kingdom. The dispersion of the ten tribes occurred in two stages, Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were the first to be defeated by the Assyrians. Instead of crossing Jordan into the promised land as God had directed, these tribes chose by what materially appeared would bring success (Numbers 32:33). Such people are the first to give up and become obsessed with worldly pleasures. They compromise convictions for what appears to be material advantage instead of being obedient to the Word of God. They are examples of the so called worldly Christians today who give more time to planning their vacation than they do in how they can better serve the Lord. We see the after effects of their choice, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."(II Timothy 4:3-5). Just as a desire for material gain led the two and one-half tribes to settle outside the promised land. Many compromised what they know to be God's will in order to gain their personal goals. A halfhearted commitment to Christ results in instability to every other area of our lives. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (I John 2:15). In Today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the Brazen (bronze) Altar made by Solomon (II Kings 16:14). The Brazen Altar is a type of the cross on which Christ, our whole burned offering, offered Himself to God. Unlike the necessary daily sacrifices on the Brazen Altar, the cross He did once, "Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself." (Hebrews 7:27). Today's Psalm: 73:11-13 "And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency." Today's Prayer: Dear Lord, I am full of gratitude today as I consider Your abiding presence in my life. You planned my existence in my mother's womb before I even drew my first breath. When so many people have come into my life and exited it throughout the years You have taken up residence and You forever rule my heart. When the path before me was unclear You have always gone before me sustaining me in my wilderness journey. Though all forsake me You remain faithful, and remarkable as it seems, even if we are faithless, You will remain faithful, for You cannot deny Yourself. Thank You for being my Supreme Savior and the Sustainer of my soul. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen. Have a wonderful Thursday and God Bless you.....Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide ww.aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 5/8/2008 1:57:07 PM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Deception of Material Wealth

Deception Material of Wealth 05.07.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Wednesday May 7, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Kings. Please read Chapters 14-15 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%2014-15&version=9 Today we will read and learn about the reign of Amaziah, Azariah (Uzziah), and Jotham over Judah; and the reign of five of last six kings over Israel. Today's message focuses on realzing that material success can be deceptive. We must not let success become more important than God, if that happens we will have nothing to show for it in the end. Following the death of his father Jehoash, Jeroboam II ruled the northern kingdom of Israel in Samaria for 41 years (II Kings 14:16-29). However, he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD. "And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin." (II KIngs 14:24). Immorality and idolatry flourished during the reign of Jeroboam II. For about 30 years the nation enjoyed peace, prosperity, and political prestige unparalleled since the days of David and Solomon. "He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher." (14:25). Sadly, Israel's prosperity did not cause the people to worship the Lord. It appears that they attributed their prosperity to idols. However, After Jeroboam's death, anarchy prevailed and Israel rapidly degenerated. Material success is often deceptive, as it was for King Jeroboam II. We cannot measure a man's character by the length of his life, his friends, or his wealth. All things are temporal, especially wealth, you can not take any of it with you nor will you have many true friends. Just as Isreal rapidly degenerated so will ours if we are not walking in God's will. God knows the secrets of the heart and He will bless us with prosperity in all areas of our lives as long as we acknowledge Him is what we do, or at least try our best to put Him first above all things. Surely the goodness of God should lead us, in gratitude, to do the will of Jesus Christ our Lord. "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:12-17). Today's Psalm: 44:20-21 "If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart." Today's Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that You will help me to sow for myself righteousness, so that I will reap the fruit of Your unfailing love. Break up the unplowed ground of my heart that is stony and hard so that I acknowledge my sins, receive Your forgiveness, and look to You for guidance. May I thoroughly discern the vain philosophies and empty deception that pervades our society. I want to seek Your will above man’s agenda so that You shower Your blessings upon me. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen. Have a wonderful Wednesday. God Bless, Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 5/7/2008 8:38:22 PM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Make An Effort

