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aspiritual Bible Study: Submission to God - Subscribe

Submission to God 03.01.08

Hello MyFriend/Guest,

It is Saturday March 1, 2008 and today we are beginning the study of the Book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 1 -- 2 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. The Book of Deuteronomy contains 34 chapters and was written by Moses to the people of Israel in order to restate the law to the new generations of Israelites born since Mt. Sinai. The intention of this book is to show God's people that obedience brings blessing, but disobedience brings judgment. In today's study we will read about Moses' review of the past 40 years; the command to leave Mount Sinai; thier refusal to enter into the promised land and 38 years of wandering. We will learn of the blessings in store for us by submitting to God's will.

It has been 40 years after Israel's first generation left Egypt, about 2 million Israelites are now at the border of the promised land.The first generation has died, except for three men, Moses, Joshua, and Caleb. In his first message to the new generation (Deuteronomy 1:1 �" 4:43), Moses reminded them of what God commanded. "These be the words which Moses spake unto all Israel on this side Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the Red sea, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab. (There are eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadeshbarnea.) And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them;" (Deuteronomy 1:1-3).

Despite their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the older generation sinned against the Lord by not believing that He would give them victory over the Canaanites. The adult Israelites who had left Egypt failed to recognize that their hardships were designed to test their faith and prepare them to defeat the Canaanites. As a consequence of their sin of unbelief, they failed to accomplish the will of God and wasted their lives wandering in the wilderness. The new generation also would now be tested.

We too can choose to be like the majority of Israelites who found fault with everything, or we can choose to be like Caleb and Joshua whose faith in God's Word overcame all fears and frustrations.

Like the Israelites, some today, although they have accepted Christ as their Savior, have made little or no spiritual progress since they first believed. They do as little as possible to help others spiritually for they have not made Christ Lord of their lives. But all Christians are responsible to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. It takes all of us working together to win the world for Christ.

Loving submission to the Lord develops our faith in His ability to guide, protect, and provide for our every need. Just as God had a plan for Israel, so He has a plan for each of us. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10).

In today's study Jesus Christ is revealed through Moses, who spoke to the children of Israel, according to all that the LORD commanded (Deuteronomy 1:3). Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." (John 8:2

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Today's Psalm: 18:44
"As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Grant us the opportunity to share your truth with someone today. Holy Spirit, prepare the way in the person's heart, and give us the worlds to speak. Give us the courage to set aside our reservations of what the person might think. Their relationship with you is more important. Fill us with your love, and let that be pervasive in our conversation with this person. Help us to just love them unconditionally, and let the concept of the love of Jesus be like coming up for air after an eternity under dark waters. Thank you, Jesus, for our salvation. We ask this in Jesus' name....Amen

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

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aspiritual Bible Study: Respect & Defeating Giants Mar 2nd, 2008 6:41:37 pm - Subscribe

Respect & Defeating Giants 03.02.08

Hello my Friend/Guest,

It is March 2, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Dueteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 3 -- 4 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. In today's study we will read about the division of land east of the Jordan; Moses' prayer; and the Israelites defeat a giant king. This message focuses on blessings through respect for God and His ability to help us through any problem, big or small.

Before the people of Israel crossed the Jordan River,they turned and went northwards where they were confronted by Og, the King of Bashan. He was a powerful ruler who controlled over sixty separate communities built with high walls. The area was thickly populated and powerfully defended by giants. Doubtless, King Og and his united forces of Amorites fought fiercely to keep their kingdoms. Nevertheless, Israel defeated and then destroyed them. "Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. And the LORD said unto me, Fear him not: for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his land, into thy hand; and thou shalt do unto him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining. And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city." (Deuteronomy 3:1-6). Giants are only pygmies before God who enables us to overcome insurmountable problems in order that the glory and praise may be to Him.

The defeat of the united Amorite forces encouraged the faith of the Israelites as well as struck fear in surrounding nations. God had promised to permit the tribes of Reuben and Gad to remain outside the promised land, however this was not the perfect will of God. It points out that God will not force anyone to do His will and allows us to choose second best. In doing so we fall short of His perfect will for our lives. Why settle for less when you can have an abundace simply by following God's will. We will face many giant problems in our lives but, as we trust in the Lord and follow His Word, He will give us victory over each and every one of them.

