aspiritual's Aeonity Blog

Archives: January 2008, February 2008, March 2008, April 2008, May 2008, June 2008, July 2008, August 2008, September 2008, October 2008, November 2008, December 2008, January 2009, February 2009, March 2009, April 2009, May 2009, June 2009, July 2009, August 2009, September 2009, October 2009
My Blogs Next Page

aspiritual Still Small Voice - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday April 30, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of I Kings. Please read chapters 19-20 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Kings%2019-20&version=9

Today's Message: Still Small Voice
God's will for us is not usually revealed in the flurry of our busy lives, but in still small voice of His Word.

Because of Ahab's wickedness, God withheld rain from all of Israel for three years. Then He told Elijah to go to Ahab and he challenged the king to assemble all the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel, it was there that he proved the God of Israel is the One True God. Elijah probably expected the miracle on Mt. Carmel to turn the nation from idols and bring national repentance. However, it didn't.

Our hero may have expected that his victory would have put the fear of God in the idolatrous queen, prepare her to listen with respect to his message, and encourage the king to bring about true worship of the One True God, but the opposite happened. The Satanic nature of Jezebel the ungodly idol enthusiast was aroused, and she swore revenge for the slaughter of her priests and demanded that the prophet be put to death. "And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there." (I Kings 19:1-3). We can be sure that right after we see victory we will see opposition from the enemy. They will stop at nothing to try and bring us down to their level.

In fear of Jezebel's threat to kill him, Elijah, in his hour of deep disappointment, fled south beyond the border of his country into the desert and cried out to God, he felt as though he failed and needed to be punished for it. "But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers." (19:4). God did not answer his prayer for death, but gave him rest and food. He did not rebuke, punish, or condemn him for his disappointment, but instead gave him strength to continue forward in his mission.

The prophet discovered the true greatness of his God given success on Mt. Carmel.
"And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice." (19:11-12). The most demonstrative symbols of God's power, storm, earthquake, and fire, passed before him, but what was more powerful was the still small voice that he heard. Nothing is more powerful then that still small voice of God telling you that everything is going to be alright, especially in the midst of a storm.

All Christians have lonely hours, days of disappointment, and moments of hopelessness, times when their highest feelings have been misunderstood and purest motives met with doubt and ridicule. God permits days when heavy burdens press hard upon our hearts and we feel as though we are failures. It is during these times that He will speak to us in that still small voice and give us peace, comfort, and the strength to move forward.

Today's Psalm: 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
The day to day circumstances in our lives are so uncertain. The solutions to our problems can be very perplexing and seem beyond our grasp. You don't expect us to have all the right answers or to fully understand all that concerns us, but You do want us to trust You, as we hold on to Your unchanging hand. We have trusted You over and over throughout the circumstances of our lives, and today we pray for grace to trust You even more. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual Destroyed By Friends May 2nd, 2009 7:09:50 pm - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday May 1, 2009 and we are completing our studies on the book of I Kings. Please read chapters 21-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Kings%2021-22&version=9

Today's Message: Destroyed By Friends
We need to be careful who we associate with, the wrong person can completely corrupt us and destroy us.

Ahab ruled the northern kingdom of Israel from his capital city of Samaria. His evil, wasted life was summed up in one verse. "But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel." (I Kings 21:25-26). Ahab's biggest mistake was that he married Jezebel. She corrupted him, controlled him and turned him away from God. We all have to be careful of who we choose for a mate or friend. It's sad, but we even have to be careful of which family members we are to get close to.

God gave Ahab a miraculous victory over the Syrian king Benhadad at Aphek (I Kings 20:28-30). Although he made no covenant with God, he did make a covenant with Benhadad, his enemy, after defeating him, calling him my brother (20:32). He then released him with the assurance that he would return Ramothgilead, a strategic fortress near the border. But three years passed and it was still under Syrian control. "And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel. And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?" (I Kings 22:1-3).

Four hundred of Ahab's false prophets unanimously assured the two kings of a great victory, but Jehoshaphat was a godly man and had an uneasy feeling about joining Ahab. He asked for counsel from a prophet of God. "And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah." (22:7-9). You can be sure that anytime you get around someone who lives a wicked, sinful life that they will have a hatered toward godly men and women. The main reason it that they are feeling convicted all on their own and are reminded of how sinful the live their lives.