Make An Effort 05.06.07 Hello My Firend/Guest, It is Tuesday May 6, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Kings. Please read Chapters 11-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Today we will read and learn about Athaliah's reign; David's descendants being murdered; Joash crowned as king; repairing the Temple; worship being restored; and the evil reign of Jehoahaz. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that if we want God to do great things for us we must make an effort. God will guide us, but we must make an effort to follow His will. When Athaliah, daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, received word that her son, King Ahaziah, was dead, she seized the throne of Judah and proclaimed herself queen. To make sure she had no competition, she ruthlessly murdered her own grandsons. "And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal." (II KIngs 11:1). She thought she had killed all of David's descendants, however God intervened and saved the one-year-old Joash, the sole link that preserved the dynasty of David and the lineage through which Jesus Christ would come. "But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land." (11:2-3). When Joash was about seven years old, Jehoiada brought forth the king's son, and reigned him king over Isreal. "And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king." (11:12).The excited shouts caught the attention of Athaliah, who ran into the Temple court just in time to hear Jehoiada the high priest command the captains of the guard to execute her. "But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said unto them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that followeth her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD. And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain." (11:15-16). The account of Athaliah illustrates that to forsake the Word of God results in untold miseries, "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (II Thessalonians 2:9-12) There are two Joashes in II Kings. There is Joash, the king of Judah (chapters 11; 12; 13:10), and there is Joash (Jehoash), the king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, who often rejected Elisha's admonitions, however the king of the Northern Kingdom of Isreal came to visit with Elisha when he found out that he was dying. "Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof." (II Kings 13:14). It was quite remarkable for King Joash to visit the dying prophet. It implies that the king knew that the man of God had been Israel's spiritual strength and they needed his counsel and prayers. Israel was at that time at war with Syria. As a sign that God intended to give victory to His people, the king was bidden to take the bow and arrows. "And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows. And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands. And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD's deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them. And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice." (13:15-19). King Joash was bidden to strike the ground until he consumed, but he only struck it three times. If he had smitten the ground six times, he would have shot six arrows and he would have had complete victory. As the arrow was shot through the air, the prophet said the arrow represented the Lord's deliverance of His people from Syrian domination. Deliverance is of the Lord, but it must be accomplished by human effort. Joash had to actively take the bow and arrows, but God sovereignly would guide the people. We should not let our arrows lie still as if to say: "We are trusting God to shoot our arrows, we will just wait upon the Lord." It is an equally serious error to neglect the hand of God resting upon our activity. Many well meaning Christians are content to attend church worship and be fed, but Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." (John 15:1-5) Today's Psalm: 91:14-15 "Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him." Today's Prayer: Dear Lord, As we live by faith and not by sight we see much of what the world does not see because we see it through eyes of faith. By faith we see a risen Savior who died for us and who is now interceding on our behalf. By faith we believe that life’s trials will be worth it all when we are ushered into the pearly gates and gather with saints of all the ages to praise our glorious Savior around the throne. It is by faith that we come to Jesus and it is by faith that we will stay the course. For it is not the one who runs the swiftest nor the one who runs for a day, but the one who endures to the end that will be saved. The struggles of this life diminish when we walk by faith and not by sight. Navigate our steps as we journey here and deliver us from all unrighteousness. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen. Have a Wonderful Tuesday and God Bless You. Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 5/6/2008 8:59:12 AM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Be Aware of Your Actions

Be Aware of Your Actions 05.05.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Monday May 5, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Kings. Please read Chapters 9-10 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%209-10&version=9 Today we will read and learn about Jehu anointed king of Israel; Jehu killing Joram and Ahaziah; Jezebel being killed; Ahab's family being killed; and Baal worshipers being executed. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we need to be careful in the actions that we take to become prosperous. If they make us do things that we know are wrong then we need to walk away from them. Jehu was very popular since he had become a powerful captain in Israel's army during the Syrian war. He was known throughout the entire army and country for his speed in driving his horses, "And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead: And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber; Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not." (II Kings 9:1-3). Of all the kings of the ten northern tribes, only Jehu was ever anointed to be king. He was appointed as the anointed king of the Lord to destroy the house of Ahab. Jehu drove his chariots furiously to Jezreel where he executed Joram (Jehoram), king of Israel, and then Ahaziah, king of Judah. Then Jehu had Jezebel thrown out of a window and he trampled her and dog are her body. All these events took place just as Elisha foretold, "And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel. For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel: And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah: And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled." (9:7-10). Jehu zealously executed all the family of Ahab in Samaria (II Kings 10:1-17). However, Athaliah, the daughter of Jezebel, continued to promote Baal worship as queen in Judah. Jehu had bragged to Jehonadab, but his zeal for the LORD was just enough to achieve his own selfish ends. "And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin. In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel; From Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan." (10:30-33). This illustrates that it is possible for one to be used by God and yet never be in submission to Christ as Lord of one's life. How watchful we need to be as at any time we could be found helping Satan in his worldly schemes. Ask yourself: "Can I do this and be faithful to Jesus? Many times, people who do evil in the sight of the Lord seem to prosper, but God ultimately will execute judgment against all who oppose Him. Unlike this world or the world's religions, a Christian understands that sooner or later God's justice will prevail. "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (I Thessaloians 4:1-7). In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through Elisha who sent one of the sons of the prophets with oil to anoint Jehu as king (II Kings 9:1-6). Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to anoint believers, "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." (I John 2:27). Today's Prayer: Dear Lord, I confess to You that my heart can easily become like unplowed ground. Destructive attitudes that I justify rather than repent of remain in my heart and cause me to be hardened toward You and others that I love. I invite the work of Your Holy Spirit to cleanse, renew and refresh me as I yield my heart to the searchlight of Your Word. As I seek You, Lord, You will come and shower Your righteousness and blessing upon my life as the fruit of Your unfailing love flows out to those around me. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen. Have a marvelous Monday and week. God Bless, Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 5/5/2008 9:43:08 AM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Wait Patiently For Your Blessings

