King James Daily Bible Study: What God Will Do
Date: Friday April 08, 2011
Chapters: I Samuel 22-24
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-april-8
Details of Today's Reading: David hides in a cave, men follow him, Saul destroys the priests of Nob, David rescues the city of Keilah, Jonathan encourages David, an invasion of the Philistines, David mercy upon Saul's life, and Saul acknowledges his mistakes.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
As Christians we will face all kinds of trials simply because of our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Amazingly, there are even religions who claim to be Christians, yet they have now idea who Christ truly is. The truth is that these people are being deceived and really have no idea that they are being deceived. How sad is it to go through life and think that you are doing what are taught only to find out that you have been deceived. We can choose to follow the truth or a lie, but if we say we are Christians we need to follow the truth and the only way to know the truth is to personally know Christ. “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” - I John 5:11,12.

David, was to be the next king of Israel and this put so much jealousy and hatred in Saul, the current king, that he wanted him dead. Now, David is hiding in a cave, but this time he is not alone.

“David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them: and there were with him about four hundred men. And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.” - I Samuel 22:1-3.

Four hundred men that thought they had nothing going for themselves sought David, often when we are suffering we find ourselves being drawn to others who are as well. It is actually a comfort to us when we focus on others heartaches instead of our own for a while, they often put ours in perspective. David and these men had the best thing going for them, they had God they may not have known what their future held, but they knew they were in the will of God. How? David never took his eyes off God the entire time he was in distress. We too may not know our future, but what we can know is that God holds our future in His hands and He will never leave nor forsake any one who seeks to know what God will do for him. “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:27,28.

Every where David went, Saul followed, there was always someone willing to sell him out for their own personal gain, even though they knew it was wrong. Saul even stooped so low as to start killing priests and their families for helping David escape, but the first thing David did before he made a move was ask God what he should do.

“Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah. And David's men said unto him, Behold, we be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines? Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. So David and his men went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their cattle, and smote them with a great slaughter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.” - I Samuel 23:2-5.

David knew that God was with them and would help them defeat the Philistines, but he also knew that if he wanted God's help he had to ask Him for it. God will not do anything unless we seek His guidance first. By seeking His guidance we are letting Him know that we are trusting in Him to make the right decision for us. We can not go wrong when we humble ourselves before God and allow Him to make the decisions for us. “Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” - Psalm 25:8-10.

When our heart's desire is to please the Lord, we are often tested to seek revenge on those who have wronged us. Now, David had the chance to kill Saul, upon trying to corner David, Saul got cornered himself. He was hiding in a cave to sneak up on David when David found him, it was the opportune time for David to seek revenge and kill him instead.

“Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the LORD said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily. And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD. So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way.” - I Samuel 24:2-7.

His soldiers were convinced that God had delivered Saul into David's hands to be executed and David would be justified in killing him. However, David would not violate the Word of God that Saul had been set apart for service as the earthly representative of God on the throne of Israel. God had appointed Saul as king and until He removed him from the throne, David had no right to take this mans life even though he tried to take his. Truthfully, revenge does nothing for us, but make us become one of them. After David went back to the palace Saul asked him why he let him go when he had the chance to kill him. David's reply, “The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee. After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea. The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.” - I Samuel 24:12-15.

At times, it seems as though everyone is against us, but we can not forget that God is always for us and it is during the trials we face that He shows Himself as the one who can truly protect and lead us to safety as long as we come to Him. No matter what people have done to us we have no right to take the law into our own hands. It is better to walk away then to let ourselves stoop to their level. God is still in control and although He allows the devil to place evil upon our lives, it is important that we do not render evil for evil, God will take care of it for us. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” - Romans 12:19,20.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through David's refusal to take the kingdom by force or before the appointed time set by God (24:10-13). Jesus refused to allow Israel to make Him a king by force, “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 6:15.

Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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I apologize for this late posting, all should resume back to normal tomorrow. Thank you for your patience.

King James Daily Bible Study: Job Training
Date: Wednesday April 06, 2011
Chapters: I Samuel 17-18
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-april-6
Details of Today's Reading: Defiance of Israel by Goliath and David’s victory over him, the covenant of Jonathan and David, Saul’s jealousy toward David and his attempts on David’s life, Saul's attempt to have David killed in battle, and Saul’s daughter is given to David for a wife.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is said that true Christians are some of the best workers on the planet. Why? Because true Christians are honest, loyal, faithful, and believe in the Word of God. How can believing in the Word of God make someone a better worker? Because when you believe in God's Word, you follow God's Word and learn that even the most tedious job in the world can be one of joy through the Lord. Everything that we do, including our jobs, needs to be done in the will of God, even if we are working for worldly people. Being obedient to God, especially through the most difficult circumstances, always keeps us right with God and the reward is much greater than anything we will ever receive here on earth. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” - James 1:12.

