Corrupted Thinking 07.11.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday July 11, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 89-100 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2089-100&version=9

Today we will read and learn about a cry for deliverance from death; praise for God's Covenant and promises; frailty and brevity of life; the protection of the faithful, praise for the loving-kindness of the Lord; an appeal for justice; and a call to sing, worship, and praise the Lord. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that satan will use many people, even family and friends to corrupt your way of thinking and believing in God and serving Him.

Life is filled with both spiritual and physical dangers and the psalmist regarded God as a refuge and a fortress. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." (Psalm 91:1-3). The godly recognize the need of a refuge during bodily pain, mental perplexities, sorrows, and struggles. The very nature of trials and testing involves the idea of possible failure. Bodily pain may result in bitterness; mental perplexities have sometimes led to unbelief.

Since many spiritual conflicts can end in defeat, Christians must recognize their need for a refuge and fortress. They need to remember that their adversary, the devil wants to devour anyone who believes in God. "Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." (91:9-12). Satan, a fallen angel, quoted Psalms 91:11-12 to Jesus after His 40-day fast in an attempt to persuade Jesus to leap off the pinnacle of the Temple (See Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:9-11).

Satan was like some today who love the promises of God, but who disregard the conditions of those promises. They are not willing to sacrifice the lusts of the world in order to live the way He commanded. Our Lord set the example when He responded to Satan by quoting Scripture which warns not to tempt God. "Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." (Matthew 4:7).

Satan has deceived many by saying: "Your situation is an exception" or "Just this one time" or "Be broad-minded, everyone is doing it." He also uses examples of hypocrites to deceive some by pointing out: "Religious people do these things, so why shouldn't you?" We must continually be on alert for those who try to corrupt our way of thinking, knowing the truth, and obeying God's commands. Many will come to you pretending to know God, but are just sheep in wolves clothing. "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:14-15).

That is why it is so important to surround yourself with godly people and to read God's Word for yourself, get to know Him and understand Him. The more you read the more the Holy Spirit will help you understand. What you can not is revealed to you through preachers and teachers no different than you who have sacrificed the world to serve God and help the lost be found.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the Creator, "Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3). "...which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:9b).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
How grateful we are for those who have gone before us showing us the way. They not only instructed us in Your ways, but they lived exemplary lives so that we could see faith in action. We're grateful for their positive examples in our spiritual journey. We even pause to think of those who have taken a wrong direction only to turn away from all they held dear at one time. Would You remind us of the serious consequences of their sinful choices when we're tempted to do the same. We lift those people before You asking the Holy Spirit to convict and guide them back to the Way, the Truth and the Life. Keep us faithful to the very end so that as time unfolds we can declare with the apostle Paul, 'Now I am old and praise be to God for I am by His grace a prisoner of Christ Jesus, my Redeemer! In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day and weekend. TGIF!
God Bless,
Christina

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Our Guide 07.10.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday July 10, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 81-88 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2081-88&version=9

Today we will read and learn about God's goodness and Israel's waywardness; the blessedness of living in God's presence; David's desire to walk in truth, and a plea for God. Today we will learn the importance of realizing that one of the many things we learn as we worship God is to listen to the Holy Spirit as He guides us into all truth

Sometimes the unbelieving world looks down on the Christian who turns his back on the pleasures of this world. But to be a servant of the Most High God is better than all the pleasure of a rich man's world. "My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.....For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee." (Psalm 84:2, 10-12).

Christians enjoy a peace with God that surpasses all understanding of what the world believes. Both David and the psalmist knew God would not permit them to miss out on, or be deprived of, His best and He would direct each step of life's way.

The Holy Spirit guided David to unite the only two weapons of our spiritual warfare, prayer and the inspired Word of God. Psalm 86 expresses the power we have when these become our way of life. "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." (86:1-4). David was the king of Israel he recognized the lordship of God over his life. He often spoke of himself as the servant of the Lord in the Psalms.

David continued to worship and confess God's mercy and readiness to forgive. He expressed the utmost confidence that God listens to His people's prayers and is able to deliver them from all harm regardless of our circumstances, he also asked God to teach him to obey Him. "Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.......For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell......Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me." (86:11,13,17).