Wait Patiently For Your Blessings 05.04.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is sunday May 4, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Kings. Please read Chapter 6-8 in your Bible, or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%206-8&version=9 Today we will read and learn about the Syrians (Arameans) attacking Israel; a famine in Samaria; & Elisha's prophecy being fulfilled. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God's timing is everything and in order to see the blessings in store for us we must endure the present struggles and wait patiently for Him to make things happen. As we endure struggles God is preparing us for the great things ahead. Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, sent the Syrian soldiers to capture the prophet Elisha, however during the attempt they had been miraculously blinded and were then led by Elisha inside the walls of the capital city of Samaria. "And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria. " (II Kings 6:15-19). Once trapped there, the soldiers were at the mercy of the king of Israel. However, at Elisha's command, the king prepared a great feast for them, "And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel." (6:21-23). Now the once-powerful, luxurious, fortress-city of Samaria was faced with all the horrors of an extended famine. To surrender to Syria meant death for King Jehoram (Joram) and slavery for his people. But, remaining within the walls eventually reduced the people to starvation, some even resorted to cannibalism. These appalling conditions were the result of Israel's disobedience as God. When it appeared there was no hope, the Lord again brought Jehoram face-to-face with Elisha, "But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master's feet behind him? And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer? Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria." (6:32-7:1). Then an offical to the king ridiculed him, "Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God, and said, Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? And he said, Behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof." (7:2). The prophecy was miraculously fulfilled when God, in His great mercy, sent fear into the hearts of the Syrian army and they hurriedly abandoned their camp leaving their food in abundance for the Israelites. The king's official was trampled to death in the rush for food, "And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him." (7:17). Obedient Christians need not fear for tomorrow! Instead, we can rejoice in the promises of God, who shall supply all your needs. Ben-hadad, was sick, but also an idol worshiper. At his request Hazael went to the prophet Elisha to ask if the king would recover from his sickness, "And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither. And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?......And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child. And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria." (8:7-8,12-13). With deceptive concern, Hazael waited for his opportunity,to kill Ben-hadad to reign over Israel, "And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead." (8:15). Covetousness blinds a person to the cruel, unscrupulous actions of which he is capable in order to satisfy greed. Hazael was willing to stoop to any depth of evil in order to gain a favored position immediately. Perhaps in earlier years, Hazael would have been horrified at the thought that he would heartlessly assassinate his royal master. Circumstances confront us with new temptations which were never before felt. Had Joseph's brothers been told that one day they would consider murdering or selling him into slavery, they undoubtedly would also have asked: Is thy servant a dog? Like Hazael they were men and sinners by nature. Apart from the indwelling Christ, man yields readily to the passions which war against his soul; he gives way to the circumstances which appeal to his greed. "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." (Romans 6:12-14). Hazael could have followed the example of King David who many years earlier, after he was anointed king by Samuel, had the opportunity to murder Saul. But David refused to take matters into his own hands; he knew that God's timing was best. We are perfectly safe when we commit our desires to the Lord first and yield ourselves to be guided by His Word. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (I Peter 1:3-5). In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through Elisha, who wept when he realized what Hazael would do to Israel and its people (II Kings 8:11-12). We are reminded of Jesus as He wept over Jerusalem. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." (Matthew 23:37-38). Have a great day of the Lord. God Bless, Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 5/4/2008 3:56:58 PM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Beware of Quick Wealth