Moses reminded the new generation of Israelites that living according to God's Word would bring lasting fulfillment. He began to explain the Law that God had given their parents 40 years earlier at Mount Sinai. To declare this Law meant more than merely "repeating" the Law; it meant to explain its meaning. Moses' first message highlighted the importance of keeping all the Word of God. "Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the LORD did because of Baalpeor: for all the men that followed Baalpeor, the LORD thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day. Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." (4:1-6)

"That ye may live" meant that the Israelites would enjoy the best in life. The one essential requirement for remaining in the land of promise was obedience to God's Word. "Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee. For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. When thou shalt beget children, and children's children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger: I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed." (4:23-26). God desires that we seek Him with all our heart and with all our soul no matter what we are faced with and He promises that through it all we will be blessed. "But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God

he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them." (4:29-31).

Obedience to the One True God would have enabled Israel to be successful and morally and spiritually unique among all other nations. The Bible provides our only source of knowing the will of our Creator. "Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever." (4:39-40).

We too need a daily reminder to remain faithful to God and to teach our children the word of God. Children begin developing respect for God by first being taught to behave in a respectful way toward their parents, teachers, and all in authority. Unless children learn respect for their parents, they seldom learn to respect and obey God. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Joshua, who led the Israelites into their inheritance (Deuteronomy 3:2

. Through Jesus we receive His promised inheritance among them which are set apart by faith that is in Jesus. "But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." (Acts 26:16-1

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Today's Psalm: 101:41-43
"He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:"

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You have given us Your Word for a light to shine upon our path; Help us to meditate on that Word, and to follow its teaching, that we may find in it the light that shines more and more until the perfect day through Jesus Christ our Lord. In Jesus's name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful Lord's Day.
God Bless you,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: One True God Mar 3rd, 2008 3:02:53 pm - Subscribe

Only One True God 03.03.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday March 3, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 5 -- 7 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. In today's study we will read about the review of the Covenant (commandments) made on Horeb (Mount Sinai); those chosen to be a holy people; and the command to destroy idol worship. Today's message will focus on the importantance of there only being One True God.

Moses reminded the Israelites of the covenant made in Horeb. God said: "I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Thou shalt have none other gods before me. Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments." (Deuteronomy 5:6-10). In no way are we to create an image or statue of anything resembling the likeness of heaven or earth and use it as a way to worship God.

Moses also reminded them that the LORD our God is one LORD. "Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." (6:1-7).

The Hebrew word translated our God is Elohenu, meaning "our Gods." This, then, is what Moses said: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our Gods is one LORD. The word one (echad) expresses "one" in the collective sense. It signifies a compound unity. The one LORD is a glorious revelation of the One True God as being one, yet is manifest in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The same Hebrew word echad is used in Genesis 2:24 where man and woman became one flesh and, even with numerous children, they are still called "one" family, as soldiers become one troop. The Hebrew word "one" in the sense of absolute oneness is the word yacheed, meaning an "absolute one." Moses had the word yacheed available to him; but God led Moses to accurately refer to God by the word echad, meaning a compound unity.

Those who reject Jesus as fully God, as well as fully Man, are rejecting the true revelation of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son." (I John 5:7-9).

It is of utmost importance that we understand that worshipers of any other gods are deceived. "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (I Timothy 2:3-5).

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.....He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-5,10-14).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the land flowing with milk and honey (Deuteronomy 6:3). This pictures Christ who provides for our needs. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33).

