God Before Self 02.29.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday February 29, 2008 and today we are completing the study on the book of Numbers. Please read Numbers 36 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. In today's study we will read about the laws concerning female inheritance within their patriarchal tribe and learn the importantance of remaining faithful to God over one's personal satisfaction.

Five of the daughters of Zelophehad were awaiting a decision concerning their tribal territory after they married. Although they had the legal right to marry anyone, they were to consider the responsibility that rested on their actions. To marry someone from another tribe would forfeit their father's inheritance. "And they said, The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters. And if they be married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then shall their inheritance be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and shall be put to the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall it be taken from the lot of our inheritance." (Numbers 36:2-3). The decision involved an important principle of denying one's own personal satisfaction or remaining faithful to fulfilling the will of God. "Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad: For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their fathers brothers' sons: And they were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father." (36:10-12).

No one should overlook how perfectly the request of the five daughters of Zelophehad corresponds to our relationship with Christ. Often we are faced with a personal choice that is not sinful but which can cause us to compromise and relinquish or diminish our spiritual opportunities.

In contrast, no one who remains true to Christ forfeits the best in life. A commitment to God's Word preserves and enhances, rather than hinders, the enjoyment of one's life. Our enemy Satan often appears as an angel of light, seeking our consent to yield just once, so that he can gain a foothold, whereby, he gradually takes control of our lives . "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." (II Corinthians 11:14).

The Book of Hebrews offers the warning of God, "Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways." (Hebrews 3:7-10).

Submitting to God's will for our lives, even when choosing the right spouse, brings benefits in this life and hereafter, trust in the Lord and He will bless you beyond measure.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the inheritance of the children of Israel (Numbers 36:7). While they were given an inheritance of the land that will pass away, we have been given a greater inheritance, one that will not pass away. "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," (1 Peter 3-4)

Today's Psalm: 40:8
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."

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 is unclear You always go before me and sustain me in my wilderness journey. Forgive me, Lord for not always following Your Will and choosing my own way, I know many of the trials I faced resulted in those wrong choices, but You loved me so much that You never give up on me, You always bring me back and put me in the right direction. Thank You, Lord for all that You do. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great weekend.
God Bless you,
Christina

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You Are Blessed 02.28.08

"And he (Jesus) opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." (Matthew 5:2-11).

What does it mean to be blessed?
According to the Encarta dictionary the word blessed means to be sacred, sanctified, and set apart, it also means to be lucky, fortunate, and happy. This means that God has set us apart from the world and that we are fortunate in that no matter what we are going through He is with us and will get us through it.

What peace of mind and comfort there is to know that no matter what we are going through God is right there with us and that we are blessed. We really can not control what happens in the world, but we can control how we let them invade us. We can choose not to participate. We can choose who we hang around. We can choose what things we watch and what we read. We can choose to live for God and let Him get us through the good, bad, and ugly times in our lives. We can choose to believe that we are blessed and that God will protect us, take care of us, and provide us with everything we need.

I will tell you that I have been sitting here for an hour reading through the book of Matthew and trying to get something to catch my thoughts on what to write about. My mind was so focused on other things that I failed to comprehend what I was reading. Then it just hit me, worrying over matters that I can not control is not going to get me anywhere, but in trouble as Satan is just waiting to catch me off guard, he already sent the Jehovah's Witnesses to my door as I was reading.

Then I went back to the beginning of the book and there it was, everything that I was feeling and going through was contained in these ten verses. These last few weeks have been so frustrating and each one that passed I felt my spirit get weaker and weaker. It was not until this moment that I realized that I am blessed. God loves me and He will provide me with all of my needs and will never forsake me. I am not only blessed to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven I will one day get to meet Jesus face to face as one of His disciples. Through God's mercy and grace I am going to get through these struggles. Through my faith in Jesus I am going to see things turn around for me and He is going to bless me with even better things than I imagined.

Remember, you are blessed and you have those words straight from Jesus. No matter what struggles you are facing put your head up high, be happy and fortunate as You are sacred to God and mean the world to Him.

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Refuge in Christ 02.28.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday February 28, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Numbers. Please read Numbers 34 -- 35 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's lesson we will read and learn about dividing the land of Canaan and refuge for the manslayer.

Unlike the other tribes, the tribe of Levi, which included the priests, did not have a separate inheritance in the land. They were to depend on the people's tithes, as God had commanded. Of their 48 cities, six were assigned as cities of refuge which were easily accessible throughout all the tribes.

He even provided cities for those suspected of manslaughter, these cities were vitally important as places of safety until a trial could determine their guilt or innocence. "And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities. So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs." (Numbers 35:6-7). Even if the act was proven to be accidental, the manslayer was to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest. As long as he was there, he was protected from the avenger (the nearest male relative of the victim). But if he left the city before the high priest died, he could legally be put to death.

The death of the high priest "atoned" for the manslayer and pictured Christ's death to atone for our sins. The manslayer was then to leave as a free person with no fear of being put to death. However, if the incident was proven to be deliberate murder, the guilty person was turned over to the avenger to be put to death. God said to spare the life of a guilty murderer would defile the nation, for the murderer not only had destroyed one who was created in the image of God, but he also had intentionally taken from God His authority over that life. "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel." (35:30-34).

When it was proven to the satisfaction of the congregation that the accused person was guilty of murder, he had to be put to death, regardless of age or whether it was a man or a woman. There was to be no consideration of being sentenced to time in prison, the possibility of parole or rehabilitation, or any kind of financial settlement.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ revealed that hate and anger are sinful since they often lead to murder. "Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." (Matthew 5:21-22). Without the laws of God to protect us, the human race could not survive.