Beware of Qucik Wealth 05.03.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Saturday May 3, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of II Kings. Please read Chapter 4-5 in your Bible ot Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%204-5&version=9 Today we will read and learn about the widow's oil; Elisha and the Shunammite woman; Elisha's miracles; Elisha feeding 100 men; Naaman curing of his leprosy; and Gehazi's cursed with leprosy. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God will provide us with all of our needs, but we must seek Him first. Quick money can not replace the love of God. God reminds us of a certain widow woman who came to Elisha in hopes that he would help her and her sons. "Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen." (II Kings 4:1). The two sons would be slaves until the year of jubile (See Leviticus 25:8-10). The prophet directed her to go and borrow empty vessels, "And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few." (II Kings 4:2-3). We may ask: "Why not borrow vessels with something in them?" But that would have taken her further into debt. And that should remind us of the dangers of going in debt. There is a danger of using money which really is not ours, of living beyond what the Lord has provided and incurring liabilities which we have no assurance of repaying. This widow's situation assures us that our loving Father in heaven is concerned about our personal needs, struggles, and sorrows. The Bible is partly a history of nations, but it is much more a history of individuals for whom the Lord desires to save and provide and to sustain. These biblical historical facts are written for our encouragement so that we may pray to the same Lord and know He cares and hears our prayers. The only possession the prophet's widow had in her house seemed worthless because it was only a small vessel of oil, but God can take the little we have and make it into something priceless and precious to the Almighty Creator as we give ourselves to Him. In God's economy, the individual is never lost in the crowd. It could be one widow who touches the hem of His garment when He is surrounded by multitudes (Matthew 9:20) but she is not ignored by the Lord; or a sorrowing widow whose only son was in a coffin, ready to be buried (Luke 7:12) but Jesus interrupted to raise him up. There also was a helpless cripple lying near the pool of Bethesda who had no one who cared for him (John 5:7) but Jesus had compassion on him and healed him. Desperate to be healed of his leprosy, Naaman, Syria's military leader, appeared before King Jehoram in Israel, "Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel. And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy." (II Kings 5:1-6). Jehoram had no faith in God and thought that King Ben-hadad was seeking an excuse to declare war, "And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me. And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel." (5:7-8). When Naaman obeyed the words of the prophet, he was miraculously healed. "Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." (5:14). Naaman was so grateful of Elisha that he sent a reward to him to thank him, but Elisha refused. "And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant. But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused." (5:15-16). However, his greedy servant Gehazi persuaded himself that God had blessed him with the opportunity to be wealthy and went back to Naaman. "But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him. So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well? And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him." (5:20-22). The schemer thought he could rush back before Elisha discovered he was missing and get Naaman to give him the gifts. However, after Gehazi's return elisha confronted him, "But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow." (5:25-27). Gehazi forfeited any opportunity he may have had to be the next honored prophet of God. Instead, he became a leper! When Gehazi was tested, he exposed his true character as a covetous hypocrite. He probably did not think it was much of a sin to gain wealth that he didn't deserve from someone who was a Gentile and didn't need it. However he soon realized that greed was a deadly disease. When faced with quick opportunities we need to ask ourselves, the question Elisha asked Gehazi, Is it a time to receive money? We need to be aware of quick fixes, it is so easy to fall into sin when we are desperate, but God blesses all who are faithful and put their trust in Him to overcome our circumstances. He wants to give us what we need and desire, but He wants us to put Him first. Are you willing to give up the chance at wealth for God? How would you respond to Christ who said, " How do you respond to Christ, who said: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33). Since God is the Creator of all things, it is not hard to believe that there is no personal need that He cannot meet. God will provide us with all our needs and desires as long as we put our faith and trust in Him. In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the meal that took the poison out of the pot (II Kings 4:40-41). The meal, made of crushed corn, speaks of Christ, who was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised (crushed) for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5) thereby removing the poison of sin from the lives of those who are His followers. Also, in the multiplying of the bread and corn to feed 100 men with an abundance left over (II Kings 4:42-44). This foreshadowed Jesus multiplying food to feed the 5000, and then the 4000, hungry people with an abundance left over (Matthew 14:15-21; 15:32-38). Today's Psalm: 7:1 "O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me" Today's Prayer: From Psalm 25 Dear Lord, 1Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. 2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. 3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. 4Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. 5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Have a safe and wonderful Saturday and enjoy your weekend. God Bless You, Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.com (0) Comments

Posted: 5/3/2008 11:06:34 AM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: God's Calling

