urn:uuid:50c7fc7a-0701-857c-41ba-2f5c3bf699da 2009-11-20T12:47:05-05:00 aspiritualguide urn:uuid:646be668-1a44-adbb-aca7-e62ade362f93 2009-11-20T12:47:05-05:00

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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urn:uuid:262c20d3-42ac-9f69-383a-e129959edd83 2009-11-20T08:24:17-05:00

Today is Thursday November 19, 2009 and we are beginning our studies in the book of Romans, please read chapters 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-19

Today's Message: What is Faith?
As Christian's we learn that the just shall live by faith alone, so what is faith and how do we get it.

Now we begin reading the epistles (letters), most of which were written by Paul. The book of Romans is the 6th book of the New Testament, 45th book of the Bible, and contains sixteen chapters. The author of the book is Paul and it was written to the believers in Rome. The purpose of the book was to present the meaning of the Gospel in relation to law, prophecy, and the universal need of man for salvation by faith. What we are to learn is that the just shall live by faith.

The word faith means to have trust or confidence in a person or thing. To live by faith means that we have put our trust in our Savior, Jesus Christ to save us and set us free from the bondage of sin. When we think of the word sin we often think of it as a murderer, adulterer, or someone that does things that seem bad, however sin goes beyond the obvious. God has given us a set of guidelines to live by, now He does not do this to punish us or keep us from enjoying life, but so we can enjoy life, even through sorrow, through pain, or any circumstances that we are facing. The truth is that a sin is any action or thought that is immoral, evil, or wrong. Anger and pride can become sin, for example, it is good to be proud of a person for what they have accomplished, it is bad to be so proud of our own accomplishments that we forget the people that helped us get there. Sin has cut off our relationship with God. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” - Romans 1:18-21. God has given us enough of a conscience to know that He created every living thing on earth. Every person born into this world has been born with enough common sense to realize that they were created by someone, not just their fathers and mothers. However, if one does not believe in creation now, it's only because he/she has allowed himself/herself or others to educate him/her out of God's existence.

Some even say they believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, but their lives show no evidence of genuine repentance. Where there is genuine faith there will always be repentance. “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” - Psalm 86:5. The confession of one's personal sinfulness is the first step to all true repentance. The sincere believer never seeks to excuse himself or blame or compare himself with others but, acknowledges that he/she is a sinner and looks to God for mercy and forgiveness. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9,10. When we put our faith in the Lord Jesus and say that we believe in Him we will be saved. It's simple and causes no harm to anyone, but unless we are willing to put that trust in Him nothing will ever change. Incidentally, faith comes by God and hearing His Word, if we are not willing to hear His Word than we will never increase our faith not see the true blessings of God. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” - John 5:24.

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

P.S. I apologize for this getting posted a day late. All will resume this afternoon. Thank you and God Bless.

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urn:uuid:20d89e94-a053-4cf8-58fb-348ee30739a9 2009-11-16T13:26:02-05:00

Today is Monday November 16, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Acts, please read chapters 20-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-16

Today's Message: Test of Faith
Who wants to volunteer to have pain and suffering brought upon them? While none of us would say I want lose my job, my house, or my health, every circumstance we face is a test of faith in Christ.

It is easy to follow Christ when things are going well, but our faith is put to the test when things are not. An even stronger test would be one in where God has chosen you to serve Him knowing that it could be headed for something tragic. Once the Holy Spirit made it clear to the Apostle Paul that he was to go to Jerusalem, he headed in that direction even though the Holy Spirit revealed he would be imprisoned and possibly die when he arrived. “And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost............And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”- Acts 20:15,16,22-24. Paul knew that he would endure some pain and suffering, but he also knew His God and that He was right there with Him and by His grace He would be able to complete the task that God had given him, even if it meant his life would end here on earth. You see, it is not about focusing on the huge burden that we are about to face, it's about putting our faith and trust in God, no matter how bad the outcome looks.

Fearing for his life, Paul's companions and other Christians who had assembled in Philips house urged their beloved Apostle not to proceed to Jerusalem. “And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” - Acts 21:8-13. With a determination which resembled that of Jesus Christ, Paul told his friends that death itself held no fear over him. He was willing to do whatever it took to stand by His faith in Jesus Christ. One would naturally have expected Paul to be sad and occupied with his misfortunes, but Paul's personal life was disregarded because of his love to please Jesus. The indwelling Holy Spirit will strengthen us to withstand our trials. With the assurance of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we can face life with certainty concerning our future. This enables us to enjoy a deep, inward peace that comes from God even though we are facing uncertainties.

Our faith in Jesus increases as we face these uncertainties head on, with Him. Instead of running from them, embrace them. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” - II Corinthians 1:3-5. Jesus is with us and will comfort us through it all.

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

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urn:uuid:e77179c1-bd66-7f2f-a431-e1e1bed9cd03 2009-11-15T14:49:01-05:00

Today is Sunday November 15, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Acts, please read chapters 17-19 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-15

Today's Message: House For God
For centuries we have seen churches being built that have amazing architecture, statues, stained glass windows, and crosses. While these are very beautiful to look at, they are not a house for God in which He dwells in.

As Paul and Silas passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia they came upon a town called Thessalonica, “Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people..........And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.” - Acts 17:1-5,10. As Paul stood before them and spoke the words from the scripture, people believed on Jesus Christ and repented for their sins. Even the wives of the leaders, the "chief women" believed and this upset the Jews, for when the wives believed, their area of influence and pressure over the leaders in the community would be reduced. When you have the ability to teach the truth from the Word of God, people will listen to you, but that does not mean that they will all believe. While there are a few who listen and believe in the Gospel, many will not and it is usually those who do not believe that create an uproar within the community.

However, we can not let anyone hinder us from our beliefs or stop us from teaching the truth, among them are always God's elect just waiting to hear the truth. We learn of this as Paul was in Athens, waiting for Silas and Timotheus. “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.” - Acts 17:16-20. The people of Athens had never heard about Jesus so this teaching that Paul was given was very strange to them. Now, with all these different religious forms in Athens, here comes Paul with an new doctrine that they haven't heard of before and they want to know what Christianity is all about. Many people are curious and in fact do want to know what Christianity is all about, while many see it as, do this, do not do that, or you will go to hell, it is not that at all. It is about believing in one man, Jesus Christ and accepting that He died for all and set us free from hell.

