Daily Bible Study

Rejoice, In The Lord

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:52:05 GMT

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday December 5, 2009 and we are studying the book of Philippians, please read chapters 1-4

in your Bible or Click Here to read them copy & paste this URL http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-december-5

Today's Message: Rejoice, In The Lord
No matter what adversities we face, we do not have to let them control us. We can get through them all as we Rejoice, in the Lord knowing that Jesus is with us through it all.

The book of Philippians is the 11^th book of the New Testament, 50^th book of the Bible, and contains 4 chapters. The author of the book/epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to the church of Philippi. The purpose if the epistle was to present an appeal for Christian unity. What we are to learn from the epistle is that unity with Jesus brings us much joy.

We do not have to look very far to see adversity everywhere, people are losing jobs, businesses, and homes all over the country. The crime rate is up and climbing and people are taking lives and even their own now more than ever. What is a person to do with such adversity? Now more than ever we need Jesus. No one suffered more Paul as he followed Jesus command to go out into the world and preach the Gospel, yet through it all he never gave up hope knowing that Jesus was right there by his side. When the Apostle Paul first preached in Europe near the city of Philippi. On the Sabbath, he went to a place of prayer by a river where he met Lydia, a businesswoman from Thyatira. Lydia was saved along with a few others, and a church was planted there (Acts 16:13-15). At a later date, as a missionary prisoner in Rome, Paul wrote to these converts about his adversity. �I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.............And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;� - Philippians 1:3-7,9-13. Paul's imprisonment gave him the opportunity to share the Good News about Jesus with the elite guard of the Roman Empire. As there was a change of guard three or four times a day, this was a great opportunity to tell many of them about Jesus the Messiah.

I am sure Paul felt a little discontent at times, but instead of sitting there and getting bitter he chose to use the opportunity to reach the lost with the Gospel. He never feared what was about to happen because he knew Jesus was with him. �Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 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 2:12-16. Paul encouraged the church to keep going, holding on to God's Word. Our occupation in life may be in politics, the military, business, education, manual labor, or homemaking, but our primary concern should always be that we hold on to the Word of Life. We all have a natural desire for physical comforts, security, and material things. However, in making our decisions, our first consideration and loyalty should be to Christ. There is a storehouse of spiritual wealth and peace in Him that surpasses all earthly possessions in importance.

Adversities will not defeat the believer who has experienced Christ as revealed in this book. If Christ is truly in our lives and we live for His pleasure, to display His faithfulness, His love, and His patience then we say with Paul, �Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.�.....I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.� - Philippians 4:4-7,13. Praise God!

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

P.S. I am finally back online so the messages will resume on a daily basis. Thank you for your patience and understanding. God bless you.

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All Things Work Together

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:19:48 GMT

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday November 30, 2009 and we are completing our studies in the book of II Corinthians, please read chapters 9-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-30

Today's Message: All Things Work Together
Through turmoil, whether in death, disease, or famine God reminds us that all things work together for good.

Often when we are suffering we are inclined to think that no one can understand what we are going through. One may be facing, sickness, an addiction, a terminal disease, divorce, unemployment, or even an eviction. For some it means the loss of one with whom to share life's joys and even share the discoveries we have as we read the Bible. During intense suffering such as these we tend to feel a sense of loneliness that fills or plagues our thoughts. We are inclined to think that no one could feel the intensity of suffering that we are facing and our first response is: �Why me, Lord?� However, God never gives us anything that we can not handle, every situation we face has a purpose, meaning, and strengthens us in some way as long as we put our trust in God. We do not have to suffer things alone, God is with us and although we may not understand at the time why we are going through so much, God does and He will reveal it to us when we seek Him through it all.

Paul often faced much suffering from hostile enemies of Christ as well as some believers along his journey preaching the Gospel. He mentions some of those sufferings, "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.� -II Corinthians 11:24-31. After his conversion, Paul lived with only one purpose, to preach the Gospel to the lost. He knew that alone he could do nothing and would not be able to handle any struggle he endured without Jesus. We too have one purpose, and that is to reach the lost with the Gospel, we are all called to reach out in love to all people with the Good News of eternal life. Someone may be very likable and a good citizen, but the dividing line between the saved and the lost is dependent on one person, Jesus Christ. If they do not know Christ as their Savior they will not receive eternal life.