God's Calling 05.02.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Friday May 2, 2008 and today we will begin our study on the book of II Kings. The book of II Kings was written by Jermiah and contains 25 chapters. It was written to Isreal and the purpose of the book was to continue the record of God's dealings with His people. The book teaches us to realize that kingdoms of this world are temporal, they rise and fall under God's control. To begin, please read Chapters 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%201-3&version=9 Today we will read and learn about the new King of Israel, Ahaziah, God's intervention for His anointed prophets, Elijah passing the mantle to Elisha, God rolls back the waters of the Jordan River a second time, and Moab rebels and Israel and Judah join forces. Today's message focuses on the importance of responding to the calling of God. The ministry of the great prophet Elijah was finished, a ministry of faithfulness and unshakable loyalty to God. Ten years before Elijah's departure in a chariot of fire, the Lord said to him that Elisha will replace him as prophet. "And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him." (I Kings 19:16-19). At the time Elijah called Elisha to join him, it appears that Elisha was a prosperous young farmer. To accept Elijah's calling to be his servant would mean that Elisha would have to forsake his family and friends as well as financial securities. His friends probably thought that to be the servant of a prophet would be a lonely, menial occupation. But, Elisha knew that obeying God's Word provides the true values of life and leads us to spiritual trust and commitment to the Lord. "And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him." (19:21). Elisha's actions demonstrate that the key to one's usefulness in the Kingdom of God is to immediately respond to every opportunity to serve the Lord, regardless of how great or how insignificant the task may appear. It is always wise to consider the character of the servants whom God has used in the past; by so doing, we see the kind of persons whom God will choose and use in the present and future. Carefully consider the legacy left by these two men, Elijah and Elisha. All of us are leaving a legacy at the end of life; we are leaving a legacy of our moral and spiritual values. We can not detach ourselves from this involuntary and often unconscious influence upon others. What we can determine is the kind of legacy we will leave. Apart from any testimony we may contribute, let us live each day in the reality that our lives are influencing others to trust in Christ as His servant. Just prior to Elijah's translation into heaven, Elisha again revealed his spiritual discernment and loyalty to God that qualified him to be Elijah's successor, "And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel." (II Kings 2:1-2). Elisha pledged his faithfulness with a vow and was determined to continue with Elijah on his journey from Gilgal to Bethel, on to Jericho, and then across the Jordan River, "And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." (2:6-11). As He did for Elisha, the Lord has used circumstances to place each of us where we are today in order to determine the sincerity of our commitment to Him, "The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 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." (I Corinthians 15:56-58). In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the Lord taking up Elijah in the whirlwind and the dropping of the mantle, a symbol of the presence and power of God that remains with His faithful servants (II Kings 2:8-15). This is a foreshadowing of the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ and His sending of the Holy Spirit to indwell believers in Him, giving us power to evangelize the world. Today's Psalm:37:5 "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." Today's Prayer: Dear Lord, You have called us, Your servants, to exercise our gifts of prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, leading, and being vessels of Your mercy. Help us not to be fearful or timid in exercising our spiritual gift that flows from Your power within us, since it is not for our own glory but rather for the building up of the body of Christ. We are inadequate within ourselves, but fully sufficient according to the grace given us through Your Holy Spirit. We seek affirmation from You, the ministry opportunities You provide us, and other mature believers, to confirm our spiritual giftings. In Jesus' name, we pray.....Amen! Have a Fantastic Friday and weekend! TGIF! God Bless, Christina P.S. I apologize for no message yesterday I had computer problems. Visit A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 5/2/2008 8:45:16 AM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Beware of False Friends

Beware of False Friends 04.30.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Wednesday April 30, 2008 and today we are completing our study on the book of I KIngs. Please read Chapters 21-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Kings%2021-22&version=9 Today we will read and learn about the covetousness of Ahab leading Jezebel to murder Naboth, and the death of Ahab and Jezebel is foretold. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we must be careful who we associate ourselves with. Ahab ruled the northern kingdom of Israel where his capital was the city of Samaria. His evil, wasted life is summed up in just a few words, There were none like, Ahab. "But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel." (I Kings 21:25-26). Ahab invited Jehoshaphat, his daughter's father-in-law who was the king of Judah, to join him in a war to regain Ramoth-gilead, a strategic fortress on the Syrian border. Four hundred of Ahab's paid prophets unanimously assured the two kings of a great victory. "And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria? And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses. And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day. Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king." (22:2-6). However, godly Jehoshaphat, having an uneasy feeling with the unanimous decision of facing such a grave crisis, asked for prophets of God to be called. "And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so." (22:7-8). Ahab sent the messengers to get Micaiah. The messengers attempted to persuade Micaiah to agree with the false prophets and assured him that by doing so he would win the king's favor and be released from prison. But neither fears nor favors tempted Micaiah to betray his calling. He refused to be intimidated even by the presence of two kings and his 400 experts. Micaiah's one vote of opposition was rejected by Ahab who fulfilled the very prophecy proclaimed by Micaiah. There were 400 yes votes to one no vote, a miserable minority, but truth is seldom with the majority. Though he was slapped, dragged back to prison, and threatened with cruel treatment, the faithful Micaiah persisted in maintaining the truthfulness of his message and called upon the people to bear witness to it. "And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself. And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you." (22:25-28). God's presence can transform a dungeon into a palace when one is aware of God's presence. I saw the Lord was the response of this lonely prophet. A revelation from the Lord revealed the shallowness of earthly greatness. Many have sacrificed truth and good conscience for popular opinion or earthly treasures. Micaiah chose to wait for future rewards and endured the suffering he faced by not following those false prophets. We need to admire and follow the words of the Apostle Paul, "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:22-24). We must be careful with whom or what we align our lives, hanging around the wrong person can cause great affliction in the end. Only by reading God's Word daily can we keep from making wrong decisions and falling into the control of wordly people. "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." ( II Thessalonians 3:3). In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed By Micaiah, who would say only what God instructed him to say (I Kings 22:14). Jesus faithfully told others only what God told Him to say. "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." (John 8:28). Today's Psalm: 16:8 "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." Today's Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Jesus. When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead prove my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy. Because I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen. Have a wonderful Wednesday. God Bless, Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 4/30/2008 8:41:19 AM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: God is With You