Today's Psalm: 56:10
"In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Your mercy endures to all generations. Your truths are timeless and Your provisions are abundant to those who call upon your name. Help us to declare Your faithfulness to our generation and the generations that follow. Thank you that my great-grandfather's Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob proclaimed the faithfulness of God to His children. And I now have the blessing and responsibility to proclaim your faithfulness a new generation. Generation by generation we proclaim the salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a gread day/night and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Overcoming Adversity Mar 4th, 2008 3:18:49 pm - Subscribe

Overcoming Adversity (Misfortune) 03.04.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday March 4, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 8 -- 10 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about the importantance of keeping the commandment;, the reasons why we have the commandments; a reminder of parents' rebellion, a golden calf; and the second tablets of stone. Today's message focuses on the importantance of learning God's Word and overcoming adversity.

God's purpose is given for all His rules and laws, "All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. " Deuteronomy 8:1-3).

The forty long years of wandering in the wilderness were necessary for the Lord to persuade Israel to acknowledge the pointlessness of their own abilities and to put their trust in the sustaining power of His Word. The many unexpected disappointments were the plan of God to destroy confidence in themselves and bring into reality a dependence on His Word for daily provisions, protection, and guidance. Adversity for the Israelites was aimed at overcoming the spirit of self-dependence that develops through pride.

The manna was given daily and its only guarantee of continuance was God's promise. All the unforeseen circumstances were needed to develop their faith in His Word. Our problems should bring us to the same persuasion that we are dependent each day upon God. He does supply all our needs and He loves to make available what is best for our journey through life. Pain and disappointments become more endurable when we recognize that the love of God has allowed it for our best eternal purpose. There is a tendency to forget God as we gain material possessions and by our adversities we learn that we still need Him and did to succeed without Him.

Adversity is a necessity, although some adversity may come as the result of sin, Job illustrates the fact that the best man living may be forced to face painful afflictions even though his own actions were not the cause (Job 1:8-12). God arranges the terms and time of our "need" for our eternal good. Throughout every book of the Bible there is Divine Life and power to satisfy every "need." Read it daily with confident expectation that you, too, will enjoy the strength of His Life that is indispensable to satisfy your real needs in the years to come.

To overcome His adversity Jesus began quoting from the book of Deuteronomy when tempted by Satan after His 40 day fast in the wilderness. His response to Satan, who tempted Him to make bread for Himself from stones after His 40-day fast was quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3, "And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:3-4). Satan himself quoted Scripture, but he misapplied its meaning, like so many people do today.

Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:16 after the second temptation, "And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." (Matthew 4:6-7). At the third temptation, He quoted Deuteronomy 6:13, "Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." (4:8-11)

Jesus did not compromise even once, a lesson some Christians need to learn today. A vital key to overcoming Satan is knowing God's Word through which we are empowered to be overcomers. For the Word of God is quick and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and it is the overcoming weapon needed to defeat Satan. As we continue reading all of God's Word, the Holy Spirit brings it to our minds when it is needed.

Moses warned Israel, "Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:.....And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day." (8:11,17-1

. After reviewing the Commandments, Moses added, "And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good? Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD's thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is. Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day." (10:12-15).

Jesus not only quoted these verses as applying to His followers, but also said, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." (John 14:21-23).

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the wood used to make the Ark of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 10:3). Acacia wood, a desert growth, is symbolic of Christ in His human form as a root out of a dry ground (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus took on human form to redeem us. "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5).

Today's Psalm: 94:12-14
"Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for my life on this earth, however challenging or not. Thank you for giving me the free will to love and be loved, to make my own decisions, to learn from my mistakes, to laugh when I am happy, to cry when I am sad. Thank you for my family, my friends, my pets, my colleagues, and for every other living creature I meet along my journey. Thank you for giving me strength to overcome adversity, to do what's right for the benefit of the greater good, to rise above negativity. Thank you for giving me hope for an end to world suffering, pain, and war, for a beginning of a world filled with light and everlasting love. In Jesus' name....I pray.

Have a wonderful day/night
God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Loyalty To & From God Mar 5th, 2008 2:35:01 pm - Subscribe

Loyalty To & From God 03.05.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday March 5, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 11 -- 13 or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read about Israel's subjection to love and obey God; a warning against false gods and adding to or taking away anything from His Word. This message focuses on the importance of remaining loyal to God, teaching our children, and thithing.