Micaiah, was sent to prison earlier because of his faithfulness to God, all men and women of God were persecuted as long as Jezebel was queen. The messenger that went to get Micaiah attempted to persuade Micaiah to agree with the false prophets and assured him that by doing so he would win the king's favor and be released from prison."And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good. And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak." (22:13-14). Micaiah's one vote of opposition was rejected by Ahab who fulfilled the very prophecy proclaimed by Micaiah. Neither fears nor favors tempted Micaiah to betray his calling, he refused to be intimidated into leing even by the presence of two kings and his 400 experts.

Though he was slapped, dragged back to prison, and threatened with cruel treatment, the faithful Micaiah persisted in maintaining the truthfulness of his message and called upon the people to bear witness to it. "And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry him back unto Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son; And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you." (22:26-2

. God proved the obedient prophet correct when Ahab was killed on the first day of battle.

The tragic consequences of Ahab's disregard for the Word of God should be a warning to all who are making the same fatal mistake. We must be careful with whom we align our lives with. When we allow corrupted people to influence us we become corrupted too. It is only by living with God, reading His Word, and getting around other godly people that can we keep from making wrong decisions that can corrupt and destroy us.

Today's Psalm: 16:8
"I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Help us to be ever watchful and always prayerful as we see the foundations of our Christian faith attacked. Through the power of Your Spirit we want to take a firm position against the enemy and be strong in our faith. We stand with our Christian brothers and sisters all over the world who are going through the same kind of struggles, or worse, and especially pray for those who are paying a great price for their uncompromising stand. You assure us that after we suffer for a little while, You will restore, support, strengthen and sustain us as we remain firm on Your foundation. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments
Mood: excellent

aspiritual Follow Him May 3rd, 2009 7:35:06 pm - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday May 3, 2009 and we are beginning our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 1-3 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%201-3&version=9

Today's Message: Follow Him
We will be faced with many obstacles in our lives to try and keep us from serving God. We must not let anything stop us from following Him.

The book of II Kings is the twelfth book of the Old Testament/Bible and contains twenty-five chapters. The author of the book is unknown, but possibly Jeremiah and it was written to the Israelites. The purpose of the book was to record how God dealt with the Israelites before the coming of Christ, what we are to learn from the book is that the Kingdoms of this world are only temporal, they rise and fall under God's control.

The ministry of the great prophet Elijah was finished and a new successor was about to take his place. Ten years before Elijah's departure in a chariot of fire, God told him that he would anoint a new king and a new prophet named Elisha. "And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room." (I Kings 19:15-16). At the time Elijah called Elisha to join him, Elisha was a prosperous young farmer. To accept Elijah's calling to be his servant would mean that Elisha would have to forsake his family and friends as well as financial securities. His friends probably thought that being the servant of a prophet would be a lonely, degrading occupation, but Elisha knew that obeying God's Word provided the true values of life and would lead him to spiritual trust, commitment to God, and his true desires. He immediately followed Elijah, "So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee? And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him." (19:19-21). Elisha demonstrates the key to one's usefulness in the Kingdom of God, we are to immediately respond to every opportunity to serve the Lord, regardless of how great or insignificant the task may seem. A similar story is seen in the lives of most men and women whom God uses today. The key to our usefulness in the Kingdom of God is a sincere desire to forsake all to follow Christ.

When Elijah announced his earthly departure, he tested Elisha's dedication and spiritual discernment, "And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel." (II Kings 2:1-2). Elijah was testing Elisha's faithfulness to follow God regardless of any obstacles that got in the way. Many will try to stop us from doing what God calls us to do, but we must not let anyone keep us from following God's Will.

Elisha pledged his faithfulness with a vow and was determined to continue with Elijah on his journey from Gilgal to Bethel, on to Jericho, and then across the Jordan River. "And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the LORD hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." (2:6-9). God chooses what it is that He wants us to do for Him and as long as we follow through He will bless us with everything we need. "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 16:16).

God has used circumstances in our lives to place each of us where we are today in order to determine the sincerity of our commitment to Him. Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?" (Luke 9:23-25).

Today's Psalm: 84:11
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We earnestly seek You for wisdom regarding the daily circumstances of our lives. Help us to incline our hearts toward You for understanding all that You have to teach us in the lessons of life. During the quiet sessions when Your voice seems silent help us to trust You knowing that You work all things out for our good, for Your glory, and in Your time reference. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual Promises of God May 5th, 2009 5:06:47 am - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Monday May 4, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 4-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%204-8&version=9

Today's Message: Promises of God
Christians need not fear tomorrow, instead, we can rejoice in the promises of God, but be careful not to let greed control your actions.