David, was the youngest of eight sons, he was the smallest of them all and of all jobs, he was a sheep herder. God chose David to be the king that would reign over Israel because of Saul's disobedience. Now, the amazing thing about God is that He does not always do everything immediately, although Samuel anointed David to be king, he did not reign right away. God was actually preparing David to become a great king and in order to do that he had to be trained. God may have some strange ways of training people, but what seems strange to us is a blessing to God. To train David properly, God placed him in Saul's life, first as a musician, then as the man who would stand up to Goliath.

“Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehemjudah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul. And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle: and the names of his three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next unto him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. And David was the youngest: and the three eldest followed Saul.... And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine. And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.” - I Samuel 17:12-14,32-36.

David was not afraid to take on the Philistine because he had faith in God, He knew that if God pulled him out of the paws of a lion and a bear He could certainly defeat a giant. As Christians, we may be daily facing the giants of the world, but as long as we have faith in the living God He will help us defeat the biggest of giants. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” - I john 5:3,4.

Ever notice how the slackers get jealous and hateful toward those whom are hard working and favored by their employer. David was the talk of the town because He defeated Goliath, as soon as Saul heard that the people were cheering him he became very jealous, to the point of wanting him dead.

“And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice. And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul.” - I Samuel 18:10-12.

The evil spirit from God is not actually God Himself, bringing evil upon them, God can not commit evil Himself.

The evil spirit is Satan, it means that God allowed Satan to cast evil upon him. The devil was once an angel of God, but he was not satisfied with that and wanted control so, God cast him out of heaven and that is why it says the evil spirit from God. “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” - Isaiah 14:12-15.

Saul's jealousy caused him to fear David, the more David trusted in God, the more fearful Saul became of him. Why? Because Saul knew that the root to all the good in David was God. “And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul's daughter loved him. And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually. Then the princes of the Philistines went forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, that David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.” - I Samuel 18:28-30.

Saul knew he was not being the king much longer and that God called David to take him place and he feared that. If he was doing the job right God would have not replaced him. You know, because we are loyal and faithful and have God on our side it will cause some strife between those who are not, especially in the work place, even leaders have been known to fear their jobs. I remember trying to get a part-time job as a cashier once just to make some extra money, the manager bluntly said I can not hire you because you are not going to take my job. The truth is, a person that is not doing the job they are supposed to be doing always fears losing it. God is in control of all things, no one on the earth is irreplaceable and if we are not doing our jobs, we will be replaced, regardless of what job we do. “Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.” - Deuteronomy 1:17.

This was only the beginning to the troubles that David would face before he even became king. Despite all the jealousy and the deceitfulness from people, God uses all of them for our own good, He not only tests our faith in Him, He also strengthens it as well as blesses us through them. “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” - II Corinthians 4:15-18.

Every thing we go through is for our own good and God's glory. Think about it. Every day things come to pass and we rarely acknowledge that it is God, but something that comes to light by the power of God we know is from God and we praise Him for it. Every time we face adversity we are strengthened and become a better Christian and learn of the greater eternal rewards that we will receive beyond the surface. Praise God! If you are facing trials, remember, Jesus is with you and God is renewing you and strengthening your faith in Him. Just keep doing what you are doing, knowing, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:13. Praise God!

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Jonathan, who stripped himself of his royal robes and made the soul covenant with David, (18:3-4). Knowing the will of God, Jesus stripped Himself of His royal robe to be a servant for us. “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” - Hebrews 2:9.

Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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King James Daily Bible Study: Right Thing Made Wrong
Date: Monday April 04, 2011
Chapters: I Samuel 12-14
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-april-4
Details of Today's Reading: Samuel’s proclamation of the kingdom, Samuel reminds the Israelites what God has done for them, the sign of thunder and rain, the self-will of Saul, his intrusion into the priests office, and Jonathan’s great victory over the Philistines.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
As Christians we all long to please God and follow His will, but if we are not careful we can change the right things into wrong things. There is a right and a wrong way to do everything, even when it comes to serving God. Yes, it is good to read the Bible, but if you are reading it while at church listening to a sermon, it is wrong. It is the right thing made wrong. “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” - James 1:26,27.

While all the other nations had an earthly king, Israel's king was God. However, the people never saw God as their king, demanding an earthly king like the rest of the nations. God fulfilled their request and sent them Saul, at first the people rejected him, but it did not take long, (I am sure it was because of something he did that was pleasing) for them to accept him as their king. Samuel talked to the people, reminding them who they chose to be their king, and that God was still the King, even over the king.

“Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the LORD hath set a king over you. If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.” - I Samuel 12:13-18.