To perpetuate loyalty and love to God in future generations, every Israelite was to live in subjection to the Word of God. "Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.....For the land, whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs: But the land, whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven: A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year. And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full." (Deuteronomy 11:1,10-15).

Our foremost concern every day should be to teach our children to love the Lord and be loyal to Him. They should have no doubt that we also truly love the Lord and are obedient to His Word. If our hearts are filled with the Word of God, it will overflow from our lives and teach us to live the way God intended for us to live. God is loyal to all who are loyal to Him. "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth. For if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cleave unto him; Then will the LORD drive out all these nations from before you, and ye shall possess greater nations and mightier than yourselves." (11:18-23).

What our children become is often dependent upon our values in life. What we are in great measure is what our children become. That is why it is so important that parents devote time to molding the rapidly developing minds of their young children. It is of utmost importance that parents guide even the youngest children to reverence God, to worship Him, to pray, and to recognize the Bible as the voice of God speaking to them.

Influences outside the home often send strong messages to our children that are opposite in character to the values we desire them to live by. It becomes increasingly important to provide our children with a strong spiritual environment.

The tithes of the produce from the ground and from the herds were brought in recognition that God was the source of all mercies and all blessings of life. "But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: 6And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee." (12:5-7) God claimed the tithes and gifts as an essential part of worship and as a safeguard against Israel's turning to idolatry. When you neglect the privilege of supporting the Lord's Church, you are depriving yourself of the joy of sharing and the satisfaction of being a profitable servant of our Master. Everyone can pray for the pastor and his leaders, the sick as well as so many friends who need to be in a closer relationship with Chirst. Those who live only to get, to have, to hold, and to keep, discover too late that life becomes less satisfying and wanting more with the passing of every year.

The test of our love is not only what we do with our abilities and possessions but how much do we really love God and desire to do His will? What is it that dominates our lives, even our thoughts? Our personal activities show our love for the Lord even now and if our wants, needs, and possesions come first then they become our idols. God will never forsake us nor leave us, He will always provide us with all of our needs and desires, but we must first be willing to put Him first above all things, including our time and money.

For a true Christian, everything, including himself, belongs to our Creator God, not just a tenth or just attending church on Sunday. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:1-3).

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the burnt offerings which were totally consumed. Deuteronomy 12:6.These typified Christ's total offering of Himself to death, "But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God." (Hebrews 10:3-7).

Today's Psalm: 9:10
"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Gracious Heavenly Father, I thank you and praise you for this day.
I thank you for my being able to see and to hear this morning.
I'm blessed because you are a forgiving God and an understanding God.
You have done so much for me and you keep on blessing me. Lord I love you and I need you, come into my heart. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. And purify me with the precious blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Guide me to walk with you by your Holy Spirit. Lord, I love you and I need you and ask these things in Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great and wonderfull day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Tithing & Forgiving Debts Mar 6th, 2008 2:33:56 pm - Subscribe

Tithing & Forgiving of Debts 03.06.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday March 6, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 14 -- 16 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about clean and unclean food; the Law of the tithe; dedication of the firstborn; the three feasts (festivals) to be observed; judges and justice. The focus of this study is the importance of tithing and forgiving of debts.

The prosperity of Israel in the promised land did not depend on advanced agricultural techniques but on obedience to the Word of God. The Israelites were taught to truly tithe on all the increase of your harvest from what you sow. "Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household," (Deuteronomy 14:22-26).

Tithing reminded the people that they, as well as the land, belonged to the Lord, and who should occupy first place in their lives. Since all they possessed was the result of His loving provision, their tithes to the Lord were to be given first, before all other considerations. Furthermore, no Israelite could come before the Lord without an offering commensurate with his income. To bring less would be unacceptable and an expression of disobedience and ingratitude. The Israelites were also taught to rejoice with a heartfelt appreciation for the privilege of honoring God with their tithes and offerings and that by doing so they will see the blessings of God. "At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest." (14:28-29).