God reminds us of a widow woman whose two sons would have been sold as slaves. "Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen." (II Kings 4:1). This helpless widow poured out her heart to Elisha, the only possession she had in her house seemed worthless because it was only a small vessel of oil, but that small worthless thing saved her sons. Elisha, directed her to borrow as many empty pots as she could. "And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few." ( 4:2-3). One would wonder why God directed Elish to tell her to borrow empty pots. The empty pots represent debt, if she borrowed pots full of oil she would have been in further debt, but the empty pots had no value to them so when she paid the debt owed by her husband she was completely debt free. God can take the little we have and make it into something priceless and precious to the Almighty Creator as we give ourselves to Him.

Naaman, was a great military, but had one severe problem, he was leprous. Desperate to be healed he appeared before King Jehoram in Israel. "Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper...........And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment. And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy." (5:1,5-6). When Naaman obeyed the words of the prophet, he was miraculously healed. God can do the same thing for us, all we have to do is trust in Him, live for Him, and acknowledge Him.

Greatful of Elisha's help, Naaman offered him a huge reward, he refused, but Gehazi and inspiring new prophet over heard Elish refuse the reward. This greedy servant persuaded himself into believing that God had blessed him with an oppportunity to receive the reward. Sadly, because of his greed and deceit, he became leprous. "But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow." (II Kings 5:25-27). Gehazi probably did not think it was a sin to gain wealth that he didn't deserve from someone who was a Gentile and didn't need it. He forfeited any opportunity he may have had to be the next honored prophet of God. Instead, he became a leper! When Gehazi was tested, he exposed his true character as a covetous hypocrite.

Now, Benhadad, the king of Syria, became ill, he requested that Hazeal go to Elisha and inquire if he would recover from his sickness. Elisha told Hazael to tell the king yes, but then he began to weep. "And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease? And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child." (8:8-12). Hazael appeared shocked, that he would be so wicked, but with deceptive concern, he waited for the right opportunity and eventually fulfilled the prophesy. Hazael was willing to stoop to any depth of evil in order to gain a favored position immediately.

Obedient Christians need not fear for tomorrow! Instead, we can rejoice in the promises of God, who supplies all our needs and gives us all that we desire according to the His riches in glory. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me...........But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:13,19).

Today's Psalm: 22:24-26
"For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard. My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever."

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual No Substitute May 6th, 2009 4:35:40 am - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Tuesday April 5, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 9-10 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%209-10&version=9

Today's Message: No Substitute
There is no substitute for complete submission to the will of God or complete obedience to His Word.

After Ahab's death, his son Ahaziah reigned over Israel for two years (see I Kings 22:51), followed by the 12-year reign of another son, Jehoram (also known as Joram) (see II Kings 3:1). These two kings zealously promoted Baal worship, which had been initiated by their wicked mother Jezebel. Baal worship had also become popular in the southern kingdom of Judah due to its king, who also was named Jehoram, who married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.

During this time of spiritual decline, the Lord was preparing Jehu, the military commander of the armies of the northern kingdom, as His instrument of judgment. God had earlier revealed to His prophet Elijah that Jehu would become king of Israel (see I Kings 19:16). "And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets, and said unto him, Gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and go to Ramothgilead: And when thou comest thither, look out there Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to an inner chamber; Then take the box of oil, and pour it on his head, and say, Thus saith the LORD, I have anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and tarry not." (II Kings 9:1-3). Perhaps 20 years passed before the Lord directed Elisha to send a young prophet east of the Jordan River to Ramoth-gilead, where Jehu was stationed with his army.

The prophet anointed Jehu as king of Israel and the God-appointed executioner of Israel's evil King Jehoram and all the descendants of Ahab. "And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain. And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel." (9:5-6).

Jehu drove his chariots furiously to the city of Jezreel where he executed Jehoram and then Ahaziah, king of Judah. Then Jehu had Jezebel thrown out of a window and he trampled her with his horse. And, as foretold earlier by Elijah, the dogs ate her body. He killed all of Ahab's family and all the Baal worshipers were then executed. However, he did not kill Athaliah, the daughter of Jezebel, continued to promote Baal worship as queen in Judah. "Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel. Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Bethel, and that were in Dan. And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin." (10:28-31). There was some good about Jehu and his 28-year reign over Israel, But, there was also much that was wrong with him. His zeal for the Lord and his reformation were, but a partial turning to the Lord, just enough to achieve his own needs.