Paul prayed three times to remove the thorn from his flesh, "For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." II Corinthians 12:6-10. The thorn represented his suffering and although God did not answer his prayer as he expected He did tell him that His grace is enough, through our weaknesses we become stronger and Christ gives us the strength to endure all suffering. God answers all prayers according to our needs and we are to give glory to God through all of our suffering. Jesus is with us and although we do not understand it at the time we must realize that God is in control. It is up to us to make a decision whether or not to be held captive to our suffering or to release it over to God and let Him comfort and set us free.

The thrill of it all is that as a child of God we know what the future holds, that death doesn't end all. It just begins a life of eternity with our wonderful Heavenly Father and our precious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Said, �Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.� - John 14:1-3.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
You reign over all the earth and You also reign in my heart! What an awesome blessing this truth brings to me today. As I consider that it is not by my might, nor by my power, but by the Spirit of the Lord that my personal mountains are removed. Jesus, I know that many of the mountains I face are not just blown away by a simple prayer of faith, but these mountains are often the very essence of how You work through my life to reveal Your faithfulness and Your power in the midst of my struggles. You develop godly character as I am challenged to remain steadfast and faithful in my Christian walk. You make my feet like hind�s feet and You make me to walk upon high places. Help me to keep my gaze continually upward during the climb so that I see You reigning on Your throne as I bring You glory and honor! In your mighty name, Jesus I pray......Amen.

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

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True Faith

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:33:09 GMT

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday November 29, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of II Corinthians, please read chapters 5-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-29

Today's Message: True Faith
True faith not only joins the believer to the Lord, but it also separates the believer in heart and practice from the world controlled by Satan.

As we begin the Christmas season we can not forget that the greatest gift we will ever receive is the gift of eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ. Although we are saved from having to spend eternity in hell, that does not mean that we will not have to meet with God face to face and account for the missed opportunities that we had to serve Him. Oh, our sins are no longer remembered and we are free, that does not stop us from receiving judgment seat of Christ. �For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. � - II Corinthians 5:10,11. Jesus is appointed judge of the whole earth and when He returns He will sit upon His great white throne and we must all appear before Him. Every saint, minister, pastor, priest, layman, nation, age, and sex will meet Jesus face to face and be accountable for their actions, behavior, and even the secret things that no one, but God knows. Every person will receive rewards according to what they have done while in the flesh body, whether is be good or bad. If a person did good than the reward of good works will be of grace, and not of merit, good works will be considered at the last judgment, not as causes of eternal life and happiness.

No one would deny that we are living in a day of deception and compromise, and, unfortunately, Christians are tempted to search for satisfaction through what the world has to offer. To provide answers for this problem, Paul earnestly asked five questions that deserve our prayerful consideration because they have eternal consequences for us. �Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.� - II Corinthians 6:13-16. As Christian's, we are true believers in Christ and live our lives the best we can according to the New Testament. We are not to be equally yoked or joined with unbelievers, these are people who have not been saved or believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The effects of neglecting Scripture on this can truly turn a godly person into a wicked one, quicker than you can blink an eye. When believers enter into such unions, against the express warnings of God's word, they will expect much distress. The caution also extends to common conversation. We should not join in friendship and acquaintance with wicked men and unbelievers. Though we cannot wholly avoid seeing and hearing, and being with such, yet we should never choose them for friends. We must not defile ourselves by conversing with those who defile themselves with sin. �Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.� - II Corinthians 6:17,18.

The presence of God demands holiness in His people, for He cannot dwell in the presence of evil. Even if loved ones are causing evil around you, God will make a way for you to be free from it. My father and three half brothers choose to live in sin and in the world, God sent them on the other side of the coast so we do not have to be subject to that corruption any longer. No matter who you are around or what evil situation you are facing, God will make a way for you to get out of it. Jesus Said, �Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.� - Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus is our rest and comfort and will help make our burdens easy.