God is With You 04.29.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Tuesday April 29, 2008 and today we will continue our study on the book of I Kings. Please read Chapters 19-20 in your Bbile or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Kings%2019-20&version=9 Today we will read and learn about Jezebel's threat against Elijah; Elijah's flight; the call of Elisha; and Ahab's death being foretold. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God is always with you and has great things in store for all who endure life's struggles. Apparently, Elijah believed that the miraculous fire from heaven and the end of the drought not only would prove Baal to be a false god but that it would result in Ahab and Jezebel's conversion to the One True God. However, when Ahab rushed toward his palace to tell Jezebel what had happened she quickly responded. "And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there." (I Kings 19:1-3). Avoiding the ruthless Jezebel was not weakness, but wisdom. However, feeling defeated and discouraged, Elijah prayed that the Lord take him, "But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." (19:4). However, God had other plans in store for him and he took care of him while he was in the wilderness. God lovingly provided for Elijah's physical needs by sending an angel to supply nourishment after his long journey. "And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God." (19:5-8). Often our mountaintop spiritual victories will be quickly followed by opposition or a time of testing in a solitary place. It is during these times when the Lord wants us to seek Him for support, He values His people and does not want them to whither and die, He wants them strong and able. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13). When we stand before the Lord, each person's work will be judged, not by how spectacular it was but by its true eternal worth. All of us have moments of disappointment when it seems we have failed. Often our estimation of what we should achieve and God's estimation are far apart. We are not called always to be successful, but we are called always to be available and to remain faithful to God. "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." (I Corinthian 1:9). Although he did not know it, Elijah did accomplish what God wanted him to do. One of his great successes was that the leaders in Ahab's kingdom went home with a renewed conviction that The LORD, He is the God. For centuries Elijah's faith and faithfulness have given encouragement to millions of believers. "The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them." (Psalm 145:18-19). In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the unnamed prophet who prophesied victory to King Ahab so that he would know his victory was controlled by God: I am the Lord (I Kings 20:13,28). "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:57). Today's Psalm: 145:20 "The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy." Today's Prayer: 04.29.08 Dear Lord, As we examine the emotional pain of our lives, when it seems as though You’ve forgotten about us, we often start out with the question of “Why?” But in hindsight we realize that those struggles taught us practical truths that we could not learn overnight but over time, and that there truly was purpose in our pain and in Your timing. Help us to model integrity and steadfastness in the midst of the severe struggles and sweeping storms of life. Your eternal purpose is greater than our temporal pain. Remind us that it may not just be for our own instruction but for others looking on who may learn from our difficult experiences. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen. Have a terrfic Tuesday and God Bless you. Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 4/29/2008 11:02:07 AM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Depend on God