Jehu demonstrated that it is possible for one to be used by God and yet never be in submission to Christ as Lord of one's life. Hypocrites serve the Lord for their own self interests, but will eventually fall. We can not use God for our own agenda, it is one thing to pray, read, or fast to see God answer our call, but we are not never do it for our own selfish reasons.

Our decisions should never be based on the protection of our own self interests, but on our commitment to the Lord's interests. "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (I Thessalonians 4:3-7).

God will bless us with all our needs and more than we ever imagine, but the key to receiving them is to be in total submission to God, not because we want something from Him, because we know it's the right thing to do.
Today's Psalm: 77:12-14
"I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I want to pass on life transforming truths from Your Holy Word to those around me and those who follow me. I do so through my actions, my thoughts, and my words. May I honor You in these areas of my life so that I influence others for the Kingdom of God. In Jesus' Name............Amen.

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments
Mood: lovable

aspiritual Never Too Late May 7th, 2009 7:45:40 pm - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday May 6, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 11-13 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%2011-13&version=9

Today's Message: Never Too Late
It's never to late to get right with God. His promises never diminish, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.

When Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, received word that her son, King Ahaziah, was dead, she seized the throne of Judah and proclaimed herself queen. To make sure she had no competition, she ruthlessly murdered her own grandsons. She thought she had killed all of David's descendants, but God intervened and saved one-year-old Joash. "And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king's sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land." (II Kings 11:1-3). Joash was the sole link that preserved the empire of David and the lineage through which Jesus Christ would come.

Joash remained in the protective care and influence of Jehoiada the high priest for six years. Then Jehoiada and the other rulers anointed Joash as king. "And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son............And the guard stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, along by the altar and the temple.And he brought forth the king's son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king." (11:4,11-12). The excited shouts caught the attention of Athaliah, who ran into the Temple court just in time to hear Jehoiada the high priest command the captains of the guard to execute her.

Then Jehoiada made a covenant between God, the king, and the people, which resulted in the destruction of the Baal temple and execution of its chief priest Mattan.
"And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and the people, that they should be the LORD's people; between the king also and the people. And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down; his altars and his images brake they in pieces thoroughly, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the LORD." (11:17-1

. There will always be someone trying to corrupt Christian's, but thank God that He intervenes and protects us. God knows that we can all be deceived by false prophets and regardless of how much corruption we get ourselves into, He will pull us out and get us back on the right path.

Joash (Jehoash) did right by God, but he never took down the high places that were used for Baal worship. The faithless priests let the Temple fall into disrepair and allowed the people to offer sacrifices there. Soon after, Joash's own servants had him killed. "In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places...............And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla." (II KIngs 12:1-3,20).

The account of Joash illustrates that God's covenant people have the responsibility to live according to the demands of their relationship with God, to forsake the Word of God results in untold miseries. "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:22-25).

It's never too late to get right with God and receive the blessings that He has in store for us, but we must do it wholeheartedly. "For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart." (Jeremiah 24:6-7).

Today's Psalm: 119:2
"Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
When I chose to follow You, You changed the direction of my life. I truly want to follow in Your steps because Your steps direct me in the paths of righteousness and blessing, rather than aimlessly wandering in the paths of wickedness and regret. Keep my heart faithful and my eyes fixed on the paths marked out for me on this earthly journey that will lead me to my heavenly home. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual Fully Surrender May 8th, 2009 7:28:53 pm - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Thursday May 7, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 14-15 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%2014-15&version=9

Today's Message: Fully Surrender
If we have not fully surrendered to the Word of God we do not know the fullness of His blessings and His plan for our lives.

Following the death of his father Jehoash, Jeroboam II ruled the northern kingdom of Israel in Samaria for 41 years, one of the longest reigns of any of Israel's kings. However, Immorality and idolatry flourished during the reign of Jeroboam II. "In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash king of Judah Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty and one years. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher." (II Kings 14:23-25). For about 30 years the nation enjoyed peace, prosperity, and political prestige unparalleled since the days of David and Solomon. Unfortunately, his military abilities were not matched by any desire for doing the will of God, which eventually caused destruction in the land. God is interested in obedience to His Word more than in political accomplishments.

God showed His love for His people through prophets, such as Jonah, but the people rejected the Word of God. They attributed their prosperity to their idols and worshiped them more than ever, while immorality and violence continued to thrive. Scripture gives little credit to Jeroboam for his success, but the Lord foretold it through His servant Jonah. "For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter: for there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. And the LORD said not that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven: but he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash............And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead." (14:26-27,29). After Jeroboam's death, anarchy prevailed and Israel rapidly degenerated even more. Jeroboam was succeeded by his son Zechariah, who reigned only six months. This was the fourth and last generation of the house of Jehu.