Paul noticed that the people of Athens were into idolatry and knew that these men just did not want to leave any religion or god out of their worship. Paul is telling them that it is obvious that you do not know God, and I am here to declare the true God unto you. “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.” - Acts 17:24-29. Paul is telling these men that God is not an image that can be created and worshiped nor can He be contained within four walls. He is the creator of all things and has control of everything in heaven and on earth.
God, was the creator of all things, and it is He that controls both the heaven and what happens on the earth. Man has always wanted to make a house for God to dwell in, where they can confine him, and then try to control Him to be subject to them. How can you make God a House, when He is everywhere? It is the Spirit of God that dwells in us that comes into a building, not a building that brings us to God. God is a living being like us, and to look at what God is like we must look at ourselves for we are His offspring. God is not an imaginary force off in some distant place, but a person with emotions, and jealousy just like man has. If we truly want the Spirit of God upon us, we must look beyond the buildings and statues and look to the only person who can give that to us, the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

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urn:uuid:f9830107-9bab-cb1f-bfb1-a86f1b9c1e22 2009-11-14T14:16:32-05:00

Today is Saturday November 14, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Acts, please read chapters 14-16 in your Bible or Click Here to read them

Today's Message: In Faith
While we are eager to share the good news and live our lives for Jesus, there are times when we just wonder why we have to go through so much. However, no matter what we are facing we can keep going in faith knowing that all things will come to pass and we will be glorified through Jesus Christ.

As Christian's we rejoice at the fact that we are saved, cleansed, and set free through the blood of Jesus Christ. As we grow closer to Jesus we learn of and begin to understand that the miraculous things that take place in our lives are in fact acts of God. However, it can be very hard to keep a positive outlook when faced with difficulties.
As missionaries, I am sure that Paul and Barnabas may have questioned a few times why they had to suffer so many things in their quest to teach the Gospel to the Gentile nations, but regardless of what he went through they did not stop. It seemed as though every city they went into they had to face beatings, were thrown in jail, or escaped death, this time they were in a town called Iconium, many of the people Jew and Gentile believed and were saved, but the unbelieving Jews created havoc so they left and headed for Lystra and Derbe. While in Lystra Paul's attention was drawn to a crippled man who had not walked from birth. Seeing the mans faith and compassion for God, he asked him to stand up and the man began to walk. “And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.” - Acts 14:8-13. Now, it was Paul's intention to prove to these people that God healed this man, instead they believed him to be a god. The people of Lycaonia worshiped strange gods, so they automatically thought Barnabas was their god of Jupiter, and Paul was their god Mercurius and they began to worship them. These people had never seen a miracle take place, so as far as they knew it had to be their gods because it was what they had been taught.

When people do not know God and see a miracle take place before their eyes, they become confused. They have no idea how such a wonderful thing can happen and of course if they had been taught something other than the truth they are going to believe that over God. There is coming a time, very soon in fact, when Satan is going to come here, known as the Antichrist, preforming many miracles and wonders to the point that even Christian's will be confused and worship him, believing him to be Christ.

As soon as Paul and Barnabas saw this beautiful miracle of God, and the working of the Holy Spirit, was being turned into idol worship, they both ran throughout the crowd, tearing at their clothes and telling the people to stop worshiping them. “Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.” - Acts 14:14-18. Paul stressed that he and Barnabas were the same flesh just like they were and instead of worshiping their false gods they needed to worship the Living God, whom was the creator of all things. Those who live in the world will never be able to understand that all those miracles or what they see as luck, comes from God, those whom have been healed, those whom have escaped death, those whom have received things out of the blue were given all these things from God. Yes, there may be doctors and lawyers, and businesses that unknowingly serve God in making these things happen, but it is all God.

Later, Paul made a brief reference to his sufferings for Christ, “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” - Acts 14:22. Whenever there is a true spiritual awakening and people are being saved, without exception, Satan will seek to disrupt, discourage, and destroy the results. So, we too should not be surprised that, following our best efforts to serve the Lord, Satan will seek to discourage us through hardships and even disappointments from those of whom we may have expected encouragement. No matter what we are facing, we can continue as Paul did, in faith.“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.” - Romans 5:1-5.

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

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urn:uuid:aa8a87f7-f1c4-eef8-9f9c-af1ec81ee0d2 2009-11-13T09:37:17-05:00

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

Today's Message: God is The Same
God is the same God that He was when He first created the earth, He is the same God that He was when He came down to earth as Jesus Christ, and He is the same God today and He will be the same God tomorrow. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.“ - Hebrews 13:8.

We as Christian's can always count on some kind of persecution for believing in and following Jesus Christ, but we can rejoice knowing that we are protected and safe, even through the suffering. The Jerusalem church had met early opposition by the Jewish religious leaders and now they are being persecuted by the ruling civil authorities in Judea. Herod, the king (the grandson of Herod the Great, who was the Roman-appointed king of Judea when Jesus was born), catered to public opinion and always ruled by their response. After the public hailed at the execution of James (one of the apostles) Herod decided to order the execution of Peter also. It took sixteen guards to watch the prison so Peter would not escape. No mob could force open the prison's massive gates. “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” - Acts 12:1-5. The Easter mentioned here is not the Easter that we know today, this was a pagan celebration which Herod partook in. While Peter was in prison his family and friends were praying for his release. His friends had no money to offer for a ransom and no plea bargain was made, they were able to pray, so they prayed. Sometimes we just have no other way of helping someone and in fact the best thing we can do for someone is to pray for them.

If we were to look at Peter's circumstance, it looks pretty bleak that he will be able to find any relieve. To judge by all outward appearance, Peter's fate was sealed and everything looked impossible. However, with God all things are possible. “And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” - Acts 12:6-11. All that praying paid off as an angel of the Lord helped him escape death. Peter is sleeping in the cell, with a man on each side, and both are chained to Peter. So we see there are four men in the cell and the other twelve are outside the door keeping watch over them. Even Peter can hardly believe what is happening to him. The soldiers slept on, while the change fall off, gate doors opening with no one there, and now Peter is out of the prison and on his way. He doesn't know if it is a dream, or reality. Then Peter came to that main gate to the prison, and this was an heavy gate, and it just swung open, and Peter and the angel just kept on going. When they were one block from the main gate the angel departed from Peter, and Peter was again alone.

Throughout the entire Bible we learn about the amazing miracles that God made happen. Sadly, many people who read about these miracles either have doubt that they even happened or question whether or not God can still make miracles like the ones we read about happen. God can still produce these miracles today. Just because you cannot see the angel of God right in front of you, it does not mean that the angle of protection is not on you. The only reason that this angel was even visible to Peter, was to direct him and let Peter know that God is still in control. No matter what situation we are in, God thrives on seeing the impossible become possible. If He left it all up to us we would mess it all up, but if we leave I to God, all things are possible. “And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” - Mark 10:27. Praise God!

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

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http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation


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urn:uuid:6a9dcd50-8e5f-e5d1-3f1b-4cdba704537e 2009-11-12T07:57:11-05:00

Today is Thursday November 12, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Acts, please read chapters 9-10 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-12

Today's Message: See The Truth
While we are all blessed with the free will to choose whether or not we are a follower or hater of Christ, God is in authority of it all and He will get His elect to see the truth one way or another. .