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

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Free From Corruption

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:14:53 GMT

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday November 27, 2009 and we are completing our studies in the book of I Corinthians, please read chapters 14-16 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-27

Today's Message: Free From Corruption
Christian's who, out of necessity, must spend much of his time with the people of the world, can be free from corruption. The only way to be free is by truly believing in and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Many people do not realize that the Bible is a history and record book, every historical event that has been prophesied about and taken place since kings ruled Israel, are documented and proven. Every event recorded in the Bible has a purpose and a meaning that is centered around one man, Jesus Christ. That's right, even before the world began, Jesus Christ was. �In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made......And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.� - John 1:1-3,14. It is important to recognize when these events had taken place for if one of these had not taken place at the appointed time then the Bible would be the fiction that the world claims it to be, thus Jesus Christ would be fiction also. However, it is a triumphant fact that Jesus Christ is the truth, the life, and the way. �Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.� - John 14:6.

Paul speaks the those who have accepted Christ, but do not believe in His resurrection. �Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.� - I Corinthians 15:1-10. Paul explains that there have been many witnesses, including himself, that Jesus had in fact died, was buried and was seen risen from the dead three days later. Anyone who says they are saved and do not believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are not saved and anything they say is in vain.

For the Christian, death is not the end of life but only the beginning of a magnificent, eternal future with our wonderful Lord. �Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 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 15:51-58. Nothing could be clearer than the pronouncements of the Scriptures on the Christian's proper relationship to the world. Christianity today is so entangled with the world that millions never realize how radically they have missed the New Testament pattern of godly living. There is compromise everywhere but Scripture leaves no room for doubt or compromise. Our threefold purpose for living is to become the person that God planned for us to be so we may accomplish His will for us on earth and be prepared for the triumphant splendor of heaven. Concerning heaven, the words of Jesus have brought precious comfort to millions when He said, �Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.� - John 14:1-3.

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

P.S. I will be offline for a few days as I am moving and will be without the internet for about a week. I have updated the Bible reading schedule for the chapters/books to read for the days that I will not be able to post a message. When I get back online all Bible study messages will be posted. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you and God bless, I am praying for you.

What is Charity?

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:32:56 GMT

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday November 26, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of I Corinthians, please read chapters 10-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-26

Today's Message: What is Charity?
When most people think of the word charity they think of it as giving money or something to help out the poor, needy, etc. However, in God's eyes charity goes beyond helping the needy.

To God the word charity means love, it is having kindness and compassion for one another, regardless of how you have been treated. It may seem surprising to the world, but from God's point of view it is more important to be known for one's loving kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, and consideration than being a famous evangelist or teacher. �Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.� - I Corinthians 12:1-7. We have all been given spiritual gifts which allow us to serve God in some way, some more than others. It is not important how many things we are able to do, but how we do the things we do. If we are not eager to serve the Lord we will never develop the gift of charity.

Paul expresses the importance of charity for one another and no matter how successful we are at teaching God's Word if we are not kind toward one another we do not get very far in life. "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." (I Corinthians 13:1-3). What Paul is saying here is that I have all these gifts, I am able to do all these things, but without charity every one of them is worthless. God will not honor anything we if we do not love what we do. Paul continues, "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.� - I Corinthains 13:4-8. We are to love as God loves, this God kind of love is very patient, never envious, or boastful, it does not brag to others or is rude to people. Neither is it self seeking, quick to take offense, or resentful.

Charity has a way of making us more concerned for the feelings and rights of others and less occupied with our own. The love of God causes us to stop trying to always grab the best for ourselves or taking advantage of others. Charity also has a way of keeping us from listening to people who are anxious to pass on the latest gossip about the faults and failure of others. We must all remember that love bears and endures all things without getting frustrated or angry. Charity never fails regardless of whether it is for friends, difficult people, or strangers. �Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.� - I John 4:7,8.

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

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Honoring God's Temple

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:04:25 GMT

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday November 25, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of I Corinthians, please read chapters 5-9 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-25

Today's Message: Honoring God's Temple
As Christian's, our bodies are the Temple of the Living God, that means that whatever we do, Christ does also. Are you honoring God's Temple?