About 30 years after Jeroboam's death, the words of the prophets were fulfilled. The northern kingdom was destroyed and its people taken captive by the Assyrians. If they had only repented of their sins, been obedient to the Word of God, and worshiped the Lord, their wonderful peace and prosperity surely would have continued. "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans 14-16). We are not to submit ourselves to commiting evil because we know we are saved by the blood of Christ. We are to fully surrender ourselves over to Him, it is only then that we continue to enjoy prosperity.

Material success is often very deceptive, as it was for King Jeroboam II. We must not measure men's character by the length of their lives, nor by their material prosperity, for only God knows the secrets of the heart. Surely the goodness and mercy of God should lead us, in gratitude, to do the will of Jesus Christ our Lord. "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:" (Colossians 1:9-13).

Today's Psalm: 44:20-21
"If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I want my heart to be tuned to Your Truth and righteousness, for You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I place my complete trust in You and reject the godless trends and vain philosophies promoted by the world. May Your words be embedded in my heart and mind through the faithful study of Scripture so that I might not sin against You and so that I will recognize truth from error. Keep me faithful and true. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments
Mood: so-so

aspiritual Nation Under God May 9th, 2009 7:10:32 pm - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday May 8, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 16-17 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%2016-17&version=9

Today's Message: Nation Under God
Evil nations rush to try to remove God and His Word from their thoughts, but to the faithful His promises are still true.

Pekah is now king of Israel, fearing the growing power of Assyria, he made an alliance with Rezin, king of Syria. Together, they attempted to force Ahaz, king of Judah, to join them. When Ahaz refused, King Rezin and King Pekah came up to wage war against Jerusalem. In retaliation, Ahaz made an alliance with Tiglath-pileser, the king of Assyria, to attack Syria and Israel. "In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign...........Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him. At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day. So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I am thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me. And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria." (II Kings 16:1,5-

. Tiglath-pileser conquered the smaller kingdom of Syria, killed Rezin and later defeated the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh on the eastern side of the Jordan. He then took control of the northern part of the Jordan Valley, making Galilee and Gilead into Assyrian provinces. All that was left of the ten-tribe northern kingdom of Israel was the capital city of Samaria and the surrounding hill country of Ephraim, it too, eventually fell to Assyria. A little over 30 years after Jeroboam's death, the words of the prophets were fulfilled as the Northern Kingdom of Israel was destroyed, See II Kings 17:4-8.

The captivity and separation of the northern kingdom throughout Assyria took place because the Israelites ignored the One True God and followed other gods. "Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel; With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them: But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice. And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods." (17:34-37). Many nations under God are slowly becoming heathen nations and following other gods. That is why it is so important for us faithful Christian's to stand by God's Word. We may not be able to control the heathens, but we can take a stand for God and one by one show the lost who the One and Only True God is.

Sadly, the Lord's chosen people lived and continue to live as God does not exist. They trust their own judgment instead of God's Word. Therefore, they became incapable of carrying out His purpose. We see this same disloyalty in some who call themselves Christian's. They claim to be members of a church, only attend briefly on Sunday, and yet the rest of the week they live as if God does not exist. They seem to have no genuine heart's desire to please the Lord. They disregard the Word of God making a self god and whoever or whatever gets their attention and loyalty becomes their idol, whether it is a person, place, thing, or activity. That is when they too will face defeat. Jesus warned us about worldly Christian's, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." (Matthew 15:8-11). We will constantly face worldly Christian's and hear lots of things that can corrupt us, again, we must stand by God's Word. It's the only thing that will keep us from falling into a sinful, unfulfilling life.

Incidently, you may want to call yourself blessed because God has chosen you, regardless of what age you are, He has chosen you for a special purpose. He gave you the knowledge and understanding that you need to serve Him faithfully and tell others about Him in your own special way. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15:13-16).

Today's Psalm: 33:12
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We lift our eyes toward Your Throne, where You reign in righteousness. Your Word assures us that when Your people cry out in sincerity and humility, You will never turn a deaf ear to us. We call upon You now, seeking Your forgiveness and favor. Unite these Nations again in devotion to You, and blur every dividing line. Do not give us over to our sins. Give us, instead, over to passionate prayer that moves Your heart. May Your unfailing love rest upon us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You. In Jesus' Name.........Amen.

