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aspiritual Bible Study: Stay Focused - Subscribe

Stay Focused 01.01.09

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday January 1, 2009. Happy New Year! I pray that this year brings you much joy and gladness.

Today's Lesson: God provides us with everything we need to live an abundant filled life, all we need to do to obtain it is Obey His Word. As you keep your eyes focused on God and you will not fall into the temptations of Satan.

Today we will be reading about the creation of all things; the creation of Adam and Eve; Eve's temptation by Satan; and Adam and Eve's rebellion against God and their forfeit of the Garden of Eden.

Today's Bible Reading: Please read Genesis Chapters 1-3, Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%201-3&version=9

We are beginning our studies on the book of Genesis. The book of Genesis is the first book of the Bible/Old Testament and contains fifty chapters. The author of the book is Moses and it was originally written to the people of Isreal. The purpose of the book was to record the beginning of the universe, man, the Sabbath, marriage, sin, sacrifice, nations, and government. It also records the stories of key men of God: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. What we are to learn from the book is that God's plan from the beginning included all nations and that God begins new things with people.

In six days God created the heaven and earth. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth........And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.........And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.......And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. "(Genesis 1:1,11,21,25-27,29).

God made mankind in His own image and likeness which makes us different from every animal."And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (2:7). No animal has a God consciousness or is capable of worshiping God.

God provided us everything that would sustain us and enable us to fulfill His perfect will and achieve a happy and worthwhile life. Man's responsibility was to obey God and to take care of His garden However, God allowed man's love, loyalty, and obedience to be tested. "Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat." (3:1-6).

Satan did not reveal himself to Eve as the enemy of God nor a wicked deceiver with the intent on destroying every enjoyment of mankind. His intent was, and still is, to prevent man from obeying God. First, he tried to create doubt concerning the truth of what God had said. He implied that God was withholding the best enjoyments in life from Adam and Eve. Then he deceived them by giving only partial truth of God's Word, which was a lie. Satan knows just enough Scripture to make someone think he knows what he is talking about in order to make it to his advantage.

While being tempted Eve chose to trust herself rather than God, she took her eyes off Him and focused only on what she was seeing in front of her, the more she thought about it the more she desired it. Once she got to that point she disregarded what belonged only to God and His authority and only chose to fulfill her desire. Once she tasted the forbidden fruit she then tempted Adam. They both sinned, and consequently, died spiritually. From that moment on, all of Adam's descendants inherited his sinful, disobedient nature, that includes all of us.

The steps to sin and its immediate consequences of eternal spiritual death and eventual physical death are still the same today. However, we are blessed to have a way out of sin and that is through the Lord, Jesus Christ. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." (I John 5:13-15).

Throughout the Old Testament there are verses that reveal Jesus Christ, they will be listed daily.

Jesus Christ Revealed: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." (Genesis 1:1). Jesus is our creator.

Today's Psalm: "This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD." (102:1

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Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Your mercies are renewed daily and Your provision is experienced in our lives each moment of every day. We seek You for guidance in the new year and growth in our daily Christian walk. Though we cannot predict the future we can predict Your faithfulness because You are a God that does not change. Every promise You have made is true as we have seen in the Biblical records. This gives us reason to trust You for the dawning of a new year where we will once again experience Your guiding presence in our daily lives. In Jesus' name.......Amen.

Enjoy your day/night!
God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Christ First Jan 2nd, 2009 4:15:02 pm - Subscribe

Christ First 01.02.09

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is January 2, 2009, we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Focus: The importance of realizing that we must put Christ first before our flesh. It is only by putting Him first are we able to live the correct life that God created for us.

Today's Bible Reading: Please read Genesis Chapters 4-6. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%204-6&version=9

Highlight's of Today's Reading: Cain and Abel's sacrifices to God; Cain murding Abel; the genealogy from Adam to Noah; and God commands Noah to buid an ark.
It did not take long for Adam and Eve's sin nature to become evident in their children. Out of pure jealousy Cain killed his brother Abel for being favored by God, then became angry with God Himself because his offering was not accepted. "And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him." (Genesis 4:3-

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What God was saying was that while Cain's offering of the firstfruits of the ground recognized God as the Creator, it did not recognize himself as a sinner. He never gave a blood offering recognizing his sins. God accepted Abel's offerings because he not only recognized God as the Creator he also offered his first born flock, recognizing himself as a sinner.