One of the most amazing acts of God is His love for and willingness to forgive all whom have accepted, Jesus Christ into their lives, even the most profound God hater. As I mentioned a few days ago, there are many who believe in God, but the second Christ is mentioned they completely change. Guess what? If a person hates Jesus, they hate God, they ignorantly refuse to believe that HE IS GOD. However, God still loves them too and gives all a chance to see the truth. There was a man named Saul, a Pharisee, who despised the name of Jesus and set out to kill anyone, including the apostles and disciples, who preached and taught in His name. Little did he realize that Jesus was watching him, “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” - Acts 9:1-5. The phrase “kick against the pricks” means that Saul was resisting the facts and authority of God. Every time he taunted and killed one of Jesus' disciples he was persecuting or crucifying Him all over again. Every person that persecutes a follower of Christ is resisting the authority of God and crucifies Jesus all over again.

However, God never gives up on anyone, He gives all an opportunity to receive and hear the truth. In order to get Saul to see the truth He blinded him for 3 days. “And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.” - Acts 9:8,9. Three days later, Jesus spoke to a man named Ananias, a disciple of Christ who lived in Damascus. “And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.” - Acts 9:11-18. Though Saul does not know of Ananias, Ananias sure knows of Saul, after the many murders and havoc that he has caused in the church of Christ. Ananias is not going to argue or question God's authority, however he does want to be sure that Saul is the right man that Jesus is talking about. Does this say that Saul was a volunteer for the service of the church? No, God said, "He is a chosen vessel unto me," meaning that Saul was one of God's elect. Saul was selected by God to bare the name of Jesus Christ the Son of God, before the Gentiles, the kings, which are those in authority, and the children of Israel.

Today, we know Saul as Paul whom in fact did suffer many things for Jesus' sake as we will learn throughout the Book of Acts. Paul had a three fold mission. Therefore, he taught on three levels, and it is for this reason that any true teacher, gifted in God's Word, will also teach on three levels. These levels mean that wherever one person is in the Word of God, there will be a message in it for them. God's Word builds on itself, and what is important to the baby in Christ, seeking the milk of the Word, is different then the mature Christian that seeks more then just salvation and baptism. A gifted teacher teaches on whatever level the listener is at. That is why it is important that you learn from the Word of God, and not the words and traditions of men. If we are destined as one of God's elect He will grab our attention, just as He did with Paul. We can not escape destiny, but we can change needless suffering by simply realizing that God has authority over all things no matter how many times we try to deny or ignore His calling.

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

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urn:uuid:8b00e189-7a82-f185-17bf-5208789fb12d 2009-11-11T10:27:36-05:00

Today is Wednesday November 11, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Acts, please read chapters 7-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-11

Today's Message: Baptism
Many Christian's are unaware of what it means to be baptized. One can not be saved by baptism, the only way to be saved is by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior.

The word baptize from the Bible means to emerge into water, unless it is plainly indicated as something else in a particular passage. We can learn about baptism from a man named, Philip, he was one of the seven chosen, along with Stephen (chapter 7) to assist the Apostles in the preaching of the Gospel (he was a soul winner). “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. …......But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.” Acts 8:5-12,13. After Philip saw Stephen get stoned he could have walked away, instead he continued preaching the Gospel. Everyone that heard him paid attention to every word he said, accepted Jesus into their lives and got baptized, including Simon, the sorcerer. Baptism is a burial, we are "buried with him," that is, Jesus is going to die on the cross and be buried in Joseph's tomb and come out alive. Being baptized means that one is identified with Christ, it symbolizes and appropriates our death, burial and resurrection with Christ.

Philip was then led by the Holy Spirit to meet an Ethiopian official on his way home. “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet...........Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” - Acts 8:26-28,35-39. Why was it necessary that Philip be caught up? This eunuch would be returning to Ethiopia, and this eunuch was shown a miracle by the Holy Spirit for it would be no longer by faith, but by sight that he had seen with his very own eyes a servant of the Living God, teaching and preaching the Gospel that gives eternal life. God granted him this miracle, and he went on his way rejoicing. Here are the qualifications for being baptized, and the eunuch gave his commitment when he said; "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." This one person, not even knowing that Jesus Christ was born, after hearing Philip teach, was moved by the Holy Spirit and repented of his sins, and now desires to be baptized.

What about children?
Many feel that if infants die without baptism they will go to hell and thus baptism is the means to remove original sin and save them from hell, this is not true. Infants have no ability to rationally discriminate between right and wrong and therefore they will have no sin held against them if they die in that state. There is not one verse in Scripture that commands infants to be baptized. There is not one example found in Scripture where any infant was baptized. When David's infant child died he clearly expressed hope to see him again. The Bible clearly tells us that God does not punish the children for the sins of their fathers but only for their own sins (see II Samuel 12:18-23.)

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

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urn:uuid:5aee93bd-1631-d0bb-907c-22dbf05c1985 2009-11-10T09:48:56-05:00

Today is Tuesday November 10, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Acts, please read chapters
4-6 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-10

Today's Message: Speak Freely
What happened to our rights to speak freely about our Savior, Jesus Christ? The truth is this, we have no rights, we have always been told that we are not allowed to speak of or about the truth about Jesus. However, we can rejoice in that fact because we are saved children of the one and only Living God.

It boggles my mind that in America we are known as the land of the free, in fact it is in our constitution that we have a right to think and speak freely about it yet that is not the case for Christian's. For example a person can talk about God freely as many people do believe in God, however the second a person mentions the name Jesus they are stopped in their tracks and told to stop. Our schools, government, businesses, and even communities are told they are not allowed to speak about Jesus as to not offend others.

To prove this, after three thousand people were saved on the day of Pentecost and thousands witnessed the miracles that were being performed by Peter and John through the Spirit of God, all the chief priests and rulers gathered together over what they had heard and saw, including many miracles in themselves, to figure out how they can stop the apostles from telling more people about Jesus. “And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.........“Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” - Acts 4:1-3,8-12. Peter and John were arrested for teaching the people the truth about Jesus, how He resurrected from the dead after they crucified Him and killed Him and how they can be saved. These people know that Jesus is as real and true as they are and they are scared and mortified about that. So, they think if they pressured Peter and John into keeping their mouths shut than no one will find out that they have been deceived by these so called men of God. No one ever doubts that Jesus existed, it's His power that scares them. They know where they are going. But you know what the amazing thing is? Jesus gives them a chance too to change that situation.