Depend on God 04.28.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Monday April 28, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of I Kings. Please read Chapters 16-18 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Kings%2016-18&version=9 Today we will read and learn about the evil kings of Israel; Elijah, the prophet, Elijah's announcement of drought; Elijah fed by ravens and the widow; him raising the widow's son; and his contest with prophets of Baal. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God will always take care of our needs, but in order to do that we must depend on Him and put our trust and faith in Him to get us through all of our difficulties. With Ahab's reign began a new and very ungodly era in the history of Israel. Idolatry and wickedness flourished. Following his marriage to Jezebel and the establishment of Phoenecian idolatry, Ahab introduced Jezebel's worship of Baal as the religion of the nation. "And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa king of Judah began Ahab the son of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty and two years. And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that were before him. And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him. And he reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him." (I Kings 16:29-33). During his reign, true Israelite worshipers were unpopular and feared for their lives. Then, the prophet Elijah boldly declared to Ahab the there will be no rain in the land for years. "And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word." (17:1). In times of extremity God reveals Himself as the source of our daily necessities, God provided Elijah with what he needed. "So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook." (17:5-6). Then the water of the brook on which Elijah had depended gradually diminished and disappeared. When genuine faith is tested, it brings glory to God and works for the good of the believer who put their trust in HIm. "And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee." (17:8-9). Elijah put his trust in God as did the widow women and they were both blessed. "And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah." (17:13-16). Christians are the representatives of God and are here to confirm His faithfulness. Our attitude, words and actions must all declare that He alone is our true and infallible Source of supply. It is imperative, therefore, and supremely so in financial matters, that we be in a true sense independent of men and wholly dependent upon God. If there is any weakness here, He will be robbed of the glory that is due only to Him. As God's servants, we must show forth the abundance of His spiritual resources and rely on Him for all things. After 31/2 years of no rain, Elijah again, approached the king and informed him that Israel's drought was the result of he and his house rejecting the Commandments of the LORD. "And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table." (18:18-19). He then challenged the 850 false prophets to call on the name of their gods to consume their sacrifice. "Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men. Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under: And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken. And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under." (18:22-25). After a full day of Jezebel's prophets frantically praying to no avail, "And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded." (18:29). Elijah called the people to witness what God can do, "And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time. And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water. And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench." (18:33-38). What a great sight that must have been to see God working and proving to all the false prophets that there in only One True God. Elijah illustrates how the power of God is released when we pray and are obedient to His Word. In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through Elijah, whose faith God provided flour and oil for the needy widow at Zarephath (I Kings 17:13-16). Christ is our Provider, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19). Today's Psalm: 55:17 "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." Today's Prayer: From Psalm 86 Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. Have a wonderful Monday and week. God Bless, Christina Visit: A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 4/28/2008 9:00:29 AM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: Inspiration of God

Inspiration of God 04.27.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Sunday April 27, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of I Kings. Please read Chapters 14-15 or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Kings%2014-15&version=9 Today we will read and learn about Ahijah's prophecy; reign and death of Rehoboam; Abijam's wicked reign and Asa's good reign in Judah. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that the Bible is the only book inspired by God. Jeroboam forsook his God-given opportunities for what he thought were political advantages. The withered hand, the rent altar, and the message of rebuke from the mysterious young prophet of Judah were some of the many warnings to this self-serving king who in spite of them continued to reject God. Then, a time came when Jeroboam's eldest son became seriously ill. "At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick." (I Kings 14:1). Surely in his heart Jeroboam realized that the false priests he had hired could not provide comfort or receive any message from the One True God. But it was also obvious that his calf gods could not help him. The seriousness of his own son's illness caused him to send his wife disguised as a peasant to Ahijah the prophet whom he had ignored, who was now very old and blind, seeking assurance that their son would not die. "And Jeroboam said to his wife, Arise, I pray thee, and disguise thyself, that thou be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam; and get thee to Shiloh: behold, there is Ahijah the prophet, which told me that I should be king over this people. And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child." (14:2-3). The blind prophet at Shiloh boldly said, "Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel, And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes; But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back: Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone. Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat: for the LORD hath spoken it. Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house: and when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die." (14:7-12). What stands out is the contrast between the clever, well-planned attempt of King Jeroboam to deceive the prophet of God and the prophet's open, straightforward answers. Our God deals in simplicity and truth. Beware of any person whose conversation, conduct, or activities promote other books as equal to the only God-inspired Guide to Life. Satan is the instigator of deception and lies. The Holy Spirit guided the Apostle Paul to write, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-9). Ignoring any portion of the Word of God or adding to God's Word is as wrong as taking away from it. There are many good Christian books, but the Bible is the only inspired Guide from our Creator. "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:19). In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through Asa's ridding the land of idols and sodomites (I Kings 15:11-14). Christ cleansed the Temple, "And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves." (Matthew 21:12-13). As Christians, we are the Temples of God, bought with His own blood and are cleansed of all unrighteousness when we confess our sins. Today's Psalm: 48:14 "For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." Have a great day and week. God Bless, Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.net (0) Comments

Posted: 4/27/2008 8:50:07 PM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: True Word of God