Many people of the world choose not to follow Christ for one simple reason, they do not want to be in submission to Him, they know that their lifestyles do not fit in with Christ so they keep Him out. Some Christian's on the other hand, have chosen to follow Christ, yet they have not given up their lifestyles for Him. While all sin is wrong and we are subject to facing the consequences of it, some acts of sin are more detestable to God than others, more importantly acts upon our own flesh. Paul said, �For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.� - I Corinthians 5:3-5. Paul has written this letter to the people of Corinth, he is addressing the subject of fornication, he is telling them that their sins are known even though he can not see them and that by continuing to live in them they are giving their bodies over to Satan and destroying their flesh. You see, when we are living in sin, it does not go unnoticed, someone always witnesses something no matter how careful you try to be and people will find out the truth. However, he does state that the spirit is saved through Jesus Christ. So, if we repent and change our ways, God will forgive us as long as we are sincere.

Let me tell you something, God will not be mocked and while He is a forgiving God, He will not stand for anyone making a mockery of Him. �Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.� - I Corinthians 6:9-11. The key word here is WERE because all who have truly received Christ as Savior and Lord should have forsaken their sins and been washed clean. While God does not allow people to abuse His gift, He will redeem all who come to Him.

An amazing thing happens when we accept Christ as our Savior and allow Him to come into our hearts. The Spirit of God moves in and becomes a part of us, also known as the Holy Spirit. That means that everything we do we do with God, �What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.� - I Corinthians 6:19,20. Our bodies are for the Lord to be an instrument of righteousness and holiness, therefore we are to glorify the body and never make it an instrument of sin. t is an honor to the body, that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead; and it will be an honor to our bodies, that they will be raised. We should be honored that Jesus Christ has chosen us to be His feet, to set an example and to show that while we were once dead in sin we were risen from the dead and are now alive through Christ. Our bodies have been redeemed from deserved condemnation and hopeless slavery by the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Being united to Christ as one spirit, and bought with a price of unspeakable value, we should consider ourselves as wholly the Lord's, by the strongest ties. May we make it our business, to the latest day and hour of our lives, to glorify God with our bodies, and with our spirits which are his.

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

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Division Between Christian's

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:56:30 GMT

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday November 24, 2009 and we are beginning our studies in the book of I Corinthians, please read chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-24

Today's Message: Division Between Christian's
For centuries there has been a divison between Christian's, but the truth is this, if you do not know Christ as your Savior, and I mean who He truly is, than you are being deceived and there is going to be strife.

The book of I Corinthians is the 46^th book of the Bible, the 7^th book of the New Testament, and contains sixteen chapters. The author of the book is Paul and it was written to the believers and Corinth. The apostle himself was nearly two years at Corinth, where he preached with great success; and was the instrument of converting many people, who by him were formed into a church state, consisting both of Jews and Gentiles. The purpose of the book was to address the problems that have been brought to Paul's attention concerning the division and questions between the Corinthian believers. The peace of this church was disturbed by false teachers, who undermined the influence of the apostle. This epistle (letter) was written to rebuke some disorderly conduct, of which the apostle had been made aware of and to give advice as to some points whereon his judgment was requested by the Corinthians. What we are to learn from the book is that love is the greatest spiritual key to an effective Christian life and ministry.

There is just as much strife between Christian's as there is between people who live in the world and in many cases it is even worse. The reason there is so much strife is because they all believe that what they have been taught is the truth. Paul addresses this issue, �Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment........... For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.� - I Corinthians 1:10,19-24. Both Jew and Gentile that have accepted Jesus in their lives have been given the wisdom to preach or teach the Gospel to all. The one and only way to heaven, to reaching God, and to understanding His Word is through Jesus Christ.

We really can not put all the blame on the people because most of them have been taught these things all their lives, as Jesus was being tormented on the cross He prays to God, �forgive them for they know not what they do�. However, that does not excuse a person from continuing to ignore the truth once they are presented with it. Every person on this earth will have a chance to learn the truth and be saved before Christ returns, once they know the truth it is their decision whether they want to accept it or ignore it. However, until they know the truth they will never understand God or have a relationship with Him. �Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.� - I Corinthians 2:12-16. When we do not know Christ we will never understand God's Word, these thelogical scholars think they have the Bible all figured out, but they reall have no clue as to what the truth is. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and are baptized we receive the Holy Spirit in us, that means He indwells in you and helps you to have a mind like Christ. Yes, the Spirit of God nudges at us our entire lives, but to truly know God, to truly know His Word, to understand His truths is by knowing and accepting Christ first.