Their threats did not stop Peter and John from preaching the Gospel, in fact the more they got persecuted the more eager they were to tell more people. “Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men..........And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” - Acts 5:25-29, 41,42. An amazing thing happens when we truly believe that Jesus is our Savior. We stop at nothing to tell of how He changed our lives, no matter how many people try to stop us, we count it as a blessing from God knowing that we are pleasing Him and taking a stand for Him. Each year that goes by Jesus is getting less and less recognition as our Savior and being replaced by santa and bunnies more and more. Christian's have been persecuted and died for telling the truth more then any criminal act has been made, and this happens all over the world. However, we rejoice knowing that Jesus is with us and our suffering is a result of that. We keep going in the name of Jesus because we know that one day we will no longer have to suffer any pain or persecution for believing in our Savior. We rejoice in the fact that we are saved children of a Living God, who is none other than Christ Jesus. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
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, 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 wonderful and blessed day/night
God Bless You,
Christina

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Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation


]]>

urn:uuid:4d2043f0-6b9d-dd21-52bf-c724a6f8fcb2 2009-11-09T09:55:54-05:00

Today is Monday November 9, 2009 and we are beginning our studies in the book of Acts, please read chapters 1-3 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-9

Today's Message: A Messenger
Don't think small of yourself, but think big, for there is no greater mission, you are a child of the Living God, and a messenger from the very King of kings.

The book of Acts is the 5th book of the New Testament, 44th book of the Bible, and contains twenty-eight chapters. The author of the book is Luke and it was written to all believers, although the book is addressed specifically to Theophilus. The purpose of the book was to explain what Jesus continued to do and teach after His ascension
through His spiritual Body, the Church. What we are to learn from the book is that the true evidence of the Holy Spirit is directed by the power of God. The power to become witnesses for the purpose of extending the Gospel throughout the entire world. The book of acts then tells us of those that God sent forth, and how then acted under their commission, as a delegate of Christ's Gospel. They were an example of exactly how we are to act today, if God sends you forth. If you have eyes to see and ears to hear, your mission may only be the planting of one seed, and it is important that you, and all of God's children, to follow the instructions that were given to the apostles on their commission.

Before Jesus ascended up to heaven He gave His disciples, now apostles some instructions, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” - Acts 1:1-9. The word treaties means an instrument, the word Theophilus means friend of God, so what this means is that this book was written to all who are a friend of God and we are His instruments. Jesus told each of them to "wait in Jerusalem", but wait for what? Jesus told them to wait for that time when the Holy Spirit would join with them. Although God can use anyone even a person who is not saved to get a person saved (example Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus), He would rather us wait in the Holy Spirit to guide us.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread portrayed the sinless Savior, who is the Bread of Life, and was celebrated in conjunction with the Passover. The lamb without blemish offered as a sacrifice at Passover also typified Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God. The third festival of Passover week was Firstfruits. It was celebrated on the Sunday following the Passover observance. However, the second major festival for which every male was to appear annually before God was 50 days later following Firstfruits, it was the feast of the spring harvest and celebrated the first ingathering of the crops. This festival became known to Christians as Pentecost and it was on this day that the Holy Spirit made it's presence. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.” - Acts 2:1-6. The mighty rushing wind was the Holy Spirit, there was no wondering and guessing as to whether it was God because it filled the house, and all of the hundred and fifty that were in that house knew it was Him. The Holy Spirit spoke through all of them. It was the Holy Spirit that formed the words and made those words to be distributed in every direction so that every person could understand what was being said. Incidentally, the speaking of tongues is a person speaking in their own language and someone who understands a different language can understand what is being said. Speaking in tongues is not the confusing chants that you hear people saying claiming that they are speaking in tongues. If someone were really speaking in tongues a person understanding English would be able to hear what a Spanish speaking person were saying even though he/she is speaking in Spanish.

We are to follow in Christ's footsteps. To teach God's Word, you must also act out those things that you are given to teach others to do. Christ taught and He set the example as to how we are to live and conduct our lives. It is through the hearer that also is the doer that the Holy Spirit releases the truths of His Word.

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

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http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation


]]>

urn:uuid:15a2a796-8d8d-0750-2142-3b897577b255 2009-11-09T06:49:42-05:00

Today is Sunday November 8, 2009 and we are completing our studies in the book of John, please read chapters 19-21 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-8

Today's Message: His Grace is Sufficient
Fear causes many to withdraw from following Christ, but Jesus knows our sorrows, our sufferings, and our fears and we can be certain that His grace is sufficient, regardless of circumstances Jesus forgives and believes in us as we believe in Him.

As Jesus was literally being sentenced to death by the chief priests (although they had no authority to do that), His disciples, fearing for their lives scattered, leaving Jesus to go through all that by Himself. “When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.” - John 19:6-13. Pilate knew that the chief priests had no cause to have Jesus crucified, but no matter what he said to them they refused and because of their influence and pressuring him to he released Jesus to them.

You can only imagine what Jesus was thinking as He saw His family and disciples (beyond the twelve) watching Him as He was dying on the cross and the soldiers were selling His clothes. I know that if I were being tortured and put to death I would not want my family around to watch me, but regardless of what He felt He was at peace because He knew that everything would come to pass and that Scripture would be fulfilled and He would prevail. “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” - John 19:23-30. The disciple mentioned here is John, the word behold means to look at, Jesus wanted His mother to see that He was accomplishing what Scripture had said. Acceptance with God was obtained when the cry, “It is done” triumphantly rang from the cross on Calvary. From this follows the foundation of faith for all those united to Christ in His death.

The first day of the week dawned peacefully on Joseph of Arimathea's new garden tomb. The Savior arose and with His Resurrection dawned a new and victorious day for the human race. “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre...........But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain............Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” - John 20:1.11,12,15-19. Mary Magdalene came to the disciples and gave them the good news. She told them what Jesus had told her to say, and what she had seen with her own eyes. From this moment on, Christianity became a reality. We do not serve a dead Jesus, but a risen Jesus Christ, the Sacrificial Lamb that paid the full price to ransom our souls from the sentence of death that was placed upon mankind. Jesus' God and Father is now our God and Father, and the Power of God and His Spirit is now our Spirit of Comfort. It is also important that we remember that Jesus body was transfigured, and that the body of Jesus was not left in the tomb. Jesus body did not see corruption and decay, so there was no flesh body left behind to allow Satan's children to attack the followers of Christ with. Now, every time a flesh body dies, the soul of those whom have accepted Christ into their lives goes back to the Father that gave it and the flesh body returns to the earth and decays into the elements that it is composed of.

Many Christians become defeated because of a sin or doubt, some may fear that Jesus may condemn instead of comfort, or that they may not be good enough, or some even fear what a hostile world will say or do to them for accepting Jesus into their lives. Without question, the Lord has a perfect plan and beyond our sorrows or failures, He has provided a glorious resurrection for all who will let Him be Lord of their lives. What if the disciples had looked at their failures and then gone back to their fishing? It undoubtedly was a financially secure occupation. Peter had strongly denied Him, and all had forsaken Him in His sufferings. But the disciples didn't give up and Jesus did not give up on them. He desired to be with them and knew that they desired to be with them. Although we all have failed (much more than once), Christians can rejoice today as ever fear, every sorrow will soon come to pass, and every sin forgiven by a great and mighty Jesus who saves all who come to Him. Praise God!