True Word of God 04.26.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Saturday April 26, 2008 and today we will continue our study on the book of I KIngs. Please read Chapters 12-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Kings%2012-13&version=9 Today we will read and learn about Rehoboam and Jeroboam, tribes rebeling against Rehoboam and going to Jeroboam, an unnamed prophet, and the death of a disobedient prophet. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that there is only one True Word of God and we are to follow that and only that. King Solomon's son, Rehoboam inherited the power and a treasury full of wealth. However, Solomon left the kingdom morally and spiritually bankrupt. "And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee." (1 Kings 12:1-4). Rehoboam foolishly took the counsel of a young man which threatened the nation with additional taxes and even more cruel treatment. "And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.....So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents." (12:13-14,16). This blunder caused the people to rebel and declare a new king as the Lord had earlier ordained. "So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only." (12:19-20). However, Jeroboam feared that if people returned to Jerusalem to worship, His Northern Kingdom would return to the house of David therefore he built two golden calves. "And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan." (12:26-29). But the true God-appointed priests refused to participate in Jeroboam's two unauthorized locations at Dan and Bethel and moved to Jerusalem. In order to maintain his two altars, King Jeroboam was forced to hire men who were willing to participate in the worship of idols. There is much in our religious lives today that is as cheap and superficial as the First Church of Jeroboam. Men, methods, and movements can all be bought with money, and only a few remain who cannot be bought with the king's influence or rewards. Beware of the influence of those who should know the right answers, yet whose daily conduct and conversation reveal an inconsistent life. It is not difficult to recognize obvious sins such as theft, murder, or adultery and reject them. Christians often miss God's best by becoming involved in something that is not spiritually profitable. We must beware the suggestions or activities of "friends" that would get us sidetracked from doing what God has given us to do, even when it seems to be only "temporary." Satan will often use an "old prophet" to influence us from doing what we know is the will of God. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves......Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 7:15,21). The greatest danger to the Church is not the outside world, but in fundamentally-sound believers who, have lost their "first love" and grown indifferent. "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." (Revelation 2:1-5). It is of utmost importance that Christians guard against plans that distract us from the true written Word of God. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33). Distorting God's Word in order to justify our actions is never acceptable to God and will always lead us to failure, not only spiritually, but in all that we do. Some may live for the world and have many things, but eventually all that will end if we are not guarded with the shield of God. Today's Psalm: 119:114-116 "Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope." Today's Prayer: Psalm 28 Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit. Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle. Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert. Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up. Blessed be the LORD, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed. Save thy people, and bless thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. Have a great day and weekend. God Bless, Christina Visit A Spiritual Guide www.aspiritualguide.net P.S. I apologize for not getting this out yesterday, today's message will be posted this afternoon. (0) Comments

Posted: 4/27/2008 6:12:25 AM

Today's Bible Study: Bible Study: God Fills The Void

God Fills is The Void 04.25.08 Hello My Friend/Guest, It is Friday April 25, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of I Kings. Please read Chapters 9-11 or Click Here to read. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Kings%209-11&version=9 Today we will read and learn about a warning to Solomon; an alliance with King Hiram of Tyre; Solomon's riches and wisdom, and his falling away from the Lord. Today's message focuses on the importane of realizing that material things can not replace our relationship with God. We receive blessings through our trust and faith in God, without Him we are always searching for something bigger and better to fill the void. The Lord gave Solomon special privileges far exceeding those of other kings, but the Lord's continued blessings were conditional, "That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon. And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:" (I Kings 9:2-7). Everything about Solomon was the world's greatest. His gigantic enterprises impressed the world. But the underlying corrupting influences of his wealth, worldly policies, many pagan wives, and ignoring the Word of God destroyed the foundation of David's kingdom. Solomon ignored the basic principles that God required. Consequently, Solomon's compromise with the world and ignoring of the Word of God, deadened his spiritual discernment. The king who built the most famous Temple to the Living God in Jerusalem also built other temples for false gods to please his many heathen wives. "But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father." (11:1-4) Did Solomon assume that building the most sacred Temple in history, praying the longest prayer, and offering the most sacrifices meant that God would overlook his sins? In disregard for the Word of God, Solomon amassed thousands of horses and chariots and lived in an atmosphere of unparalleled luxury He also violated a command of God by accumulating 700 wives and 300 concubines. Did Solomon deceive himself into thinking that, as king, he could ignore the Word of God in his personal life? What happened to Solomon can happen to anyone who allows physical pleasure, riches, lust, or any other thing to crowd out their opportunities to give their best to Christ. Solomon did not, as did his father, inherit a kingdom in ruins; he inherited a kingdom which had been established in righteousness. As he advanced in wealth and popularity and as his mind expanded into the vast fields of intellectual research, the simplicity of his trust in God continued to diminish. The man who surpassed all others with wealth, fame, and pleasure at the end of his life wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, stating that all is vanity without the Lord. "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit." (Ecclesiastes 1:14). If any man could ever have been satisifed by getting all his heart's desires, that man would have been Solomon. Solomon's life illustrates the self-life having its full fling, but at the end concludes with emptiness. God reminds all who believe that success in life is measured by acquiring an abundance of material things, "And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:19-21). Today's Psalm: 24:3-5 "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation." Today's Prayer: Psalm 23 1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I wil