More than five hundred years before the Law was given to Moses, Abraham, paid a tenth (tithe) as an acceptable offering to the Lord. That principle continued throughout the Bible, and includes all believers today who are called the children of Abraham. Today, the Lord's ministries, missionaries, churches, Bible schools, Bible publishers, translators, and other agencies are being sustained through the tithes and offerings of His people in order to reach out to the lost and those who live in poverty.

Israel was instructed to observe a year of release every seven years when all indebtedness was to be cleared from all the records. "At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD's release. Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release; Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it: Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day" (15:1-5).

God has always demonstrated loving concern for the poor, the widow, children, and the helpless. The sufferings of distressed people touch His heart. "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him." (15:11-14).

God is just as compassionate today when He observes men, women, and children who live in poverty and expects us to respond as His Body on earth. Can anyone believe that God is indifferent to the pain, sorrows, griefs, and trials of His creation? In the darkest night and wildest storm, He is saying to all who receive Him as Savior and Lord, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. "But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." (Matthew 14:27).

The Gospel of salvation is a testimony to the tender mercy of His nature. He has remembered all of us when we were eternally lost and bound by Satan and separated from the riches of His grace. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). All who have received Christ as Lord of their lives and who have manifested His concern for the needs of others will hear the King say unto them: "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." (Matthew 25:31-36).

As we read God's Word, the Holy Spirit will provide His guidance, regardless of how difficult our circumstances may seem, He will give us the peace and comfort we need to endure all of our struggles, including financial.

Today's Psalm: 72:12-13
"For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a new day here on earth and thank you for the many blessings that you have given me. Lord, I surrender all my financial affairs and concerns over to You. I ask that you remove my worries, anxieties, and fears about money, and replace them with faith. Help me strengthen my faith as I read Your Word and apply it to my life. I know and trust that my debts will be paid and money will flow into my life. I have only to look to nature to see proof of the abundance you provide. I release all negative thoughts and know that You will help me to be prosperous in all that I do. I commit to being grateful for all that I now have in my life and will learn to manage my finances wisely, seeking help where needed. And finally, I ask you to help me understand my purpose in life and to act on that purpose with courage and strength. I love You, Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a wonderful day.night.
God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Overcoming Battles Mar 7th, 2008 2:47:59 pm - Subscribe

Overcoming Battles 03.07.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday March 7, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 17 -- 20 in your Bible to Click Here to read online. In today's study we will read and learn about idolaters; obedience to authority; offerings due priests and Levites; and heathen practices, the prophecy concerning the coming of Christ; and cities of refuge. Today's message focuses on God's promise to help us endure all battles and the coming of Christ.

God directed Israel to overthrow the kingdoms which were reigning in Canaan because of their abominable wickedness. No inhabitants of Canaan were to be spared to share the land of promise with Israel because of their sinful conduct. Israel was faced with the Canaanite armies who were far greater in numbers.

The Israelite soldiers thought they were powerless when Canaanite soldiers in speeding iron chariots attacked them. This is why the Israelites fled to the mountains where the chariots could not follow. However, all the miracles of their past should have caused them to believe that God was right there in battle with them and that they were safe. "When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak unto the people, And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them; For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." (20:1-4). Israel was reminded not only of what God had done but what He would do.

The Christian life is a life of warfare. But we can be assured that God will not fail us nor forsake us. The God who saved us will empower us to overcome all evil, but only as we determine to be all that He created us to be. Only when the Israelites fought with all their might were they able to overcome their enemies. They illustrate our spiritual battles that can be won daily when we are determined to defeat the devil and all his deceitful deceptions.

Mose foretold the coming of Christ, "The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;.....And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him." (18:15,17-19). Jesus said to His critics that Moses and the Scriptures bore witness of Him, "For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?" (John 5:46-47)

Jesus declared to Pilate: My kingdom is not of this world, meaning it is a spiritual kingdom without end. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter boldly proclaimed that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Moses, "For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days." (Acts 3:22-24).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the Old Testament sacrifices which were made without blemish or defect (Deuteronomy 17:1). "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" (I Peter 1:18-19).

