Yield to God 03.27.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday March 27, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 12-14 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about Jephthah's victory over the Ephraimites; Israel under Philistine's control; Samson and his Philistine wife in Timnath. Today's message focuses on the importance of yielding to God from self gratification.

The Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord once again and became slaves to the Philistines for forty years because of their sins. "And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years." (Judges 13:1).

During that time a child was born, "And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son."(13:2-3) His name was Samson, and unlike Jephthah, Samson had a godly mother and father who desired that their son be fully dedicated to the Lord. "And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol." (13:24-25). One can observe the marvelous manifestation of God's longsuffering and mercy. He will prepare us so He can use us mightily.

Samson was anointed of God from birth to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Eventually, Samson ruled as a judge. However, early in life, we see his disregard for his holy calling. He was given unlimited opportunities, but his life was filled with failure because of his self-serving desires. His first recorded act of unfaithfulness was friendship with the enemies of God. It seems that Samson was easily distracted with his own physical desires and satisfactions, as in Timnath, when he fell in love with a Philistine woman. "And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines. And he came up, and told his father and his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines: now therefore get her for me to wife. Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well." (14:1-3).

All of us are tempted by the lust of the flesh to gratify physical evils such as sexual sins, drugs, alcohol, gluttony, and similar sins. Every day that we continue in willful sin, Satan's hold becomes stronger, and our chances of deliverance become less likely. Perhaps the greatest deceptive sin is presuming that the long-suffering of God will continue indefinitely.

Samson's life was filled with strife and vain glory, he tried to be somebody without yielding to God. The reason some try to be "somebody" is that they have not yet yielded to Christ as Lord of their lives. Their religion is too self-centered. Christ alone gives our lives value and meaning as He makes us a new creature. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (II Corinthians 5:17). Only in the measure in which we allow Christ to guide each hour of our lives shall we be able to truly fulfill His will. We are called upon to be separated from the world with a desire to fulfill the Lord's will. "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (II Timothy 2:22).

In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through Samson, who, as a Nazarite, he was to be consecrated to God from birth to the day of his death (Judges 13:7). Jesus was also set apart and consecrated to God from birth to the day of His death on the cross. Unlike Samson, who often failed God, Jesus totally fulfilled God's plan.

Today's Psalm: 24:4-5
"He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You know the longings of my heart. When I seek thrills and quick fixes to satisfy these needs I am eventually disappointed. You are the Bread of Life and the Living Water that satisfies the inner desires of my heart because You are the only One who can truly meet my spiritual needs. Lord, as I come today hungry and thirsty I look to You, for You satisfy the thirst and hunger with what I need to yield to You and follow Your will to victory. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a teriffic Thursday!
God Bless,
Christina

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Mighty Men & Women of Valour 03.26.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday March 26, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 10 -- 11 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about once again Israel forsakes the Lord and worships idols; Israel is oppressed by Ammonites for 18 years; Jephthah's daughter and here dedication to God. Today's message focuses on the importance of knowing that God knows your heart no matter where you are and will build you into mighty men and women of valour.

Once again Israel forsaked God and fell into worshipping false gods, "And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him. And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon. And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen years, all the children of Israel that were on the other side Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead." (Judges 10:6-8).

After much suffering they pleaded to God to deliver them from the Ammonites. God reminded them of how much he did for them and yet they still followed false gods and challenged them to see if their false gods can deliver them from their troubles."And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. And the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines? The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation." (10:10-14).

Israel realized their mistake, asked for forgiveness, and put away theie false gods. "And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel." (10:15-16).

Jephthah, because of the illegitimacy of his birth, was disinherited by his father's house and forced to leave the land of promise. "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit in our father's house; for thou art the son of a strange woman." (11:1-2). He went to his mother's country in the land of Tob, it was a land of idols, yet Jephthah had lived long enough in the promised land to acquire a deep and lasting faith in Israel's God. In exile, Jephthah remained faithful to God while surrounded by idolators for about eighteen years.

Because he had been excommunicated from Israel, Jephthah could have said: "Why should I try to do anything for the glory of God?" But this man of faith had gained a reputation for the love of God as well as a warrior in battle that all Israel turned to in the day of their distress. He was the only man who was qualified to respond to the Ammonites' threat to attack the Israelites. "Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh." (11:11). Jephthah held no bitter feelings for having been rejected and illustrates that only God knows our hearts and His estimation of men is often different than our own. While we are surrounded by false phophets and worldly temptations God knows our hearts and will use us no matter where we are to reach the lost.