The physical, mental, and spiritual consequences of sin are astounding and are eternally irreversible except for the blood of Christ. We are blessed to no longer have to offer a daily blood sacrifice unto God for our sins, they were bought and paid for when Jesus became the ultimate sin sacrifice for all mankind. However, that still does not stop us from receiving the consequences of our sins. We need to daily offer ourselves as a living sacrifice onto God and repent, it's the only way to walk in the Spirit, which keeps us from falling into sin in teh first place.

The genealogy of the sons of God continued through Adam and Eve's third son Seth. "This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him; Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, and after his image; and called his name Seth: And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters: And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died." (Genesis 5:1-5). Seth became the lineage of where Jesus Christ would come from.

When we take a look at the world today we see many resemblances of what we read in the Bible thousands of years ago. "And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown (popularity)." (Genesis 6:1-4). What this means is that godly men and women were marrying those who were not obedient to God.

It is assumed by some that marriage of believers with nonbelievers may be acceptable, but there are many struggles that often lead to divorce as well as falling away from God. That is why we are warned not to fellowship with non-believers. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (II Corinthians 6:14-16).

When we walk with believers we will enjoy the blessings that God has in store for us, including the perfect mate.

Christ is Revealed: "And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:" (Genesis 4:4). Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who was sacrificed for man's sin.

Today's Psalm: 54:6
"I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We praise You because there is no dreaded sin in our life that surpasses the all-sufficient grace You freely give to all who believe. It is through no merit of our own for we are deserving of death and eternal punishment. But through the tremendous sacrificial death of Your Son, Jesus, we are freed from all our guilty stains of sin. Thank You, Jesus for all that You do for us and help us to put You first above all things. In Your mighty name, Jesus'......Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Know God's Word Jan 3rd, 2009 3:31:52 pm - Subscribe

Know God's Word 01.03.09

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday January 3, 2009, we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Focus: The importance of reading for ourselves exactly what God has said in the Bible rather than relying on others. Unless we know God's Word for ourselves we can not know the truth.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 7-9, You can click the link to read the cahpters or copy and paste this link into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%207-9&version=9

Highlights of Today's Reading: Noah and his family; the ark; the flood; and God's rainbow covenant.

Noah was able to save his family and preserve all mankind because of his faith in the spoken Word of God. It was God's Word that led him to build the ark. "And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth. And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him." (Genesis: 7:1-5). The flood was God's method of judgment against the wickedness of men and a means of separating the family of Noah from sin's corruption.

The ark had only one door, symbolic of Christ who is the only door to reach God. There came a day, prior to the flood, when they were told to enter the ark, and shut themselves in. "In the selfsame day entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in." (Genesis 7:13-16). Just as Noah was able to rest within the ark, secure from the waters of death, so we can be assured of spiritual rest, for our lives are hidden with Christ in God.

The ark was a secure refuge from certain death; it was a type of Christ, who provides spiritual refuge for all believers. Noah's obedience to the command of God to build and enter the ark typifies the believer who, by faith, receives Christ and is saved from judgment (spiritual death).

As soon as he was once more on dry land Noah built an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings to Him. "And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done." (Genesis 8:20-21).

The obedience of faith and the worship of God go hand in hand. Just as Noah was not given an exact day when the flood would come, neither do we know the exact day when Jesus will come. That is why it is of great importance to be ready and prepared, we can not wait until it is the perfect time for us to be able to submit ourselves to God, the time is now.

Christ is Revealed: "And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation." (Genesis 7:1). Jesus is our ark that keeps us safe from the flood of the world.

Today's Psalm: 62:7
"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Jesus. When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead prove my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy. Because I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night.
God bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Be On Guard Jan 4th, 2009 3:01:13 pm - Subscribe

Be On Guard 01.04.09

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday January 4, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we must always be on guard of those who are rebellious to the Word of God. Since the spirit of defiance is alive and well in our world today, we must keep our focus on His Word and His alone.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 10-12, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2010-12&version=9

Highlights of Today's Reading: The descendants of Noah; the origin of different languages; the city of Babel;God's call and covenant with Abram; and his journey to Canaan and Egypt.

After the flood destroyed all of the human race except Noah's family, new generations began. "Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth: and unto them were sons born after the flood........And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan. And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtechah: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan. And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD." (Genesis 10:1,6-9).