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

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Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation


]]>

urn:uuid:21a92871-3979-391d-528d-bb1fad9da000 2009-11-07T08:10:38-05:00

Today is Saturday November 7, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of John, please read chapters
17-18 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-7

Today's Message: He Chose You
Jesus sees far more in His followers than we see in ourselves or in each other. Even before you and I were created and even before the earth was created He chose you to do great things representing and glorifying Him and the one True God who gives eternal life.

After the Passover meal, Jesus began praying, He was not praying for those who lived in the world, He was praying for those who believe in and accept Him into their lives. “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent............Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” - John 17:1-3,7-11. Jesus is about to be betrayed and taken prisoner, just before this happens He prays to God for all those who believe in Him and have accepted His gift of eternal life. He not only gives eternal life, but makes us one of His own. When you stop and think about what Jesus did for us one can not help, but realize how much He truly did and does love us. How many people would give their life for such selfish, self willed people, with only one agenda, to get everything they want no matter who or what they have to do to get? Jesus truly gave us a gift that none of us should ever take for granted, we are saved, free from sin, free from hell, free from the bondage of satan. I for one never want to forget that. Guess what though? Jesus does not just give this gift to anyone, I mean truly He will forgive any sinner that comes to Him and seeks Him as their Savior, but He already knew that you would come to Him.

Jesus continued praying for all who would ever believe on Him, “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. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” - John 19-23. The word sanctify means to make on holy, cleanse one from sin. It means living by what the Spirit of God is instructing you to do, through His Word. We become separated from the world when we follow His Word. Even though we do not separate ourselves from the world, when we live by the Word of God the world will separate itself from us. Each person that comes to the Father through Jesus Christ, becomes one with Christ and the Father. We enter into the many members body of Christ, and all of the members of that body of Christ have a purpose. We are given individual gifts to be used to represent Christ. It is not an accident that you have come to know the Lord and understand His Word, for it is only by His drawing you by His Holy Spirit that your spiritual eyes were open, and you became one with Christ. It is our privilege to go to the unsaved with the Good News of eternal life. Our purpose is to accomplish the ministry that Jesus began, as revealed in all four Gospels. We are expected to use our assets, our time, and our abilities as good stewards, managers of His possessions entrusted to us, to reach the world with His Word. This is called, having a purpose. When you are sent you are sent to do a specific thing. God does not send you anywhere with out giving you what is necessary to get the job done. What ever those gifts are will dictate what your mission is. God has sent Christ into the world to teach, to perform miracles, and to shed His sinless blood on the cross and He chose you to teach the rest of the world. Incidentally, that means your world.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, there is no one or no thing that is worthy of our complete allegiance, but You, our Lord, who has the words of eternal life. Though others may refuse to listen or turn away from the message of salvation we choose to persevere it, to use our gifts to glorify You. We persevere is in trial and in victory, in the ups and downs and in the in-betweens of everyday circumstances. We seek to do Your will in all things so that we will be richly rewarded at the end of this life. In Jesus' Name..........Amen.

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

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urn:uuid:2d6c9a85-bdb8-b8c4-1098-347a65c2bce7 2009-11-06T09:31:00-05:00

Today is Friday November 6, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of John, please read chapters 13-16 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-6

Today's Message: Clean Your Feet
When you walk down this road of life in the flesh body you will get dirty, then Christ through your repentance will clean your feet.

Most of us have been taught by our parents/guardians that we are to respect our elders and those whom have authority over us. While this is a good thing, we must realize that no one has the right to belittle us or cause harm to us because we are in submission to their authority. It is one thing to show discipline, but another thing to be on a power trip. Jesus teaches us that even though we are to submit to authority, we are all to be there for one another. To show an example of this, Jesus begins washing His disciples feet. “Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.” - John 13:3-10. Jesus is showing His disciples the position that they will have within the kingdom of heaven, and while serving Jesus Christ here on earth. When we see our Master serving us, we can not help, but realize that we are to be in submission to each other. Keep in mind that the people wore open sandals at this time, and the roads and paths were dirty and dusty. You could be bathed and go visit you neighbor, and your feet would be dirty again. Jesus is pointing out here that when your feet need to be washed, or bathed it doesn't mean that your whole body needed to be bathed also.

Whether we are in authority or a layman we are all servants of God and are to humble ourselves and serve one another. Jesus explains why He washed their feet, “So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.” - John 13:12-18. The point that Jesus is making here, is that if one is down, let the one standing wash the feet of the fallen brother. That is the time to clean him up, and help him. Anytime you walk in the flesh, you will fall short. It doesn't matter that you are bathed in the blood of Christ, you will still get dirty feet that needs cleansing, or repentance. The true believer is washed when he receives Christ for his salvation. See then what ought to be the daily care of those who through grace are in a justified state, and that is, to wash their feet, to cleanse themselves from daily guilt, and to watch against everything defiling. This should make us the more cautious. From yesterday's pardon, we should be strengthened against this day's temptation.

Some of the most comforting words of Jesus were spoken at the very moment that the religious leaders were planning how to kill Him and He knew it. “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. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know...........These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” - John 14:1-3, 25-27. No matter what situation we are in God is with us and will comfort us in our time of need, no matter how many times that is, and even if we submit to authority when we know morally it is wrong. God will give us a way out of every situation we are in, but it is up to us to ask Him for help. I was in a pretty bad relationship years ago, urged to live in sin by a man that was pretty charming and inviting. He got me into some things which were defiling to my mind, body, and soul. However, when I was at my worst and could not take it anymore I called on Jesus for help. He forgave me and washed my feet and now I live my life washing others feet. I thank God every day for taking me out of that situation and thank Jesus for saving me. In order for me to keep from being corrupted back into the world I daily cleanse myself with God's Word to cleanse myself from daily guilt, and to watch myself against everything defiling. He took me out of a corrupted world, He can take anyone who calls on Him. Never convince yourself or let anyone else convince you that your situation can not be changed. God will turn anyone's situation around. Praise God!

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, as we experience Your amazing grace through Your forgiveness of our sins it compels us to also show compassion to others who have not yet applied Your grace to their lives. In reaching out to others who are still living in sin we must not lower our standards, nor do we want to appear more righteous then them.  So give us the words along with a compassionate heart to reach the lost without losing our soul or lowering our standards, as we choose to love the sinner and hate the sin. Cleanse us daily from any corruption that we are faced with. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

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urn:uuid:65206e32-dbb3-cdb4-bcf1-5490772cc107 2009-11-05T22:14:42-05:00

Today is Thursday November 5, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of John, please read chapters 10-11 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-5

Today's Message: Yield to His Word
We often have beautiful visions of what God has promised, and we may even quote them, but these alone do not measure our faith in the power of God's Word. It depends greatly upon our surrender to Him as Lord of our lives. If we truly desire God's best, we must truly yield to His Word.