At Samuel's word, God sent thunder and rain, at a season of the year when, in that country there would be none. He showed their error in desiring an earthly king to save them, rather than God, or Samuel through the power of God in prayer, reminding them that the king would only give them their anticipated deliverance if they would fear the Lord, and give up their rebellion against God. Fearing God does not mean to be afraid of Him, although some people should be afraid of God after what they have done to put Him to shame. However, fearing God means to acknowledge Him as God, respect Him, and listen to Him. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.

It did not take long before Saul, about a year, began serving God on his terms rather than God's. Saul was instructed to wait for Samuel to present an offering before God. Regardless of how much power a person had, no one was allowed to offer up an offering before God, except a priest, the priest had to offer it on the sinners behalf. However, Saul took things into his own hands by offering the offering to God himself.

“And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.” - I Samuel 13:9-14.

When Samuel confronted Saul about his sin, the first thing he did was make excuses as to why he went against God's command. He tried to justify himself in what he had done and gave no sign of repentance for it. Had Saul just confessed to God he probably would have allowed him to remain king, but that instant God sought a king who was after His own heart. God will forgive us and even help us get out of our messes, but unless we sincerely and humbly go before God He will not justify the sin. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - James 4:6,7.

Once again we learn of Saul trying to do the right thing, making it wrong. The Israelites were in battle with the Philistines, Saul ordered the people to fast, including the army, if anyone ate during the fast he would be put to death. “And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food...And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath. ” -I Samuel 14:24,26.

Saul's severe order was very unwise, it kept the men from being able to fight the Philistines the proper way. Ever try to do a hard job when you are tired and weak? Daily work cannot be done without daily bread, which God graciously gives to us. Saul was turning aside from God, along with building the altars, his eagerness was to serve the form of godliness, but he refused to do it the right way. He was not doing any of it to reach God, but to give himself glory. There are times when fasting is needed, but fasting is a time to be spent with God for His glory, not our own. “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” - Matthew 6:16-18.

When choosing to follow God with all our heart, soul, and mind we must look at the proper ways to do that, otherwise we are serving God in vain. If we want to truly have a loving, joyous, prosperous relationship with God we need to learn the right ways to do it. “Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” - Galatians 5:21-23.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Samuel the intercessor (12:23). Jesus the intercessor for all who believe in Him. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” - Hebrews 7:25.

Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
Visit I'm Following Jesus: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com
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King James Daily Bible Study: God's Power
Date: Saturday April 02, 2011
Chapters: I Samuel 4-7
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-april-2
Details of Today's Reading: The Philistines fight with the Israelites and take the Ark of God, the Ark of God becomes a curse to Philistines, the Ark is sent back to the Israelites, a revival takes place, the Israelites put away their false gods to serve only God, and Samuel judges Israel.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
I have been doing research on various religions to show the difference between what that religion follows and what God says otherwise. Just about every religion I research talks about God and thinks that they are following God, the problem is not all are following what the Bible says. If we are going to follow God doesn't it make sense to follow His Word, since it is God? Of course it does, but the truth is the majority of religions out there either follow some form of God's Word or make up their own words all together, which makes God to be no longer the Almighty God, but a god that they created in their own image. The Bible says, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” - Revelation 22:18,19.

The “Ark of God” or the “Ark of the Covenant” was a wooden box that contained a very precious jewel, the Word of God. Just by holding the Word of God you can feel God's power, but without God's power in you it is just an ordinary book. While in a battle with the Philistines, the Israelites came up with an idea, to take the Ark of God, as if it would save themselves and placing it outside of the Tabernacle.

“And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again...And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.” - I Samuel 4:3-5,10,11.

The Israelites foolishly put their faith in the Ark of God, instead of God Himself. Although the Ark held the presence of God, it was not the ark itself that held the power, it was God. The Bible is worthless in our hands if we do not have the power of God upon us. Hophni and Phinehas are examples of those who are brought up religious, but never received the power of God upon them. Every person who accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior receives the power of God upon them. No amount of praying, reading the Bible, or good deeds will save you, only Jesus can save you. However, even if we are saved that does not mean that we are invincible if we do not acknowledge that God is the source of that power. “For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” - II Corinthians 13:4,5. Reprobate means a person that can not tell right from wrong.

Now, take the Word of God and mix it in with false religion and see what happens. The Philistines, now in possession of the Ark, had this idea that because they had Israels God they would be blessed more, after all they thought their god helped the defeat the Israelites. However, they got the surprise of their lives when they places the Ark next to their Dagon. Dagon was a statue with the upper body of a woman and lower body of a fish, who they idolized and galled their god.

“When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day. But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.” - I Samuel 5:2-6.