Israel's attitude toward Jephthah may have been contemptible, but the day came when Israel discovered how much they needed him. But in Jephthah's situation, as with Joseph, Moses, and David, the long delay previous to his great public work was needed in order to develop a character and the skills suitable for the greatness of His work. Difficulties prepare us for what God knows we will face in future ministry. "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:27-31).

The situations in which we live should not dictate our relationship with Jesus. Jesus prayed for us, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." (John 17:15-21).

In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through Jephthah's only child as she wholly submitted to her father's will. (Judges 11:34-40). Jesus wholly submitted to His Father's will. The night He was betrayed Jesus prayed to God, Your will, not mine. "Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matthew 26:38-39).

Today's Psalm: 37:28-29
"For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We are blessed to be Your children, help us to regularly examine our hearts to see if there are things, pursuits, or attitudes that are drawing us away from Your heart and thrusting us once again into the mindset of the world. Our heart’s examinations are not intended to condemn us, but to refresh our spirit and remind us of our godly heritage. Lord, You know our hearts more than we do ourselves, reveal to us that which helps and that which hinders our Christian walk and as we walk in obedience to You we’re grateful for the peace and rest we receive in knowing that You do not condemn us, but deliver mercy to help us in our time of need. You do not stand over us in judgment, but You walk alongside us assuring us of Your unwavering love and unending mercy that will see us through on this side of the journey. In Jesus' name, we pray....Amen.

Have a wonderful Wednesday and God bless you.
Christina

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Controlled By Pride & Greed 03.25.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday March 25, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 8 -- 9 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about Gideon making an ephod (priests apron); his death; Gideon's son Abimelech murdering 70 of his brothers; and Abimelech's accident and death. Today's message is on the importance of not falling into pride and greed.

Gideon was chosen from the tribe of Manasseh by Jehovah to deliver Israel from the Midianite oppression. Thirty-two thousand men responded to Gideon's call to war; but God chose to use just 300 men to defeat the Midianites. The other Israelites were sent home; and, with only 300 men, God defeated 135,000 Midianite soldiers in battle. "Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword." (Judges 8:10). This illustrates a twofold principle: God expects man's cooperation, but man cannot overcome his enemies without the wisdom and power of God.

The Israelites urged Gideon to be their king. It was an appeal to his pride. But Gideon knew that it was not he who had saved his people, but God who was their true King. "Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you." (8:22-23). Gideon knew that, as a judge of Israel, he would need God to guide him.

Sadly, the Israelites soon forgot that God was the One who had miraculously delivered them from the Midianites. In order to gain power after Gideon's death, his cruel and crafty son Abimelech negotiated a large sum of money from the Baal temple treasury to pay men to help him murder his 70 brothers in order to become King. "And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself. And all the men of Shechem gathered together, and all the house of Millo, and went, and made Abimelech king, by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem." (9:5-6). At the moment of Abimelech's proudest achievements, Jotham, the son of Gideon who had escaped execution, warned that they would soon discover that this self-made king would bring suffering and death upon them as well as himself. "And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you....Thus God rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren: And all the evil of the men of Shechem did God render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal." (9:7,56-57).

Abimelech is an example of a person controlled by the deceptive and destructive forces of pride, and greed. He was determined to gain selfish ends regardless of whom he destroyed. He is a reminder that God says to Be not deceived for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:7-8).

In today's studt Jesus Christ is revealed through Gideon, who delivered the Israelites from Midian. (Judges 8:22-23). The Lord Jesus has delivered us out of the hands of our spiritual enemies, and it is fitting that He should rule over us. "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:" (Galatians 1:3-4).

Today's Psalm: 36:11-12
"O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I recognize that I have not always lived my life for You. At times I have been controlled by pride and living for myself. Forgive me, Lord. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward help me to understand when I am about to fall from this sin and to come to you. In Jesus' name, I pray...Amen

Have a terrific Tuesday and God Bless You.
Christina

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Feed On Me, 03.24.08

"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:26-28).

As much as we Christian's love Jesus we can not help ourselves at times to lose our focus on Him. Life takes a turn and all of a sudden we are lost and confused and hungry for some sort of resolution. We starve for a glimpse of hope in that everything will be taken care of.