The "occasion of grief" introduces us to one of the few homes where Jesus was lovingly received while He was on earth. But, at this time, its occupants were grieving as Lazarus' two sisters watched helplessly as their brother lay dying. Mary and Martha searched for Jesus and asked Him for help. “Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” - John 11:1-4. Jesus is telling Mary and Martha that although Lazarus was dying he will not be taken away from them, his sickness has come to prove the glory to God and to show the miracle that the Son of God would perform so that He will be glorified as truly the Son of God. Often God will use a sickness or death to prove that He truly is God and still has the power to produce miracles.

Jesus heads toward Mary and Martha's house, but Lazarus has already died, knowing this, Jesus continues, but even His disciples question Him. They just did not understand when Jesus was talking about Lazarus sleeping, so Jesus spelled it out for them, Lazarus is dead. “These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” - John 11:11-15. It was important that He arrived when Lazarus had died, if Jesus was there and touched Lazarus, he would have been healed, but then the lesson that Jesus would be teaching would not be given. Raising Lazarus from the dead would show once and for all that Jesus was the Son of God, and all power from God was given to Him. No one had ever been raised from the dead after they had been dead four days. The body would even be decomposing, and rotting by that time. There would be no way that anyone could accuse Christ of putting on a side show, or pulling a trick on the people by this miracle. It would be through this miracle of bringing Lazarus to life that Jesus would show Lazarus as well as Himself resurrected and doing fine.

Martha, meets Jesus as He was nearing the home and informs Him that he died. Although a little disappointed that Jesus had not gotten there sooner she inform Him that she still has faith in God. “Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this” - John 11:17-26. Jesus’ statement that “I am the resurrection and the life” was meant to convey the idea that eternal life is real to Jesus as God. It is not something He gives as if it were real to Him, rather it is a part of His essence that we partake when we are brought in union with Him through belief.

“Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” - John 11:39-44. Jesus lifted up his eyes, not as if he applied to his Father for assistance. There is not the least show of this. He wrought the miracle with an air of absolute sovereignty, as the Lord of life and death. But it was as if he had said, I thank thee, that by the disposal of thy providence, thou hast granted my desire, in this remarkable opportunity of exerting my power, and showing forth thy praise. Jesus called him out of the tomb as easily as if he had been not only alive, but awake also. In order to strengthen their faith that He was the Resurrection and the Life, Jesus had delayed His arrival until four days after Lazarus' death. At Christ's Word, death set free its prisoner and Lazarus came forth from the grave. It is time to truly trust in the Lord and wait for Him!

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

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urn:uuid:ff256dce-9a6c-ee56-7494-90274b295521 2009-11-04T17:44:05-05:00

Today is Wednesday November 4, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of John, please read chapters 9-10 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-4

Today's Message: Our Good Shepherd
Christians are not second class citizens, we carry the power and authority of God. Every person that seeks after Jesus Christ are one of Christ's sheep and need not fear because our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ is with us.

People who live in the world often wonder if God is real or if He is such a loving God then why is there so much pain and suffering placed on people. At the same time, many Christian's will see someone suffering and wonder what sin this person committed to be in such pain. I had a child in my Sunday school class ask me, “Why does God let good people get hurt and not the bad people?” The truth is this, while we are all subject to judgment (conviction) of sins, those whom believe in and have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior are forgiven children of the One and Only Living God. Therefore, not everything we go through in life is happening because we have sinned or someone sinned against us. To prove this, Jesus answers His disciples whom were questioning why a man was born blind. “And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” - John 9:1-3. God uses infirmities or suffering to strengthen us and show us that God is true and alive, not to convict us. His blindness was given so that the works of God may be illustrated through him. This man was predestined by God to be blind for the purpose of fulfilling this illustration given here by Jesus. His blindness happened so that we could have this lesson given by Jesus to help us understand that not all suffering is caused by sin and that God can do the impossible. Jesus Said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” - Mark 10:27.

God has given us all the free will to decide whether or not we want Him in our lives. He will not cause anything to come upon a person or force a person into accepting Jesus Christ into their lives. He will not cause anything to come upon a person to force that person into His service, until that person has committed himself to the Father, through Jesus Christ. That person of free will volunteers into God's service, after receiving salvation through Jesus Christ, and then while in the service of the Lord, God will lead and protect. For those that have free will, God will not intercede in their lives until they do repent and come to Christ, for on judgment day when a soul stands before the Father there will be no excuse that God caused them to fall, and prohibited them from being saved. Every person on this earth will have the opportunity to know who Jesus is and accept Him into their lives and they will see where they lost that opportunity on judgment day. “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” - Matthew 24:13,14.

One of the distinguishing marks of a Christian is recognizing the need for guidance and a desire to follow the Good Shepherd. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.......Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.” - John 10:1,2,7-12. Christ is the door. If any person tries to enter into God's sheepfold by any other way other then going through the true Christ, he is a thief and a robber. The sheepfold is a holding place where the shepherd houses the sheep in for the night. It was a place of protection. When the Shepherd would open the gate, the shepherd would hold his rod out, and count the sheep as they passed under the rod. Then when all the sheep had entered in, the gate was shut, and the shepherd stood watch for the night.

Christians today are short changed by there lack of understanding of this. They are afraid to go "in and out", meaning you can have peace of mind anywhere in this world. You are safe not only inside the sheepfold, but outside the sheepfold. You can go out into the world, and you don't have to be afraid of someone taking away your salvation. You don't have to fear what will be said of you if you see the Word is not being taught and you voice your opinion. You don't have to be afraid of anything. When Jesus went to the cross, and died and rose again; He did that for each person that has the eyes to see and the ears to hear the voice of our Good Shepherd. Friend, every day is a good day when you are in the Lord. We should learn to know the discipline that the Lord might bring upon us and thank Him for that correction, and when the blessings come thank Him also for them. The Lord is pleased when you try to please Him.

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

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urn:uuid:17c909bf-fa6d-bfbb-8e81-cde208a097c6 2009-11-03T20:34:35-05:00

Today is Tuesday November 3, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of John, please read chapters 6-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read them http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-3

Today's Message: Worth Working For
The word work is defined as exertion (action) or effort directed to produce or accomplish something. Without work not much would get accomplished. However, some work is beneficial while other work is not. It is important to realize what is worth working for and what is not.

Jesus had just fed 5000 men plus women and children on 5 loaves of bread and two fish and the people marveled and rejoiced at the miracle they had witnessed. Immediately those who believed in Him wanted to make Him king, but He knew that was not the will of God so He left, not even telling the disciples where He was going. “Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” - John 6:14,15. These people wanted to make Jesus the King for the wrong reason. Because Jesus filled their stomachs and healed their children from sickness and diseases. Jesus provided them with a welfare system, food and medical, and their minds were not on Jesus as the Son of God, but one that could satisfy their physical needs. This is the very nature of many Christians in our country today. They will follow anyone that pampers their physical needs, often doing the wrong kind of work to get it. Many times when blessings are given to people to be a sign, they just don't see it. They watch the special healings, of intercessions in financial matters, or even impossible things that have come to pass. Even though they call themselves Christians, and witnessed these things comes to pass, they still are amazed when Jesus does a work in their lives. They call it luck. There is no such thing as luck, for you set your own pace. Luck is the blessings of God, and giving any form of worship of devotion to luck is idolatry.