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual Honor God's Word May 10th, 2009 2:45:14 pm - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday May 9, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 18-21in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%2018-21&version=9

Today's Message: Honor God's Word
The failures of our past cannot keep us from the blessings of God when we turn from our sin and honor the Word of God.

When Hezekiah became king, he did not follow the ways of his evil father Ahaz; instead, he believed the prophets of God, including the unpopular Micah. "Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did. He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan. He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him." (II Kings 18:1-5). Hezekiah was unique in his trust in God, he was the most godliest king since David. He sets an example for all of us to follow, no matter how much corruption we are faced with we can serve God and put our trust in Him to keep us from becoming corrupted ourselves.

Hezekiah knew that obedience without faith in God would not be adequate in following the will of God. He prayed to God with faith, honoring Him. "And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only." (19:15-19). Hezekiah sets another example for us to follow, when we pray with faith, honoring God and His Word. People are blessed beyond measure when He and His Word are honored.

Hezekiah not only benefited from the ministry of Micah, he also gained spiritual encouragement from the prophet Isaiah. When Hezekiah was dying Isaiah was by his side. "In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying, I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." (II Kings 20:1-6). There's not a cry, sickness, or death to which the compassionate heart of God is not touched. He has the power to heal all who are seriously ill.

Every situation of life is depicted for us in the Bible in order to give us an understanding of our relationship with God, our responsibilities to Him, as well as to others. Consequently, we have illustrations on the results of various ways to react to each situation. As we read through the Bible we gain guidance on how to understand our circumstances.

Today's Psalm: 48:14
"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
When we gave You our heart, we made the willful choice to no longer conform to the trends and philosophies of this world. Instead we ask You to daily renew our minds so that we see this world through the eyes of Christ. We are put to the test daily in deciding what is truth and what is error. May Your Holy Word be our reference point and Your Spirit be our Guide as we are exposed to countless philosophies based on human understanding and the basic principles of this world rather than Your eternal foundational truths. Sharpen our discernment and grant us courage so that we readily know truth from error and are fearless in saying so. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night.
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments

aspiritual Lead The Way May 11th, 2009 6:36:12 pm - Subscribe

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday May 10, 2009 and we are completing our studies on the book of II Kings. Please read chapters 22-25 in your Bible or Click Here to read them online. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Kings%2022-25&version=9

Today's Message: Lead The Way
Because we are Christians, there is no guarantee that our loved ones will be also. We must train them in the Word of God for them to know the way.

Josiah was the last godly king of Judah before the destruction of Jerusalem, "Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left." (II Kings 22:1-2).

Josiah was thorough in his efforts to restore true worship to the One True God. He found the book of the covenant and read it word for word to the faithful people of Judah and made a covenant with God. "And the king sent, and they gathered unto him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of the LORD. And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant." (II Kings 23:1-3). Josiah is an example to all Christian's to read and teach the Word of God. We all benefit from knowing God's Word personally and getting around those who can help us understand it.

Josiah destroyed all the idolatrous practices, the groves, buildings, in Jerusalem and Judah. "And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven. And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people. And he brake down the houses of the sodomites, that were by the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the grove. And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beersheba, and brake down the high places of the gates that were in the entering in of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man's left hand at the gate of the city." (23:5-

. Josiah even went beyond Judah, into Bethel, and destroyed the groves and images.

Josiah was one of the best kings in the more than 450 year history of the monarchy. The death of Josiah ended the prosperity of Judah. Just three months after his death, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was defeated by the Egyptians. The last four kings who followed Josiah were all puppet-rulers, controlled first by Egypt and then Babylon.

The destruction of the once glorious kingdom of Judah and Solomon's Temple is a grim reminder that reformation alone will not bring lasting change in people; there must be repentance and renewal within the heart of a people, as well as a nation. Even the greatest present day nation on earth, with all its wealth, military might, and nuclear defense, cannot survive, regardless of how much the people may pray, if its people continue to ignore the Word of God.

Today's Psalm: 51:10
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We are thankful that there is no one who comes to You through Jesus who goes away unable to find reconciliation with You, for You save completely and to the uttermost. Because Your Son lives and intercedes for us we have renewed hope daily for the circumstances of our lives and for the people that are dear to our hearts. Fill our hearts anew with hope, encouragement and endurance as we stand upon Your Word and fully trust You to guide our lives this day. In Jesus' Name.......Amen.

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

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net

0 Comments