One thing that frustrates me the most when asking people about heaven is that they insist that their religion will take them to heaven or keep them on earth as some believe, the first thing that comes out of their mouths is I'm Catholic, or Jehovah's Witness, or Mormon. Let me tell you something, there is a heaven and there is a hell and not one of these religions can keep either of us from going to one of these places. No matter how many times a person reads the Bible or goes to church or tries to be good that will not keep them in the good graces of God. The one and only way to keep from ending up in hell and having a relationship with God is by knowing His One and Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. �For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life...........He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.� - John 3:16,18.

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

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It All Starts Here

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:26:38 GMT

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday November 23, 2009 and we are completing our studies in the book of Romans, please read chapters 14-16 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-23

Today's Message: It All Starts Here
As Christian's, we all grow at different levels and as we grow the things of the world become replaced by the things of God, but it all starts with believing in and accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior.

There is often much unnecessary strife between Christian's, there are some that say that you can not eat this or wear that. There are some that say you can or can not follow this holiday or event. I am here to tell you that being a Christian has nothing to do with what you eat or wear or what holiday you celebrate, it's about believing in and following one man, Jesus Christ. Paul explains this further, �Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.� - Romans 14:1-4. The word disputation means to debate or argue, some Christian's like to debate with others because they are not living by the standards that they created. You see them all the time, they want to be a part of every church activity, but they will not fellowship with those who do not look like they do. Through Paul, God is saying that we are not to judge a person by what they can afford to buy or eat, we are to help them and lift them up.

The greatest example of how we are to live our lives is Jesus Christ, who unselfishly took all our sins upon Himself, suffering insult, persecution, and a cruel physical death on the cross for our sakes. His personal sacrifice demonstrated the Christian way to deal with people for their good and God's glory. �We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.�- Romans 15:1-6. The more we walk with Christ the more we become like Him. When we allow Christ to be Lord of our lives, it results in a sincere, compassionate concern for others, not only for a weaker brother or sister in Christ, but for the lost as well. Spiritual discernment leads us to be understanding of others and their situations and not judge them by what they see.

While it is true that God does not judge us, we need to realize that He does judge sin and makes it clear that we must repent and seek forgiveness through Jesus. We must use good judgment in the people we hang around and the things that we do with them. �Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.� - Romans 16:17-20. Jesus is with all who believe in Him and have accepted Him and it will show through us. However, the fact is that we have some friends and even family that we know we should not be around, yes we love them, but we can not allow ourselves to be corrupted by them. I barely have a relationship with my father because I follow Christ, I love him, respect him, and talk with him once in a while, but he is not a big part of my life.

I know there are some people reading this that may have to live with someone that is corrupting them. You can overcome this situation, God will give you the strength and guidance you need to either see them change or walk away from them. �But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.� - I Peter 5:10,11.

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

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Doing God's Will

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:32:43 GMT

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday November 22, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Romans, please read chapters 11-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-22

Today's Message: Doing God's Will
As we read through the Bible and obey it, God's Word becomes our spiritual food and our source of strength and spiritual insight to accomplish His will.

As Christian's we long to do the will of God, many have concentrated their time, talents, and abilities doing the Lord's work, but do not understand why it seems the more they do for God the less blessings they receive. Through Paul, God explains why we are at times fruitless in our efforts. �And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded. (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.� - Romans 11:6-8. It is by grace that we obtain the blessings from God in the things that we do, not by works. Yes, it is good to do things for God, to serve Him, and to learn to walk as Jesus walked, but we must not forget that grace is the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. If we forget that God blesses us even though our circumstances than He will stop the blessings that we can get until we come to that realization. Even suffering is a blessing from God because it is through the suffering that we endure that we learn and grow and proper as long as we keep our faith and trust in the Almighty.