After the people found Jesus they recognized that He was teaching something different, a different way of obtaining favor with God. “Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” - John 6:26-29. After Jesus told these people that simply feeding them was not what God had intended the miracle to be for, these men then wanted to know what works they had to do to please God. Jesus is telling them, to please the Father, the one who sent the Son, you must believe on the Son, Jesus Christ. If you want to please God the Father, then listen to the Son. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” - Galatians 2:16. It is not by works that we obtain favor from God, it is by believing in and accepting the Lord Jesus Christ into their lives. Stop trying to buy God's affection, no amount of work we do for Him will matter unless we know who Jesus is.

The meat of the Word, is the spiritual food which builds our faith to know that Jesus paid the price for us, that keeps His Word fresh in our minds. It allows the Holy Spirit to lead in our lives after repentance, whereby through faith we can do the Will of the Father. That faith and hope in Christ is what will see you through the dangers of this life. These people still cannot see that the miracle of the massive feeding was to document that Christ was not just another man, but that He was Messiah, sealed by the almighty Father. Jesus Said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” - John 6:47-51.

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

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urn:uuid:ac842889-6514-6e9a-21ba-461ec3c3a3a4 2009-11-02T21:18:20-05:00

Today is Monday November 2, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of John, please read chapters 4-5 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-november-2

Today's Message: A Child of God
Being a child of God has nothing to do with race or religion, being a child of God is all about accepting in and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior.

Many people mistakenly believe that a person has to be a certain race, religion, or act a certain way to be a child of God. The truth is this, while we are all created by God there are simply many who choose not to believe in and accept Him into their lives. However, He chooses those whom He knows will believe in Him to be His children, every human being on this earth can be a child of God. Jesus taught His disciples that every person has a right to be a child of God. Jesus sat down at Jacob's Well while His disciples went to the village to buy food. It was there that He met a Samaritan woman. “Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” - John 4:5-9. All Samaritans were despised by the Jews. Consequently, our Lord surprised her by asking for a drink of water.

He continued talking with her, showing that He was free from Jewish prejudice, “Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. …....Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.” - John 4:10,13-18. Undoubtedly, the Samaritan woman was astonished at the words of Christ, He revealed Himself to this woman as the fulfillment of her great spiritual need, for she was thirsty for something that neither her religion nor the world could satisfy. “Living water” is reminiscent of metaphors used in the Old Testament which contrast the continuously available and refreshing spiritual resources of God with the temporarily satisfying nature of the things of this world. Earthly water only satisfies temporarily. Spiritual water that Jesus offers satisfies eternally. The temporal satisfaction provided by earthly water is analogous to the temporary satisfaction one obtains from the things of this world. Once a person becomes dependent upon the things of this world for happiness, that person is a slave to the emotional stimulation afforded by them. Only the eternal, spiritual living water of Christ can provide a person with a hope and purpose for life that transcends the temporal nature of the things of this life.

This is a great example for how we are to witness. Instead of constantly being on the defensive, our witnessing should be structured in such a way that it helps others recognize their spiritual need. As a result of this one encounter, the circle of Jesus’ ministry expanded to embrace many who would believe in Samaria. Jesus was and is the Savior of Jew and Gentile alike. Just because salvation is to come from the Jews did not mean that Gentiles were not to benefit. “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.” - I Corinthians 12:12-14.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I confess that there are times when my spirit becomes stagnant after I veer off course and am pulled into the murky waters. Draw me to the cleansing fountain of Your saving blood which flows from the cross of Calvary. It is there that springs of living water quench my thirst and invigorate my spirit so that I am refreshed in the Holy Spirit and renewed in my resolve to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name I pray........Amen.

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

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urn:uuid:9ecd8687-b574-6017-1e23-2bfab3d1872b 2009-11-01T05:55:05-05:00

Today is Saturday October 31, 2009 and we are completing our studies in the book of Luke, please read chapters 23-24 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-october-31

Today's Message: Do You Know?
God's Word tells us that we can know for sure that we are saved. Do you know for sure?

As we continue to read about salvation through the Gospels, we learn more and more what salvation truly is. It's easy for us to believe someone who tells us that when we call on Jesus as our Savior we are saved by His blood, but it much harder to believe once saved, always saved. Many religions stress that we must continue the work of Christ or be baptized to keep our salvation. However, this can not be further from the truth and is proven time and time again that one does not have to be baptized or even live righteously to keep his/her salvation. It is a gift given by the grace of God and does not return void. “but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:” - II Timothy 8b-10.

As Jesus was being crucified two other men were being crucified also, Jesus was hung in between the two thieves. “And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.” - Luke 23:32,33. On one cross was a hardened criminal who sank deeper into sin and defied and railed upon the Savior. On the other cross was one who, although a criminal, defended Christ. “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” - Luke 23:39-43. The second man knew Christ really was and repented that very second. He did not have time to get baptized, he certainly had no time to show any works. He just called on Jesus to save him and joined Him in heaven. There is no reason to doubt that this thief was a great sinner and deserved to die, but he was suddenly saved.

Christians rejoice in the cross of Christ, for it was there that He paid the price for our redemption, not by works, but by our faith in Him. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” - Galatians 2:16. And we rejoice also in the resurrection of Christ, for it assures us of our heavenly home with Him. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:5-7. This is the great and glorious hope of every Christian, the comfort at the graveside of a loved one, the victory that removes the sting of death, and the anticipation that we too shall be made heirs with Jesus. It is wonderful to know we have been forgiven of all our sins and have the assurance of soon being with Christ, but until that time, we can praise Him that we have been set free from Satan, hell, and the power of sin. Never let a person, priest, or pastor tell you that you are not saved or can lose your salvation. ALL are saved who call on the Lord Jesus as their Savior. Even if you committed the worse sin ever after you accepted Jesus as your Savior you can not lose your salvation. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 6:23.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You have given us the road map to follow through the guidance of Your Holy Scriptures. You have established that Your way is the only way to eternal life. It is the only way that we can have victory in our walk here on earth and the assurance of a victorious eternity in heaven. Though Scripture describes the Christian’s walk as being a straight and narrow path it certainly has steep inclines and its route will also take me through deep valleys.  If I wander off-course I’m grateful for Your Holy Spirit who reminds me of my commitment to follow You, once again calling me to my heavenly destination. In Your Name, Jesus.......Amen.

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

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Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation


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urn:uuid:7192db35-0e37-0e27-463d-5a11b868fd6a 2009-10-31T08:17:15-04:00

Today is Friday October 30, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Luke, please read chapters 21-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-october-30

Today's Message: Freedom
We do not have to live a life without freedom, Jesus' death on the cross delivered us from Satan, and set us free from the bondage of our sins in order to receive eternal life.