The Christian who desires a closer relationship with the Lord does not depend upon previous learning to continue a day-by-day walk in the way of truth, but upon the continual daily guidance of God through His Word. Instruction is much more than just information; it is the means to understand His will and be obedient, it also includes the thought of correction. The child of God never graduates from the Spiritual school of instruction. That is why all of us need to read His Word each day.

A sincere commitment to the Lord is essential. The Apostle Peter recognized this when he encouraged us to do the will of God. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (II Peter 1:4-8). We have the potential to live in obedience to His Word, but it requires voluntary submission and it's up to us to take the initiative to build our faith.

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through Jerusalem, from where the psalmist declared all of the springs of joy and happiness emanate (Psalm 87:7). Jesus is the source of our joy as the angel announced at His birth (Luke 2:10).

Have a great day full of many blessings.
God Bless,
Christina

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Blessings Through Discouragement 07.09.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday July 9, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 78-80 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2078-80&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the Lord's judgment against disobedience; a prayer against enemies; and prayer for mercy and restoration. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that when times of discouragement come it is then when it is the best time to count our blessings and remember where the Lord brought us from.

God had chosen Israel to be His witness to the world. As His people, they were to be an example of how He would bless all who honor Him and His Word; but, they had failed miserably and the glorious City of God was destroyed. By great signs and miracles, He delivered Israel from cruel slavery in Egypt. Furthermore, His gracious dealings with His people were manifested daily throughout their forty years in the wilderness. Nevertheless, again and again their spirit of discontent prevailed, "Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap. In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire. He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths. He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness." (Psalms 78:12-17).

We are reminded of the pitiful heartbreak and awesome horror felt by the Israelites following the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. They had assumed that, since they were the chosen Covenant people of God, they were secure. But they had chosen to disobey God's Covenant and His Commandments. The awful consequences of sin are inevitable. The psalmist cried out, "O god, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps. The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth. Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them." (79:1-3).

Since the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, there has been no Temple, no Brazen Altar, no Laver, no Golden Candlestick, no Table of Showbread, no Ark of the Covenant, no Altar of Incense, and no scripturally observed Day of Atonement as commanded by God through Moses. All that was essential to cover their sins was destroyed at that time.

Israel's sacrifices and feasts were symbols created by God to foreshadow all that was to be accomplished by Jesus the Messiah. With Jesus' sacrificial death, all of the Old Testament sacrifices for sins were made obsolete and the old sacrificial system under the Law was destroyed. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross made it possible for both Jews and Gentiles, who recognize themselves as lost sinners, truly repent, and receive Jesus as their Savior, to be forgiven of their sins.

True, there are times when we are plagued by doubts and questions. This is the time to remember that after the Apostle Paul prayed three times for his thorn in his flesh to be removed, the Lord revealed to him a very precious truth, "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." (II Corinthians 12:7-9).
Now there is the point that needs special emphasis. We need to realize that every Christian is the chosen of God and called out from among the world as lights through the darkness. As such, let us live our lives in childlike faith desiring above all else to please Him. God is longing for us to trust Him and look beyond our human resources to His all-sufficient supply. Our never failing God has promised to protect and keep us and we can rest in the promises of His Word. What is more, He always strengthens us for the work He has called us to do.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the true Shepherd (Psalm 80:1). Christ is the Good Shepherd and the Door through which one must enter to be saved. He alone is the Way to heaven (John 10:9,11).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Spiritual blessings come from You in the midst of Satan’s attacks and because of this essential truth we know that if You are for us, who can be against us! There is no formidable foe that cannot be conquered as the power of Your Holy Spirit enables us to remain faithful and ever growing in our devotion to You. Remind us that as we share in Your sufferings we also share in Your glory. In all areas of trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, and danger we are more than conquerors through You who loves us abundantly. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, nor anything else in all of Your creation will be able to separate us from Your love that has been revealed to us through Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We rejoice with our family of believers and we thank You for the paths of abundance You lay out before us as we walk hand in hand with You who helps us in all things. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God bless,
Christina

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Focus on God 07.08.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday July 8, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 72-77 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2072-77&version=9

Today we will read and learn about David's prayer for Solomon; the mystery of the prosperity of the wicked; the wicked and the proud rebuked; and the Majesty of God praised. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that worshiping God keeps us from putting too much emphasis on our own desires and allows us to focus on His will for our lives and not on what we have or do not have for ourselves.