Today's Psalm: 9:9-10
"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with antoher day here on earth and thank you for the many blessings that you have given me. Lord, there are times when all I feel is darkness, weakness and helplessness. Lord, forgive me for letting my cares and emotions control my actions rather than coming to You for help. Lord, watch over me, guide me, and be with me in all that I do, let me sense Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help me to have complete trust in You knowing that You are with me and protecting me through all my battles. Teach me Lord, to follow Your will and not my own and in doing so I will be blessed. I love You, Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a wonderfully blessed day/night and weekend. Remember we begin Daylight Savings time this weekend so set your clocks 1 hour ahead of time Saturday night.

God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Resist Lust & Help Others Mar 8th, 2008 7:48:49 pm - Subscribe

Resist Lust & Help Others 03.08.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday March 8, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 21-23 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the laws concerning murder; female war captives, their marriage and divorce; another's property; sanitation; and human relations. Today's message focuses on the importance of resisting the lusts of the world and helping others.

The underlying principle of the laws of these chapters was given by a loving Creator to protect His people from the immoral conduct of surrounding nations which would destroy the Israelites' ability to fulfill His purposes. There are many unusual laws and although we are under no obligtion today to literally observe these command, the principle of purity is still the main focus. "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." (I Corinthians 10:6-12).

Our Lord also set forth the principle of single-hearted devotion by saying, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33). Single-heartedness is the key to victorious Christian living. Jesus declared that there can be only one lord in our lives. We choose either Christ, who speaks to us through His Word, or some other person or thing. The test comes when both are demanding our time and it is those who chose Christ over riches that not only live victoriously, but are also blessed with much of what they desire. "No man 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 (riches). Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" (Matthew 6:23-26). God will never forsake us and will always take care of our needs without resorting to the lusts of the world.

The Israelites had been taught that everything belonged to God and they were only caretakers of His possessions. Because of their Covenant relationship with the Lord, they even were responsible for the welfare of their neighbor's property. "Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again." (Deuteronomy 22:1-2).

We may not be held legally responsible for failing to prevent someone else's financial loss. But our stewardship responsibility to God requires that we respond to another's needs in a spirit of Christlike love. The person we help may or may not appreciate or deserve the kindness shown, but our responsibility is not to the person who needs our help but to the Lord, who is the true Owner of all creation, and who provides the opportunities for us to express His love. In our Lord's Sermon on the Mount, He taught His followers to go beyond merely helping preserve the property of enemies or friends. Jesus commanded His followers to love their emenies and to bless those who curse you. "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:44-45). God rewards us for helping out those who have hurt us and will always take care of us no matter what situation we face. Now, God does not want you to be a pushover, but He does want you to be kind and pray for those who like to take advantange of others kindness.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the one who died on a tree, "His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God

that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance" (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Jesus died on a cross in our place, releasing us from the penalties of death imposed by the Laws for our sins. In the evening He was taken down from the cross, signifying that the Scripture had been fulfilled. "After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away." (John 19:28-31)

Today's Psalm: 96:9-11
"O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof."

Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with another day here on earth and thank you for the many blessings that you give us each and every day. Lord Jesus, I thank You that salvation comes from You alone. I thank you that You are enough. We would come up far short if we relied on our good works, our charming personality, our status in life or our worldly accumulation to purchase our salvation. You are the sinless Lamb of God, the only acceptable sacrifice to God, who provides salvation to every man, woman, boy and girl from every region on the face of this earth who call upon Your name. Keep reminding us that we cannot earn our salvation because You give it freely. Bles those who do not know you and thoae who have fallen away from and refuse to know you. Lord, forgive them for they are unaware of the truth, work in their hearts and show them the truth. In Jesus' name, I pray....Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend. Forgive me for being late with the lesson for those of you who are use to reading it in the morning, had computer issues this morning.

God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Jesus Said: I Will Not Leave You Mar 8th, 2008 8:04:08 pm - Subscribe

I Will Not Leave You 03.07.08

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." (John 14:12-1

What an amazing God that we have, no matter what we are facing, even though we feel so alone He is right there with us helping us through it. We have nothing to fear yet at times it seems that is all we do. I think when we are faced with difficulties it is so easy to just play along as nothing is wrong, but each day that goes by we get weaker and weaker and more vulnerable to the temptations of the world only to fall right into Satan's trap.