Freedom is a word that many people know, but few understand or realize what it actually is. The word freedom is defined as one being exempt or released from something or someone that controls, restrains, or burdens ones life. We do not realize it, but many of us, including Christian's are bound by something that controls, restrains, or burdens us. This could be a career, a person, a hobby, a possession, or a habit, but there is one thing that can bounds us more than anything in the world, our emotions. Satan loves to bound us with our emotions, that is why he sends us so much affliction and temptation. If he can get us focused on things that control, restrain, or burden us than he can get us away from God, which is his main objective.

The Israelite's were blessed with freedom and as a reminder of that freedom they observed Passover each year. The Passover meal was a reminder to them that it was the blood of an innocent lamb and obedience to the Word of God that made it possible for them to be redeemed from death and Egyptian slavery, which their ancestors were held captive too, and to enjoy freedom in the promised land. On the evening of the Passover meal, Jesus had one last supper with His disciples. “And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” - Luke 14-20. At this Passover, our Lord identified Himself with the sacrificial Passover Lamb. Jesus is preparing them for the time after He has been crucified, resurrected from the dead, and ascended into heaven. The unleavened bread is given for our remembrance of those stripes that He took for us, as well as the crown of thorns that was placed on His head, the nails that were driven into his hands and feet, and the spear that pierced His side. It is by His stripes that we are healed. The cup is given for our remembrance of His blood that was shed. The Old Testament laws are now about to be replaced by the shedding of His blood. The blood of Christ fulfills the part of the ordinance of the law demanding an animal sacrifice for sins committed. Jesus is going to become and fulfill that sacrifice once and for all. So the Old Covenant or Testament is being fulfilled by this act by Christ when He goes to the cross and His blood is shed, establishing the New Covenant or Testament. It paid the price for one and all times, for He was perfect and we are not.

We are no longer required to observe the Passover as it was replaced by the Blood of Christ, we can now rejoice and observe the New Covenant in remembrance of Him and the suffering that He went through for each of us. It was from this act of suffering and defeating death that He gave all those that would believe on Him eternal life. He left that choice up to you, whether you will have the faith to believe, or reject this sacrifice He has made for you, is all up to you. When we repented and asked for forgiveness from our sins through Jesus Christ we became protected under the power of the blood of Jesus Christ, and that action forgives all our sins. Once sins are repented and forgiven, the remission is complete, those sins are gone forever, yet many people like to hang on to their past for vanity sake. They still hold themselves guilty, as if Christ did not forgive them. This act of vanity is offending to the Almighty God, and to His Son, Jesus Christ. When anything is repented, in Jesus name, it is over and done with, so it is time to move on and become free forever from that bondage.


It is time to enjoy the true meaning of freedom, we can be free from control, restraints, and or burdens by simply doing one thing. Calling on Jesus and asking Him to save you and free you. If you are reading this and thinking that receiving Jesus means that you will be bound to His control, just get it out of your head. Freedom is a gift from God through His mercy, it's not by works (captivity) that we enjoy freedom, it's by faith that we are saved. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;” - Titus 3:5,6.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, without the shed blood of Your Son, Jesus, we are weighed down by the shackles of sin. It spreads as a disease from our hearts to our minds separating us from You and keeping us in bondage to Satan. Thank You, Lord for sending Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God, who by His intense love and sacrificial death, freed us from the bondage of sin. He turned our mourning into dancing as He lifted our condemnation and replaced it with eternal hope. We love You Jesus and receive You into our hearts. In Your Name, Jesus...........Amen.

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

Need More Inspiration?
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Go to: I'm Ready to Get Saved
http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation


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urn:uuid:33d321c8-2568-cddc-bcb7-6888f81add51 2009-10-30T06:46:34-04:00

Today is Thursday October 29, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Luke, please read chapters 19-20 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-october-29

Today's Message: Change is Good
Many people who live in the world have no desire to accept Christ as their Savior for one reason, self. They believe that if they follow Him they have to give up their money, possessions, and or lifestyle. Of course, our lives will change, but change is good and we could all use a little bit of change.

The truth is this, Salvation has nothing to do with what we have or do, it's about trusting in and accepting that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died to save all sinners from hell, regardless of our lifestyle. Jesus teaches us that everyone that seeks Him is saved. Zacchaeus, was a publican (tax collector), and was looked upon by the Jews as a thief and an agent of the Roman government. As Jesus entered the city on His way to Jerusalem He sought him. He was considered to be very unpatriotic to the Jews and even less religious. His position indicated that he had sold his soul for wealth because he was rich. Zacchaeus had long been accustomed to ridicule and wasn't concerned about what people would think of him. He was concerned about getting Jesus' attention. “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” - Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus is an example to those whom place their own worth on worldly values, he was rich and had everything money could buy, but he knew something in his life was missing and when he heard about Jesus he figured out what that was. He was lost in sin and desperately longed for something that his money could not buy, Salvation. It was the love which Christ had for the world of sinners that led Him from heaven's glory to earth and caused Jesus to say to this unloved, hated publican, “Come down Zacchaeus, I am coming to your house to stay.” Zacchaeus found his Savior, and Jesus rejoiced over finding a lost sinner, he began to show evidence of his faith and repentance as his life was transformed, he immediately offered twice the restitution required of thieves under Jewish Law.

Never let a person that has everything convince you that he is happy, he is not. He knows something in his life is missing and constantly searches for it. King Solomon proves this, “So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” - Ecclesiastes 2:9-11. The word vain means that he realized all he had to be without real significance, value, or importance, the word vexation means that his spirit (the life inside him) was in constant distress. I can honestly say I am proof of that, I was never rich by a long shot, but there was a time when I had everything I wanted. I was happy for a little while, but eventually lost that zeal and started searching for something else that could bring me some happiness, which eventually got me into a lot of trouble. It was not until I truly accepted Jesus as my Savior that I found happiness.

It's not always easy being a Christian, Satan attacks me everyday with words of “you are a sinner,” “you will never be worthy of God,” “I know what you use to do” “you will never be forgiven,” or “are you really happy.” All of these thoughts use to bother me and cause me a lot of pain, but than I realized something. I am a forgiven child of God, once I called on Jesus to save me, admitted that I was a sinner, and asked Him to forgive me, every sin that I committed from the time I was born was forgiven and erased from existence. The only way these things remain is if I constantly remind myself of them. Now, that is a sin and an insult to God. We can never doubt the power of God, He truly is the truth, the life, and the way. Jesus will do the same for every person who seeks Him. He loves you and wants you to have everything you desire, but unless you have Him in your life you will always desire more and more and more of what the world thinks you need. We can still have everything we desire and more, but we must let go of the world and let Jesus become our world.

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

P.S. I apologize for these being late the pass few days, gotta love how Satan tries to stop things, but Jesus always prevails. Praise God!

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http://www.readytofollow.com/salvation


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