Nimrod is the first king mentioned in the Bible, his name means rebel. With Nimrod as their leader the people came together to build a city and a tower that could reach heaven. "And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." (Genesis 11:3-4). The words make us a name revealed their desire for power. The human heart seeks a name for itself and has no desire to glorify God.

Nimrod established the first world empire and ruled it, the city was known as the city of Babel (Babylon). His ambition to build a tower did not mean he expected to reach the throne of the Almighty God, it meant that his desire was to make himself and his followers rulers of the world. God dealt with this rebellion by dividing the people into nations and giving them different languages. "And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth." (11:5-9). By God giving the people different languages it kept His people from being corrupted by rebellious nations.

Historic Babylon has been destroyed as prophesied in Isaiah 13:19-22, but this God defying spirit of rebellion against the authority of God's Word still remains today, attempting to dominate and control the minds of all. There is a worldwide movement to unite and control all people and all religions into a one-world government and one church. The only assurance of not being deceived in this age of lawlessness is knowing the Word of God as a personal relationship with Jesus. This knowlede exposes the motives behind the actions of leaders in world affairs.

The call of God demands that we make a choice. Even the closest ties of human loyalty or affection must be cut when they conflict with our submission to Christ and what is written in His Word.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. "(Genesis 12:2-3). Jesus is the Promised Seed of Abraham. Abraham was a type of Christ who leads the way to a far better promised land. "For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham." (Hebrews 2:16).

Today's Psalm: 56:4
"In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
As we are faced daily with corruption let us keep our eyes and ears focused on You and Your Word. Bless us with the wisdom and knowledge we need to know the truth and hold on to it throughout our earthly journey. Pour the Power of Your Spirit upon us and give us the strength and endurance to remain faithful to You no matter what we are faced with. In Jesus' name.........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and or weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Faith in God Jan 5th, 2009 6:01:42 pm - Subscribe

01.05.09

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is January 5, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Faith in God. We will focus on the importance of realizing that we need to put our faith in God completely. Those who place their faith in God have no need to fight for the best because the best is heading toward them.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 13-15
If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2013-15&version=9

The testing of Abram's faith began after he and Lot left Ur of the Chaldees on their journey of about 1000 miles to the promised land. "And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south." (Genesis 13:1).

Upon arrival, he discovered there was a famine, they traveled south near Sodom where the pasture was the best. Abram and Lot both had large flocks, there was strife between their herdsman and the land was not big enough to accomodate them both so they decided to split up. Abram could have taken the best for himself since he was older than his nephew, as well as being the spiritual leader. Instead, he graciously gave Lot the choice of which way to go. "And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly." (13:8-13). Lot decided to ignore his spiritual need to be in fellowship with Abram. Instead, he made friends with the wicked people of Sodom.

It was after this experience that Abram received a promise from the Lord that He would make Abram's seed numerous. "And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered." (13:13-16).

Lot is an example of the worldly-minded, professing Christian. Like so many today, he was more concerned over material gain than he was over spiritual blessings. Only a few listen seriously to their Savior, who said we can not serve two masters. "No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (false god)." (Luke 6:13). Satan desires to make us believe that we must take what we want in order to have the best things in life.

However, no one gives up the best by putting God first in his life! We may see things in the present as the worst, but God has better plans for us. He wants to give us the best that there is to offer, but He also wants us to seek Him first in order to obtain it. We should all follow the example of Abram and put our faith in Him, after all, He knows us beter than we do.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: By Melchizedek, the High Priest. "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all." (Genesis 14:18-20). Christ is our High Priest today who is interceding in prayer for us and who is deserving of our gifts and service to Him.

Today's Psalm: 89:4
"But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the many blessings that you have given me that I take granted for. Help me Lord, increase my faith in You daily for it is the only way to overcome the devil's deception. Bless me with wisdom and understanding of Your Words and help me to apply them to my life in all that I do. You are my Rock, my Savior, and All that I need to enjoy the best that this earthly life can offer. I put my complete trust and faith in You. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and week.
God bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: God's Timing Jan 6th, 2009 6:22:04 pm - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday January 6, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: God's Timing. It is very important that we wait on God to answer our prayers in His time, not ours. It can be very hard to wait for prayers to be answered, but we must let God answer them in His time. He knows what is best for us and while we wait for the answers He is preparing us to be able to handle them.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 16-18,
You can read them here by clicking on the link or you can copy ans paste this link into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2016-18&version=9

Although God had promised Abram that he would be a father of many nations he and Sarai were childless. At the age of 85 he and Sarai began to doubt God's unconditional promise given by him. Then Sarai came up with an idea that Abram agreed upon. "Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee." (Genesis 16:1-5). Sarai thought she was helping Abram succeed, but she soon found out that it was not wise to interceed in God's plans. She grew to despise Hagar when she conceived.