Of course, that resolution is Jesus and although He does not promise that we will not face struggles, He does promise that He is always with us to lead us into victory over them. The second we accept Jesus into our hearts He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, that is why we suddenly feel at peace. The Holy Spirit never leaves us, but it is up to us to keep the fire burning. It is when that fire begins to smolder that we lose our focus and then Satan begins to get us back into our old way of thinking.

Which is why as we observed the wonderful resurrection of our Lord Jesus yesterday I could not help, but also be excited to know that it was a day of recognition. This was the day that the Lord showed me that all of the past was behind me and was crucified with Jesus on the cross and a new life begins.

All that sadness and depression over things that I can not control were meaningless and only feeding Satan's ego. I was sinning against myself in that I was afraid that the past would repeat itself. I was not letting the past die which kept Jesus from accepting my plea for forgiveness. It was time to let go and let God take control of the situation.

Jesus truly is the bread of life and as long as we feed on Him we are never hungry or thirsty. That is why it is so important to seek Him daily, especially when we do not feel like it. That is a guarantee that Satan sees our struggle and will use it against us. Feeding on Jesus enables us to fight back. I will let you in on a little secret, when I feel that Satan is attacking me I will start screaming at him to get away from me and start singing to Jesus. You know I get the craziest looks...lol, but I also find peace and hope that I will see victory and that is a wonderful feeling. Satan might try and control my thoughts, but he can not control the Holy Spirit that dwells in me and that is what turns those negative thoughts to postive ones.

You too can have victory over the past, Jesus will help you through it, all you have to do is call on Him.

Have a blessed day,
Christina

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Victory by Faith, 03.24.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Moday March 24, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Judges. Please read Judges 6 -- 7 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about Israel forsaking God; the Midianites oppressing Israel for seven years; Israel praying for help; God sending Gideon, the prophet; and Gideon destroying the altar of Baal. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that God uses and takes care of all who have faith in Him to do His will.

Once more the Israelites were enslaved, this time by the Midianites, for seven long years the Israelites were worshiping Baal and consequently were suffering under the rule of the Midianites. "And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.....And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD." (Judges 6:1-2, 6). The answer to their prayers began with reproof (chastisement), there was no word of comfort, only reproof. The people were left with the consciousness of their sins and with no hope of relief. They needed to recognize that their miserable suffering was the direct result of disregarding the Word of God. Once they did this, God sent the prophet, Gideon to help.

Gideon questioned God's choice as he was deeply conscious of his poverty and in his own inability, "And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour....And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man." (Judges 6:11-12,14-16). Gideon was truly a man of inexperience and uncertainty, but he unconditionally obeyed the Lord regardless of the opposition. We tend to think the only people God can use are those who are popular. But, God wil use anyone regardless of popularity to work for Him.

Gideon's readiness to obey the command of God was a great risk to himself, not only was there an outcry of vengeance from the city against him for destroying the altar of Baal and erecting an altar to God, he also faced opposition from his family. "And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites......Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night. And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built. And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing. Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it." (Judges 6:23-24,27-30).

In our hopeless hour when there seems no way out God is always with us and will guide us through every situation that we get ourselves into. As we respond in faith, God is able to increase our faith that we may recognize that God is in control of every detail of our lives. "Things" that happen to believers are not accidents but incidents to be used of God to develop our faith to fulfill His will. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (I Peter 4:12-13). While Gideon knew he faced much opposition his faith in God helped him achieved God's Will.

Today, it is reassuring to know that Jesus dwells in us and leads us to great things through difficulty. "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," (Ephesians 3:16-20).

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the Sword of the LORD, "And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon." (Judges 7:20). We know that the sword is the Word of God, "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (Ephesians 6:17) and that Jesus is the Word of God that became flesh, "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 1:14).

Today's Psalm: 98:1-3
"O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God."

Today's Prayer,
Dear Lord,
In the maze of life's events where we are often a passenger on the rollercoaster of ups and downs, may we never lose sight of You, Jesus. You are the unseen, but ever-present Shepherd who protects, guides and tenderly comforts us in all our trouble. Thank You, Lord, that when change is constantly about us, You remain steadfast, faithful, and dependable. You are the Anchor that keeps us grounded in the unseen, but eternal truths we build our lives upon. Thank You, Lord for showing us that You do not care about how much money or friends we have, You love us for who we are and use us and our abilities to reach out to others. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.

Have a wonderful Monday and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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