God expects more from His followers, who have been saved by the blood of His Son, than merely refraining from murder. He expects us to love others even as He loves us. "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34). God demands the highest respect for human life, for man was created in His image.

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through the city of refuge (Numbers 35). Christ is our Refuge from the judgment of God and the curse of the Law. "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrew 6:18-20).

Today's Psalm: 9:8-10
"And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

Today's Prayer,
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a new day and thank you for the many blessings bestowed upon me. Lord, I have not always turned to you in times of trouble, instead of coming to you I took things in my own hands through my anger and hurt. Lord forgive me for not coming to you and for the problems that were created in not doing so. Lord, you are my refuge and I put my complete trust and faith in You. I know that no matter what I am going through You are right there with me and will never forsake me. Walk with me, guide me, and be with me in all that I do. Give me the strength, courage, and patience I need to turn to You in all my times of need. I love You Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name.....Amen.

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

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God Before The World 02.27.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesay February 27, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Numbers. Please read Numbers 32 -- 33 in your Bible or Click Here to read it online. In today's lesson we will read and learn about Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh settling east of the Jordan; and a summary of Israel's 40 years in the wilderness.

More than 40 years had passed since Moses, while still in Egypt, foretold that God would lead the Israelites to the land He had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. While moving with great anticipation toward the fulfillment of that promise, and almost in view of the promised land, two of the twelve tribes. Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh asked for permission to settle in the territory recently captured on the east side of Jordan, just across the Jordan River, but just outside the promised land. "Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle; The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying,....Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle: Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan." (Numbers 32:1-2, 4-5). Their reasoning was that it was an excellent area for their very great multitude of cattle. This may have been good reasoning from a financial point of view for remaining outside the promised land, but it was one of compromise. Only one judge or deliverer came from these tribes, Jephthah the Gileadite.

The God-appointed territory for all the tribes was inside Canaan, not near by. The two-and-one-half tribes were willing to give up their birthright in the Promised Land for what appeared to be material gain. The unity of the nation, their nearness to the Tabernacle, and the presence of God should have been the choices that were uppermost in their desires.

Neither the Reubenites nor the Gadites showed any indication of rejecting God yet they still expected the blessings and security of God, but did not want to give up the lush grasslands to fulfill His will. History records that they gradually became involved in idol worship, ignored the Lord's instructions, and fell away from God only to face destruction for years to come.

Many Christians today resemble the Reubenites and the Gadites, whose decisions were influenced by material advantages. Business, social advancement or an atmosphere of prominence, often are chosen rather than the will of God. A worldly policy often overrules spiritual separation, but it is self deceiving and self defeating. We cannot serve two masters (See Matthew 6:24). People of faith always find ways to please God while others settle for excuses.

When we follow our own logic, we are settling for far less than God's best, while we satisy our lusts for the world we are missing the greater blessings in store for us just by putting God first above all that.

Today's Psalm: 71:20
"Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth."

Today's Prayer;
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with this day and thank you for the many blessings that you give me each day. Forgive me for not putting you above my fleshy desires. Lord, walk with me, guide me, and be with me in all that I do, teach me, Lord Your Will for me and help me to overcome the temptations of the world. I know that by putting You first I will see blessings greater than anything the world has to offer me. I need You, Lord and ask this in Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a great day/night and God Bless you,
Christina

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Avoid Greed 02.26.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday February 26, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Numbers. Please read, Numbers 30 -- 31 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the law concerning vows; the Midianites are conquered; and the officers and captains bring an offering to the Lord.

When pharaoh sought to slay Moses, he fled Egypt and went to Midian, a shepherd country, on the eastern gulf of the Red Sea. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through his second wife Keturah, whom he married after Sarah died (See Genesis 25:1-2). Jethro was its priest and Moses married Zipporah one of his daughters. Later, after nearly forty years in the wilderness, as we read earlier, the Israelites became involved in idolatry by attending their worship of the false god Baal-peor, followed by physical adultery with their women. This resulted in the death of 24,000 Israelites.(See Numbers 25-26) Some time later, God spoke to Moses about taking vengence on the Midianite's. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people. And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian." (Numbers 31:1-3).

In this war, Moses sent a thousand of every tribe and Phinehas to the war, with the trumpets to blow in his hand to execute the judgment of God upon the Midianites. "And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand. And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males." (31:6-7). The trumpets were symbols both of truth and of His direction. Not one Israelite died in that battle which resulted in the deaths of every Midianite male, including Balaam, all five kings of the confederation, and the women who caused Israel to sin . "And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword. And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods." (31:8-9).

It was not incidental that Balaam had chosen to live in luxury among the Midianites while enjoying the esteem of the king and the people. Like Balaam, how easy it is to say: I cannot go beyond the Word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his (Jacob)! (See Numbers 23). Unfortunately, like Balaam, greed and compromise have deceived many who will not die the death of the righteous, but face eternity in hell.

There are spiritual laws that are just as absolute as natural laws. Sin results in consequences affecting generations to come that often include sorrow and suffering and a wasted life. However, God has graciously provided His Word to open our eyes to the true values of life. He also provided a way for us to be free from an eternity in hell and that is by our Lord, Jesus Christ. "How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:18-21).

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed as the Ruling One Who will righteously judge the wicked (Numbers 31:1-17). In righteousness He does judge. "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war." (Revelation 19:11)

Today's Psalm: 37:4-6
"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
God of your goodness, give me yourself, for you are sufficient for me. If I were to ask anything less I should always be in want, for in you alone I have all and shall receive all things for Your glory. In Jesus name, I pray....Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless.

I have a correction from yesterday's message. I mistakenly entered the wrong verse for Psalm 1:3. This is the correct verse, "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

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