At the age of 86, Abram did receive a son, Ishmael, by Hagar. It was thirteen years later that God spoke to Abram. "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee." (Genesis 17:1-5). I am the Almighty God, means the One who is All-Sufficient. God truly is the One and Only who can supply us with all of our needs.

Abraham was now 99 years old and Sarah was 90. At her age, it was humanly impossible for Sarah to have a child. But God revealed to Abraham that she would bare him a child. "And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him." (17:15-19). Through Abraham, God would teach us how our faith can be strengthened by allowing a 90 year old woman to concieve a child.

One of the great tests of our faith is waiting upon the Lord. It may take two days, weeks, or years, or as in Abraham's situation, 25 years for our prayers to be answered or desires to be fulfilled. However, God has the perfect plan for us and knows when the time is right to give us what we need. It can be tempting to help God out and take things into our own hands, but all we do is make things worse. Every time we go above the Lord we go backward instead of forward in our walk with Him. Then God has to go back to square one and show us that we need to slow down and wait for Him. What we think we need in the present is nothing compared to what God has in store for us, all we have to do to get it is wait on Him.

Christ is Revealed: As the seed of Issac. "And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him." (Genesis 17:19). Jesus Christ was Christ was a descendant of Isaac.

Today's Psalm: 27:14
"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, I know that You have great plans for me, but I also know that I must wait on You to receive them. Bless me with the patience I need to let You prepare me for the prayers I need answered. Walk with me, guide me, and abide in me, bless me with the power of your Spirit to allow me to follow Your Will and wait on You no matter how long it takes. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and know that God is with You.
God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Godly Influence Jan 7th, 2009 4:04:52 pm - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday January 7, 2009 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Godly Influence. We will always face times in our lives when we can be easily influenced, whether it be a good or bad influence. We must make the choice to not only be around those who are a godly influence we must also be a godly influence to others.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 19-21
You can read them online by clicking the link above or you can copy and paste this link into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2019-21&version=9

Lot, Abraham's nephew who still sojourned in Sodom, soon had a prominent position there since he sat in the gate of Sodom where business and legal matters were conducted. "And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night." (Genesis 19:1-2). Lot associated with the people of Sodom even though he was troubled by their wicked ways. Sodom was known for homosexuality, which is a sin in the eyes of God. Many people who choose this form of lifestyle are lead to believe that God hates people who are homosexual, but that is not the truth at all. He may not approve of what they do, but He loves everyone, regardless of the choices they make and all who come to Him are saved.

Twenty five years prior, by faith, Abraham left his homeland and journeyed to the new land of promise. However, when faced with a famine he left the land that God had told him to dwell in and sojourned in Egypt, fearful of his life he introduced Sarah as his sister. Years later, Abraham put himself and Sarah in the same posisition as they soujourned in Philistine. "And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife." (Genesis 20:1-3).

It is difficult to understand why Abram would tell a half-truth in order to protect himself after God had already told him that He would always be there with him. Furthermore, it could have led Abimelech into sin. God apparently allowed these events to occur to reveal how easily our decisions are influenced by selfish motives.

Throughout the Scriptures, God tenderly and patiently leads us from sin and self-seeking and shows us that true happiness is the result of honor in all circumstances. Abraham remained committed to God even though there were times he had difficulty believing God's promises under circumstances. We too deal with the same emotions and fears when faced with our circumstances, but just as God was with Abraham and took care of him, even though he sinned at times, he is with us also.

Isaac, the miracle child of promise, entered the family life of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar the bondwoman. "And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.........And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac." (Genesis 21:1-3,9-10). Hagar's son Ishmael soon revealed his true character through his contempt for Isaac.

These two sons Ishmael and Isaac illustrate the dual nature of our lives. We are first born of the flesh (human parents), which is symbolized by Ishmael. However, the moment we realize that we are sinners and truly repent then we become born of the spirit (Holy Spirit), which is symbolized by Issac, the child of faith. We become the possessor of the nature of God and a new life filled with Christ begins.
Many of the decisions we make influence the rest of our lives. We should be careful to make decisions based on the authority of the Word of God. We are children of God who have nothing to fear because God is with us and will protect us. Seek God and He will influence you to be the best that you can be.