Some Christian's truly love God, they have taken themselves out of the world, go to church on Sunday's, and even pay tithes, but they never make an effort to see the true blessings that are before them because anytime the opportunity arises to serve Him they become unmotivated and lose interest. They are like the Israelite's, who had the faith to leave Egypt, but rebelled and refused to enter the promised land on God's terms. �I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.� - Romans 12:1-5. To beseech means to beg, God is begging us present our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him, meaning that He is asking us to learn what it truly is that He wants us to do for Him and do it wholeheartedly. Every person who accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior becomes a member of the body of Christ. Just like a physical body needs every member (part) of the body to function properly, the body in Christ also needs every member to function properly.

Often people have this idea that in order to serve God we need to do everything, but the truth is God calls us all to serve Him in a certain why. �Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.� - Romans 12:6-8. We do not need to try to do something that we are not able to do because He knows we can not serve Him in every way. That is why He calls some people to be preachers, some to be teachers, some ushers, some nursery workers, and some even janitors. We can all serve God is some way by what we do in everyday life, but we must be willing and have the desire to serve Him. I work in the nursery at my church and it can be really tough sometimes, if I went in that room feeling unmotivated then it would not only reflect on me, but the children as well. They will know that I do not want to be there and children know who they can trust. God is the same way, He knows who He can trust and He will use and bless those who truly and wholeheartedly want to do His will.

Today's Prayer:

Dear God,

Lord, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we seek to guard the truths and commandments entrusted to us through Your Word. We do not want to be swayed by man�s opinions and will not be if we are firmly anchored to the Rock which can�t be moved. Help us to know and do Your will. We stand firm and strong when we, by conviction of Your Holy Spirit, embrace Your teachings and refute that which conflicts. Help us to be sober and vigilant as our adversary the devil seeks to divide believers and destroy their faith. By the grace of God we will be strong, stand united, and overcome his attacks. In Jesus' name.......Amen.

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

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Set Yourself Free

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:45:21 GMT

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday November 20, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Romans, please read chapters 4-7 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-20

Today's Message: Set Yourself Free
You do not have to live in bondage to things that you have done in the past nor things that others have done to you. Set yourself free through none other than through the Lord, Jesus Christ.

The Book of Romans is a guide to not only help the lost find and understand Salvation, but also answer some questions that Christian's might have about it as well. Now, everything that we go through today has not changed since the world began, every circumstance and situation that we have gone through has been addressed by someone in the Bible, we just have more advanced weapons and technology. If you think that what you are going through something that no one else has, think again. The Bible addresses adultery, murder, rape, homosexuality, homelessness, alcoholism, incest, and many other circumstances and situations known to man. Regardless of any of these circumstances God loves each and everyone the same way and gives the same opportunity to all. Paul explains that it is not by our works that we are saved, but by the grace of God. �For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.� - Romans 3:23-26. To be justified means that we are cleared of all the charges or sin debts that are owed against us by the grace of God. As we by faith accept that Jesus shed His blood to save us we are justified by any sin that we committed. In other words, if you believe in Jesus and tell Him that you do, every sin debt of the past and even those to come are paid and you are cleared of all the charges.

Paul explains further by using Abraham and David as examples, �What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.� - Romans 4:1-7. Paul explains that we are not justified by any works that are done by the flesh. In other words if we have it in our minds that we need to work for our salvation we are wrong, all we would be doing is rewarding the flesh, not paying for the debt that we owe. It may look as if you are doing something good for God to man, but not to God. God will only recognize the work that you have done through Jesus Christ. Remember what Jesus said about entering the kingdom of heaven? �Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.� - Matthew 7:21-23. Once again, it's not by works that we enter the kingdom of heaven, it's by doing the will of God. Doing the will of God is by first and foremost accepting Jesus Christ.

I believe that one of the biggest things that is so frustrating to Jesus is that people are willing to believe that aliens have come down to earth, which no one has ever seen, but they can not believe in Him, who has been here on earth and in fact came here to save even those who do not believe in Him. It is time to let go of all the fears, the shame, the doubts, and the lies that you have been told. Jesus is a real as you and I and He is the only way to be set free of all the charges that are against you. You do not have to go through these circumstances alone, you can live in peace, you can be set free from the bondage of sin that you have caused and of sin that others have done to you. Let Jesus set you free and give you that peace, �Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.� - Romans 5:1-6.

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

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