As I sit here for the first time in weeks and have nothing to do I am left wondering, "God, am I following Your will for my life or mine?" That is not an easy question to answer as there are so many thoughts that go through our heads. So, how do we know when we are following God's will and not our own? We seek Him for answers, we move forward in faith and if something in the back of our heads is telling us to not go there, it is God telling us that we are not to go there.

I will tell you that the past month has been very stressful to me, I have been living in fear and it seems that Satan has grabbed a hold of me and will stop at nothing to get me to give up my faith and fall away from God. I will honestly tell you that I was being investigated, I have been self employed for 5 years and doing work that I really enjoyed. I am an Aromatherapist and Relaxation Therapist. I had a client that was not very professional and tried to get me to do some things that I just would not do. He got angry and a week later I had an investigator at my door. All that hard work to become successful only to lose everything because of one man who for some reason thought that I was supposed to submit to his ungodly demands.Life is crazy that way, we can be on top of the mountain and all of a sudden we make one wrong move and go tumbling.

As I was writing in my prayer book this morning I asked God to release me from this fear, let me know His will for my life and let me know that what I vision in life is His will and not mine. Well, just before I began typing this message I got a knock at the door. It was the investigator, I was cleared of all the charges against me and free to continue my work as long as I have the proper licenses and permits of course. So, just maybe my visions are God's will after all and He is just making sure I am prepared to handle every situation that I would be faced with. So, as I move forward, in my faith I am finally at peace knowing that Jesus is right here with me, comforting me and leading me in the right direction.

He will do the same for you as well, He loves you and will answer every prayer and provide you with everything you need. Of course it is answered on His time, but never stop believing, never give up because when you are ready to accept the prayer being answered it will be.

God bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Honesty Mar 10th, 2008 9:54:51 am - Subscribe

Honesty 03.09.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday March 9, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 24 -- 27 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
In today's study we will read and learn about divorce; domestic relations; firstfruits and tithes; the Law on Mount Ebal; and an altar on Mount Gerizim. Today's message focuses on the importance of being honest.

God required that all of Israel's business transactions reflect His integrity and justice. Deception and dis honesty too often have marked the business principals of the world then and now. Moses, the lawgiver and prophet, warned against two sets of weights and measures one for buying and the other for selling. "Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small. But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God." (Deuteronomy 25:14-16).

God hates lying and bribery. Each of us has the opportunity to exercise the principles of justice and equity or to take advantage of others, which takes some form of dishonesty such as wasting time on the job, taking what doesn't belong to us, unethical business transactions, lies, fraud, or any other dishonest act. Often the believer will be exposed to innumerable disappointments; he may be deceived by someone he trusts or injured by others he has helped to benefit. However, all these disappointments give the believer the opportunity to exercise the character and nature of God in the spirit of forgiving love and long-suffering.

Our relationship with others goes much deeper than either word or deed; it goes to the hidden motives of our hearts and reveals what we truly are. This means that the thoughts of a Christian should always be the expression of what Jesus would do. The attitude of fairness and consideration for others' well-being applies to a Christian's daily conduct. The self-centered "I" must give way to Christ and His control.

It is possible to have bitter thoughts while doing kind deeds and to say loving words while having wrong attitudes and motives. But, our Adamic nature and its self-serving conduct can be overcome by the Christ-centered nature that He has bestowed within us. Our Lord leads us to consider others and admonishes us to think of our neighbor as our equal and someone whom God loves and whom Jesus gave His life to save. He persuades us to overcome our selfishness and consider our neighbor's best interest. In our thoughts, we should change places with the person with whom we have business dealings and ask ourselves: "If he were where I am, and I were where he is, how would I want him to treat me in this transaction?" We need to, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Philippians 2:3-4).

Today's Psalm: 39:11
"When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah"

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderfully blessed day/night.
God bless,
Christina

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