Christ is Revealed: By Isaac, the promised son of God's Covenant. "And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called." (Genesis 21:12). Life in Christ sets us free from bondage of the Law because God made a new Covenant through Christ's blood.

Today's Psalm: 40:10
"I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We pray that You will empower us to live responsible lives so that we can be living examples of what it means to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Help us to resist temptations that weaken our resolve to live holy lives by memorizing and quoting Scripture that speaks to that sinful behavior, even while we’re being tempted. We desire to bring joy to Your heart as we live responsibly and cast off that which hinders our spiritual growth. We want to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness so that we will be kingdom servants pursuing righteous living. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day and be blessed in all that you do.

God bless you,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Praise God Jan 8th, 2009 7:54:12 pm - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is January 8, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Praise God When Suffering. At one point in time we are all faced with trials and suffering regardless of whether or not we are a Christian. However, Christians have one of the best things going for them through their suffer, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 22-24
You can click on the link above to read them online, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2022-24&version=9

After 25 years of waiting for the promised son, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with Issac. Isaac was a young man when this final test came to test Abraham's faith. "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." (Genesis 22:1-2). A burnt offering sacrifice was always to be a male animal, was the best the offerer had, and was to be wholly consumed by fire. It was an expression of dedication to God.

Abraham knew that Isaac must live since God had said He would establish His Covenant with him, yet I am sure he was a little fearful as the command of God was to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, but obediently, Abraham followed God's command. "And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood." (22:6-9).

Abraham's many years of trusting in the Lord gave him faith in God. This is an amazing testimony of how Abraham's faith had grown over the years until he knew that God never makes a mistake and has a purpose for every command. "And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." (22:10-13).

Through trials and suffering, the Lord develops our faith. He will not tempt us with anything that we can not handle and always provides us with a way out. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (I Corinthians 10:13).

When our desires are to please Him, God orders all the ways of our lives so that He may bless us and we may offer Him the worship He desires and deserves. Christians should not hesitate to give Him all the praise for everything, even difficulties in life. There is reason and purpose for every thing that goes on in our lives and the more we praise Him the more we not only become closer to Him, but are blessed.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: Jesus is revealed by Issaac who was offered as a sacrifice. Jesus willingly offered His life as a living sacrifice for all mankind.

Today's Psalm: 54:6
"I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I confess that there are times in my life when things seem to difficult to handle, but now I realize that you will never send anything before me that I can not get through. In fact, I know I can get through anything as long as I have You with me. Lord, I praise You for my difficulties, I praise You for my struggles, I praise You for every blessing and every bit of my suffering. I know that You are with me and that You will see me through every situation. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night!
God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Spiritual Blessings Jan 9th, 2009 8:10:53 pm - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday January 9, 2009 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Spiritual Blessings. All children of God are descendents of Abraham and receive spiritual blessings, but we must be willing to do what it takes to get them. It is not too late for us to introduce godly spiritual values to our children or someone else's as long as we have them ourselves.
Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 25-27
You can read the chapters by clicking on the link above, if the link does not work on your browser you can copy and paste this one to it: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2025-27&version=9

Isaac pleaded to God for a child and He blessed him and Rebekah with twin boys, Esau and Jacob. Even before they were born they were fighting in the womb, "And Isaac intreated (pleaded) the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them." (25:21-26).

Now, Isaac loved Esau, who was hunter and Rebekah loved Jacob, who rather cook the food than hunt for it. "And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob." (25:27-2

. Only two men in the Bible are called hunters, Nimrod, the rebel, and Esau. The fact that Esau is described as a hunter like Nimrod, gives us some insight into his true character.

Esau had no interest in spiritual values, knowing this Jacob ceased the opportunity to take his birthright from him. "And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright." (25:29-34). There was no way that Esau could not have been at the point to die by missing one meal, to sell his birthright over one meal proved that he really had no interest in what God had to offer him. The family birthright included, the sacred position of spiritual leadership of the family and heir to the covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. More importantly, the birthright was a link in the line of descent through which the Messiah was to come.