It is incredible and quite laughable to read about the Philistines passing the Ark from one place to another and the curse it brought upon them until they got rid of it. The Philistines knew that the Almighty God truly existed and they were so scared that they thought of everything they could to get rid of Him. This is the exact same reason false religions starts, they know that something they are doing goes against God's Word so, they do anything they can to get rid of the Almighty and replace Him with a god that would allow them to do it. However, changing God in the image that they want Him to be never changes God, He still is the same as He was then, now, and will be the same for eternity. “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” - Hebrews 13:7-9.

After the Israelites got the Ark back in their possession Samuel spoke to them, it was time for them to get right with God if they wanted peace with the Philistines. “And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only. And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD. And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh..And the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even unto Gath; and the coasts thereof did Israel deliver out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.” - I Samuel 7:3-6,14,15.

In order for us to have peace in our lives we need to prepare our hearts and serve only Him. Let me tell you, I have tried to serve God on my terms and I was cursed the entire time, falling deeper and deeper into the whole I dug myself into. It was not until I literally almost killed myself before I heard God tell me “Get up, I did not make you to go like this!”, that was when He got me up and I started serving God on His terms. Oh, I am still growing, but I know the Power of God is upon me, I know the power of His Word lives in me because Jesus lives in me. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through the rock called Ebenezer, (7:12) which means the stone of help. Jesus is the Rock of our salvation. “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” - I Corinthians 10:4.

Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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King James Daily Bible Study: God's Delight
Date: Thursday March 31, 2011
Chapters: The Book of Ruth
Click Here to Read Them or Go to: http://www.imfollowingjesus.com/bible-march-31
Details of Today's Reading: Elimelech and take their sons to Moab during a famine, the sons get married, Elimelech and the sons die, Naomi returns to Bethlehem with Ruth, Ruth serves Boaz, Ruth finds reward in her marriage to Boaz.

Hello My Friend/Guest,
The word recompense is defined as to compensate, to make return of an equivalent for any thing given, done or suffered for. There is no greater joy than to see the blessings that God gives us for the things we have given, done, or suffered through. The Bible says, “The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.” - Psalm 18:20-24. God delights in our faithfulness and compensates us for it, especially when we remain faithful to Him through our afflictions.

The Book of Ruth is the eighth book of the Old Testament/Bible, the author of the book is unknown, but it was first written to the Israelites during the time of Judges. The time line for theses events is approximately 1312 BC. The purpose of the book was to show that even Gentiles who are faithful to God become a part of His People. Ruth became the great grandmother of David. It also illustrates the kinsman-redeemer relationship of Jesus Christ. What we are to learn from the book is that God can turn bitterness into blessings for all who come to Him, whether Jew or Gentile. “And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age:” - Ruth 4:15a.

Before Joshua died he gave instructions on who the tribes were to marry in order to keep their inheritance, basically they were to marry within their own tribe. After Joshua died God appointed judges to rule over the Israelites, during that time we learn of Elimelech who was of the tribe of Judah, he married a woman named Naomi and they had two sons. There was a famine in land so, Elimelech packed everyone up and headed to Moab, where the family resided.

“And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread...And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me...And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” - Ruth 1:3-6, 8,16,17.

Ruth had no idea what would become of her, the only thing she knew was that she did not want to go back to the life she lived and back to the false gods she grew up with. She was determined to follow Naomi and make her God her God also. Ruth is an example of the grace of God, giving life to the soul of all who seek to know Him, regardless of who they are born of or where they have come from. God delights in all who seek Him. “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:12,13.

When Ruth got to Bethlehem I imagine she was overwhelmed, after all, she was a stranger in a strange land. She could have hid herself, she could have mingled with the crowds, but instead she chose to go to work. She went to work for a man named Boaz, who was kin to her late father-in-law Elimelech.

“Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” - Ruth 2:8-12.

A mere stranger, blessed to even be able to work in a place where she were not fit and worthy to enter into the congregation of the Lord finds grace in the eyes of her master. This is a perfect picture of the grace of God, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” - Romans 3:23. who finds grace in the eyes of a sinner. None of us are worthy to enter into the congregation of the Lord. It is only by His grace and our humbling ourselves before Him that we find His grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” - Ephesians 2:8,9. Our recompense for humbling ourselves before God and professing our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ gives us the reward of the Kingdom of God. Praise God!

Ruth had such an impression on Boaz that he eventually made her his wife, this is the third time that we learn of a person outside of a Jew becoming part of the heritage that would be were Jesus would descend from, proving that all who choose Christ are a part of the kingdom of God, both Jew and Gentile. “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.” - I Corinthians 12:12,13.

Jesus Christ Revealed: Today Jesus is revealed through Bethlehem, which means "House of Bread." Jesus, the Bread of Life, satisfies the spiritual hunger of all who come to Him. “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 6:51.

Thanks and God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

Learn How Jesus Can Set You Free: http://www.godsprice.com
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Subscribe To This Devotional: devotions@imfollowingjesus.com