The end comes for mighty King David's reign. Old, feeble, and near death, he prays his last prayer, not for his son, but for the one put in charge of God's people. "Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son. He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations." (Psalm 72:1-5).

A series of psalms is attributed to Asaph, David's song leader. He laments: "Woe is me" and "It's not fair" as he sees the wicked prosper. Then he praises God that the righteous triumph. His transition from severe struggles to ultimate victory revealed the integrity of his heart. In self-pity he had complained, "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. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end." (73:12-17). During one point in his life, he became critical as he saw those who blasphemed God prospering and enjoying life while those who worshiped the Lord were having great difficulties. Through the passing centuries this has been a problem for many Christians who don't understand enough about His Word.

Keep in mind that the psalmist was not describing the facts, but rather what seemed to be the facts. He wondered why the wicked were not plagued with sufferings that the child of God had to endure, but he gained a true perspective of life's problems when he went into the Sanctuary of God and understood their end. Let a man enter into worship, praise God and commune in prayer with Him and, spontaneously, that soul will be humbled, his pride and presumption will perish, and fresh insight will cause him to confess before God, "So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." (73:22-24).

The disciple who accepts the course of life's events as being under God's control will trust Him and thank Him in humble prayer for the needed grace and many blessings of God given to them in the midst of their struggles. He will have taken the first step in the path that leads to daily fellowship with the Lord and a wholehearted surrender to live entirely for Christ.

When all other resources fail, we will discover that God, and God alone, is adequate to satisfy your every need. Draw near to Him and His presence will banish all your darkness and brighten and beautify your life with His Light, endless love, and loyalty. "Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:31-33).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the Righteous Judge who will crush the oppressors (Psalm 72:4). Psalm 75:8 describes the judgment of God upon those who refuse to accept the salvation so freely offered by Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29,34-36)

Today's Prayer:
Dear 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 and wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday July 7, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 67-71 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2067-71&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the blessings of God upon His people; His judgment upon His enemies; David's prayer in time of trouble; and a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that the joy of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is never understood by the fallen world and its perverted standards. We need to press on and praise God in the midst of all that we endure.

"God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah." (Psalm 67:1-4). This psalmist encourages everyone to rejoice and sing for joy, singing and giving praise to God always brings satisfaction and peace of mind.

While we wait for Jesus to return from heaven, the psalmist also reminds us to rejoice in God, "But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him." (68:3-4). JAH is short for the Name of Jehovah which also means Yahweh, who is ever in the present. Let us join with the psalmist in a proclamation of praise and adoration for Jesus Christ, our wonderful Savior and Lord, who generously pours out His blessings upon us.

The man who trusts in God is led to praise Him irrespective of life's ups and downs. Christianity has been misrepresented by Satan and his crowd as a cheerless, gloomy, dull experience. Even the dark and trying experiences of life can produce good blessings as we realize that trials are often a blessing in disguise and that temporal loss can result in spiritual enrichment. So a Christian's greatest losses and crosses may lead to his greatest gains and joys.

However, it is far otherwise with the rebellious. "God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land." (68:8). To them trials, sorrows, and losses are unfortunate evils. They rebel against trials; and earthly losses often lead to bitterness the rebellious dwell in a dry land. The brightest prospects of sinful enjoyment eventually leave their victims empty and wretched.

To Christians the future is radiant, beautiful, and inviting. At the close of life, they look expectantly forward to meeting their Savior, Jesus Christ, who abolished death (Revelation 20:6; 21:8). "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the One who led captivity captive (Psalm 68:18). With His resurrection power, Jesus broke the captive power of Satan. When He led the Old Testament saints from paradise into heaven, He led captivity captive.

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
For many the circumstances in life are so uncertain. The solutions to our problems can be very perplexing and seem beyond our grasp. There are many things about tomorrow that we don't seem to understand, but we know who holds tomorrow, and we do know who holds our hand. Thank you, God, that You don't expect us to have all the right answers or to fully understand all that concerns us. You simply want us to trust You as we hold on to Your unchanging hand. In Jesus' name.....Amen

Have a wonderful day and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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