Now, Isaac was getting old in age and unsure of how much longer he would live, so he planned to bless Esau, but Rebekah overheard Isaac speaking to him and when Esau left to do as his father commanded Rebekah schemed to get Jacob blessed instead. "And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I. And he said, Behold now, I am old, I know not the day of my death: Now therefore take, I pray thee, thy weapons, thy quiver and thy bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison; And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die. And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it. And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold, I heard thy father speak unto Esau thy brother, saying, Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, that I may eat, and bless thee before the LORD before my death. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to that which I command thee." (Genesis 27:1-

. It appears that Isaac's admiration for his worldly minded son Esau caused him to ignore the prophecy that God had revealed to Rebekah before the twins' birth.

Jacob was blessed as the prophecy stated and that caused much friction between Esau and Jacob. That friction has carried on for generations and is still carried on today. Like Esau, many are willing to gratify fleshly cravings in total disregard for God's will in their lives until it is too late. Then, like Esau, they find fault with the people of God and blame their failures on someone else. Inevitably, the faithful servant of God will be falsely accused and betrayed; but, it is encouraging to see from Jacob's experience that it is impossible for anyone to keep the chosen servant of God from accomplishing the perfect will of God.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: As the spiritual Seed that would bless all the nations. "And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;" (Genesis 26:4).

Today's Psalm: 3:8

"Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Help me to hold on to the Spiritual Values that you have taught me in Your Word and bless me with the wisdom to teach others what I have learned. Give me strength and endurance to keep going no matter how dfficult things get to accomplish Your perfect will for me. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend.
God bless you,
Christina
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aspiritual Bible Study: Follow God's Directions Jan 10th, 2009 6:49:28 pm - Subscribe

Hello Everyone,

Today is Saturday January 10, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Follow God's Directions. When we make the choice to follow the directions that God has given us we will follow a journey that is far beyond anything that we imagine.
Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 38-30

You can read today's chapters by clicking on the link above, if it does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2028-30&version=9

When Isaac realized that God had overruled his scheme to give the God-ordained birthright of Jacob to Esau, he trembled. He quickly conferred with Rebekah, not to accuse her of any wrongdoing, but to decide how best to plan for Jacob's future. If Jacob violated the Word of God in marrying an idol-worshiping woman, as Esau had done then he would have not received the blessings that God had promised.

Isaac openly acknowledged that Jacob was the one God had chosen to receive the birthright blessing and once again conferred on him the sacred Abrahamic Covenant blessing. "And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughers of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham." (Genesis 28:1-4). This blessing was an obvious admission of how wrong Isaac had been in his attempt to defraud Jacob.

Jacob journeyed hundreds of miles on foot, fleeing from the murderous threat of his brother, traveling through a strange heathen land over paths he had never traveled, and facing an uncertain future. Little did he realize that he was being directed by God and would one day be blessed with twelve sons who would be used of God to head the twelve tribes forming the mighty nation of Israel that God had foretold to Abraham.

Jacob went on his journey to Padanaram, but litte did he realize that God was with him and directing his path. He soon found out in a dream, "And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not." (28:10-16). Since Jacob had left, it appeared that Esau would receive the family wealth, but Jacob had something far more priceless, the birthright of God's promise.

Esau was quick to blame Jacob for his trouble, he failed to realize that the choices he made himself reflected not only him, but those around him for generations to come. Esau is typical of sinners who irresponsibly blame someone else for their making choices for selfish reasons. Isaac too had his own motives when he tried to prevent Jacob from receiving God's promise. He lived 43 years after trying to sabatoge God's plan, but there is no record of him being used again of God. Jacob however, was remarkable blessed from the time he left home.

Without a map or companion, but according to the exact plan of God, Jacob journeyed of more than 500 miles and arrived safely in Padanaram. God marvelously guided him to Rachel and the home of hismother's father, where he was received with a warm welcome. "Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east. And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth. And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place. And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we. 5And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him. And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep...........And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father. And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things." (29:1-6,12-13).
Just as it is with everyone who lives to please the Lord, Jacob's life was set apart for a purpose. When Christians realize this truth, their attitude toward their relationships, marriage partners, workplace, physical limitations, and hardships will be seen as in the will of God.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: By Joseph who was born to save and preserve his people, "And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son." Genesis 30:22-24). Jesus was born in order to offer salvation to all mankind.

Today's Psalm: 23:6
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, You know exactly where I need to be as I travel along my journey while here on the earth. Direct my paths and help me to stay on course. Watch over me, guide me, and abide in me always for it is the only way to keep moving in the right direction. Bless me with wisdom and understanding of Your Will for me and lead me to the the blessings that You have promised me. In Jesus' name...........Amen.

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